In the first year of the program, student learning utilizes a variety of approaches including small group problem-based tutorials, lectures, seminars, laboratories and clinical experiences. Hands-on learning is gained through clinical skills and laboratory sessions in addition to direct clinical experience. Clinical rotations in the first year (from June to May) evolve over the course of the year, from observational experience to hands-on practice. Toward the end of the first year, students also do a 4 week rotation in a hospital nursery setting and 4 week rotation in either a long term care or hospice setting, where they provide direct care under the supervision of their preceptor. Students must pass all first year courses in order to be promoted to second year.

(Schedule is subject to change)

First year course descriptions

MPAS 5100 Human Anatomy,
Nancy Bookstein, Ed.D, In-depth study of gross human anatomic structure directed to musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and visceral systems. Clinical Correlates will be considered. Course work includes lectures, anatomy laboratory, clinical correlates, computer models, student projections and independent study.

MPAS 5201 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care I,
Kyle Tick, MSW, Emphasis is placed on the social, emotional and psychosocial factors effecting pregnancy and parent/newborn relationships. Basic communication skills in organizing an interview and developing a working relationship with parents are stressed. The team approach to comprehensive health care are also discussed. Lecture, interactive small groups, standardized patient interviews and videotaped review are used.

MPAS 5400 & 5412 Physical Diagnosis I and II,
Jonathan Bowser, MS, PA-C, This course consists of lectures on physical diagnosis of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, with an opportunity to practice exam skills during practicum sessions with faculty supervision. It includes educational sessions with Gynecologic and Urologic Teaching Associates.

MPAS 5401 Neuroscience
Margaret Schenkmen, PT, PhD and Robyn Gisbert, PT
Indepth study of neurological anatomic structure. Clinical correlate will be discussed. Coursework is lecture-based.

MPAS 5601 Problem-Based Ambulatory Medicine I,
Rebecca Maldonado, PA-C. An introduction to ambulatory medicine in a problem based format. This includes a demonstration of a problem-based case, a review of comprehensive medical history taking as well as accessing information to assist in solving clinical problems. Course work includes, lectures, small interactive groups, team based learning, and demonstrations.

MPAS 5111 & 5112 Integrated Sciences Basic to Medicine I and II,
Michael Hall, PhD, This two semester sequence covers and integrates the principles of biochemistry, physiology and clinical biochemistry. Clinical presentations are used throughout the course to underscore the relationship between the basic sciences and the clinical presentation of disease. Course work includes lectures and clinical correlates.

MPAS 5120 Medical Microbiology,
Mark Abzug, MD, This course covers the fundamental properties of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi and the diseases these organisms cause. The various properties of bacteria are correlated with the pathogenesis of disease. Course work includes lectures, clinical correlates and laboratory experiences (starting in 2005).

MPAS 5202 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care II,
Kyle Tick, MSW, This course addresses common psychosocial concerns seen in the pediatric setting, with special attention to the needs of the handicapped child and family, child abuse, death, alcoholism, etc. Communication skills which enhance information gathering are discussed. Community resources are investigated. Course work includes lectures, interactive small groups, sessions with parents and patients in the group setting and visits to community resource facilities.

MPAS 5300 Assessment and Care of the Newborn,
Mary Kohn, MD, Common neonatal and infant medical problems are presented in preparation for the Lifespan clinical experience. Course work includes lectures and clinical correlates.

MPAS 5602 & 5603 Problem Based Ambulatory Medicine II and III,
Rebecca Maldonado, PA-C. Comprehensive care in ambulatory medicine is covered in a problem-based format. This includes infancy to adulthood, health maintenance and acute illnesses, anticipatory guidance/patient education, diagnosis and treatment and developmental assessment.

MPAS 5901 Community Clinic,
Joyce Nieman, MHS, PA-C, Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to ambulatory medicine and an understanding of pediatric and family practice medicine. A related small group seminar is designed to discuss this clinical experience.

MPAS 5420 Women’s Health,
Rebecca Maldonado, PA-C. This course provides basic information about obstetrics and gynecology and other women’s health issues. It includes a session with a gynecological teaching associate in the second year.

MPAS 5131 General and Systemic Pathology,
Samia Nawaz, MD, Mona Rizeq, MD. Normal cell and tissue structure is correlated with functional aspects. Homeostasis and mechanisms of disease processes are discussed. Mechanisms to be discussed include cell and tissue injury and repair, inflammation, immunology, neoplasia and metabolic and genetic abnormalities. Course work includes lectures, small group demonstrations and discussions.

MPAS 5203 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care III,
Kyle Tick, MSW, Theories of personality development and basic diagnostic categories of psychopathology are presented. Emphasis is given to ways this knowledge can be applied in working with families in the pediatric setting. Adolescent development is discussed. Communication skills used in counseling parents and children are stressed. Lectures and interactive small groups are utilized.

MPAS 5220 Parenting,
Kyle Tick, MSW This small group seminar addresses techniques and approaches to guiding and advising patients in their role as parents.

MPAS 5490 Lifespan Clinical Rotation,
Sandy Hoops, MS, PA-C. Students develop and demonstrate the ability to manage newborn infants in the newborn nursery including obtaining a complete perinatal history and a complete admission and discharge newborn examination. Core faculty serve as preceptors. They are introduced to the care of the geriatric patient in long term care settings such as nursing and assisted living homes or students are introduced to the management of patients in the hospice setting, long term care facilities, and homes in regards to end of life care and needs.