Academic Catalog 2023-2024

MSM - Medicine

MSM 6002  Physiology  (3 Units)  

This course presents human physiology through a systems approach at the cellular, tissue and organ level. Major themes regarding commonly occurring pathophysiologic processes will be introduced to prepare students for more in-depth learning about specific disease states and patient presentations in subsequent courses.

MSM 6003  Foundations of Medical Science  (4 Units)  

The course will provide instruction in the basic sciences of medicine integral to understanding human disease. The course will cover topics in pathology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, and genetics.

MSM 6004  Medicine and Society I  (2 Units)  

Medicine and Society is a sequence of four integrated and consecutive courses designed to examine the intersection of the individual and the larger community relating to healthcare. This course covers professional conduct, social media, academic integrity, intellectual honesty, evidence- based medicine, interprofessional collaboration, and medical research. Students will also participate in community learning groups.

MSM 6005  Introduction to Patient Assessment  (3 Units)  

This course is designed to introduce the student to patient history taking, physical examination, communication, and the medical documentation skills that are necessary for patient assessment and medical practice. Students will perform system-based physical examinations. In addition, students will have the opportunity to practice their skills with assigned lab partners, simulated patients, and standardized patients.

MSM 6006  Medicine and Society II  (2 Units)  

Medicine and Society is a sequence of four integrated and consecutive courses designed to examine the intersection of the individual and the larger community relating to healthcare. This course covers the history of the PA profession, PA trends and organizations, social and behavioral sciences including: domestic violence, abuse, human sexuality, and sexual assault, death and dying, patient responses to injury, stress, and illness, cultural awareness, provider personal wellness, and diverse socioeconomic populations. Students will also participate in community learning groups.

MSM 6008  Medicine and Society III  (3 Units)  

Medicine and Society is a sequence of four integrated and consecutive courses designed to examine the intersection of the individual and the larger community relating to healthcare. This course covers patient communication, coding, billing and reimbursement, and healthcare delivery systems and policies. Students will also participate in community learning groups and a field experience service month as part of this course.

MSM 6010  Medicine and Society IV  (2 Units)  

Medicine and Society is a sequence of four integrated and consecutive courses designed to examine the intersection of the individual and the larger community relating to healthcare. This course covers public health, patient safety and medical errors, quality improvement and risk management, and medical ethics in healthcare. Students will also participate in community learning groups.

MSM 6100  Fundamentals of Hematology and Oncology  (2 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered blood and lymphatic diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6101  Fundamentals of Dermatology  (2 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered skin diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6102  Fundamentals of Infectious Disease  (2 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered infectious diseases through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6103  Fundamentals of Cardiovascular Disorders  (4 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered cardiovascular diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6104  Fundamentals of Pulmonology  (3 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered pulmonary diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6105  Fundamentals of Gastroenterology  (4 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered digestive system diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6106  Fundamentals of Nephrology and Genitourinary Disease  (3 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered renal system diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. This course also covers diseases and disorders specific to the male patient, and in-depth instruction in fluid, acid-base, and electrolyte disorders. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6107  Fundamentals of Neurology  (3 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered central and peripheral nervous systems diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6108  Fundamentals of Endocrinology  (2 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered endocrine system diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6109  Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Disease and Rheumatology  (3 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered musculoskeletal diseases and rheumatologic disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6200  Pharmacotherapeutics I  (3 Units)  

This course provides an introduction to the science of pharmacologic therapy of the disease states covered in the Hematology and Oncology, Dermatology, Infectious Disease, Cardiovascular and Pulmonology didactic courses. In addition to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, students will learn the indications, contraindications, dosages and adverse effects of commonly prescribed medications for these disorders.

MSM 6201  Pharmacotherapeutics II  (3 Units)  

This course provides an introduction to the science of pharmacologic therapy of the disease states covered in the Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Genitourinary, Neurology and Endocrinology didactic courses. In addition to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, students will learn the indications, contraindications, dosages and adverse effects of commonly prescribed medications for these disorders.

MSM 6202  Pharmacotherapeutics III  (2 Units)  

This course provides an introduction to the science of pharmacologic therapy of the disease states covered in the Psychiatry, Musculoskeletal Disease and Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Emergency Medicine and Surgery didactic courses. In addition to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, students will learn the indications, contraindications, dosages and adverse effects of commonly prescribed medications for these disorders.

MSM 6300  Fundamentals of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine  (2 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered psychiatric and psychological disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6301  Foundations in Pediatrics  (2 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered newborn, infant, toddler, child, and adolescent diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education. This course also covers nutrition specific to the pediatric patient, development and assessment of the well child.

MSM 6302  Foundations in Women's Health  (2 Units)  

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered female diseases and disorders through a systems-based approach of the female patient. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6303  Foundations in Emergency Medicine  (3 Units)  

This course covers the principles of emergent management. There will be a focus on the evaluation and management of emergent conditions covering all organ systems. Management of patients with emergent and life-threatening conditions across the lifespan from initial presentation through follow-up for emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6304  Foundations in Surgery  (2 Units)  

This course covers the principles of surgery and surgical management. Students will learn about pre-operative care, intraoperative care, post-operative care, common surgical conditions, complications and fluid management. Management of patients with surgical conditions across the lifespan from initial presentation through follow-up for surgical cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education.

MSM 6500  Clinical Internal Medicine  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week clinical practicum that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic medical conditions in adults and elders. Students will perform complete history and physical exams, assist with consultations, evaluate and manage patients from admission to discharge when possible. Students will demonstrate how to order and interpret diagnostic tests commonly utilized in internal medicine and to perform clinical hospital procedures. Emphasis will be placed on inpatient care including hospital documentation to include the admission summary, history and physical examination, daily progress note, consultation note, and discharge summary. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hrs. and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6501  Clinical Family Medicine  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week outpatient-based clinical practicum that focuses on the clinical aspects of family practice/ primary care. Students will build on the fundamental skills of history taking, performing physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, formulating diagnoses, designing prevention and treatment plans and documenting common medical conditions observed in the family practice setting. Students will participate in a variety of primary care procedures. Emphasis will be placed on caring for the entire family ranging from the newborn to the geriatric patient. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6502  Clinical Pediatrics  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week clinical practicum that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic medical conditions in the pediatric population from newborn to adolescence. Students will perform complete history and physical exams. Students will demonstrate how to order and interpret diagnostic tests commonly utilized in pediatrics and to perform common procedures. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6503  Clinical Women's Health  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week required clinical experience during which the student will have the opportunity to evaluate and treat a wide variety of obstetrical and gynecological conditions. Focus will be on eliciting and performing the obstetrical and gynecological history and physical examination, screening techniques, diagnostic procedures, management plans, contraceptive counseling and management. The practicum will enable students to strengthen their knowledge of pre-natal and post-natal care, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, sexuality issues, menopause and sexually transmitted infections. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6504  Clinical General Surgery  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week required clinical experience during which the student will have the opportunity to evaluate and treat a wide variety of surgical conditions. Students will be trained in preoperative and post-operative patient care, outpatient evaluation of surgical candidates, surgical inpatient management, operating room protocol and techniques, emergent surgical cases, and documentation specific to surgical patients. Students will learn common surgical procedures and the description, indications, contraindications, and complications of each. Additionally, students will gain experience in interpreting diagnostic tests utilized in the general surgical environment. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6505  Clinical Behavioral Medicine  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week required clinical experience during which the student will have the opportunity participate in the evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of behavioral and psychiatric conditions. Students will develop knowledge about the complex nature of psychiatric illness though active involvement in the diagnosis and management of patients. The student will learn to triage patients, interact with patients' families, and become more proficient at taking rapid accurate histories, performing physical examinations, ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, and formulating a treatment plan. The student will have the opportunity to make oral presentations to preceptors. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6506  Clinical Emergency Medicine  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week required clinical experience during which the student will have the opportunity to evaluate and treat a wide variety of urgent, emergent and life-threatening conditions in patients across the lifespan from infant to elderly. The student will learn to triage patients, interact with patients' families, and become more proficient at taking rapid accurate histories, performing physical examinations, ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, and formulating a treatment plan. The student will have the opportunity to make oral presentations to preceptors. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6600  Clinical Elective  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week elective clinical experience during which the student will perform complete history and physical exams, assist with consultations, gain familiarity with the various terms used to describe skin lesions, as well as methods used in the diagnosis and treatment within a clinical specialty. Students will demonstrate how to order and interpret commonly used diagnostic tests and to perform relevant clinical and hospital procedures. Students are responsible for any assigned readings and are expected to be familiar with the pathophysiology, medical and surgical treatment options, and expected outcomes for the cases in which they are involved. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 150 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6601  Clinical Service Elective  (5 Units)  

This is a 5-week outpatient-based clinical practicum will focus on clinical practice in a primary care environment with an emphasis on service. Students will build on the fundamental skills of history taking, performing physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, formulating diagnoses while developing strategies to transcended socioeconomic barriers that prevent appropriate medical care. The students are to use their knowledge gained from this rotation to demonstrate cultural sensitivity as it relates to healthcare. Students will be expected to mirror the Preceptor's schedule for a minimum of 128 hours and may be assigned to any shift on any day of the week, including holidays.

MSM 6800  Capstone  (0 Units)  

Successful completion of this multi-component examination which serves as the capstone for the physician assistant curriculum is required. It is composed of four parts: a comprehensive written examination, a series of clinical skills examinations, one or more observed patient encounters and an assessment of professionalism. Students failing any component of the examination will have one opportunity to remediate that section.