Physical Diagnosis I

Catalog description

(FIRST SEMESTER)The goal of Physical Diagnosis I and II is to prepare students to be able to perform appropriate, high-quality medical history and physical examinations. Students will obtain proficiency in acknowledging the patient, interviewing to obtain a thorough and pertinent history, understand the use of screening versus focused exams, use basic diagnostic equipment and skillfully perform a physical examination. Over the two semesters, the Physical Diagnosis course contributes to the student’s mastery of a number of the American Association of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) core competencies for osteopathic medical students. Core competencies include Osteopathic Principles and practices, Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, and Professionalism. The students will learn how to approach the patient and recognize the clinical context, including mind-body and psychosocial interrelationships and be able to communicate effectively.By the end of the Physical Diagnosis Courses, the students will be able to demonstrate patient empathy, be aware of behavioral issues that may influence their interaction with a patient, and incorporate preventative medicine and health promotion when discussing range of accepted values, such as normal diagnostic ranges and basic understanding of normal and abnormal findings. Interpersonal and Communication skills will enable the students to establish and maintain relationships with patients. Multiple modalities will be utilized including: assigned readings, lectures, video lectures, interactive learning sessions, demonstrations, small group hands-on practical skills sessions with experienced clinical preceptors, standardized patients, and medical simulators.