Foundations in Clinical Medicine I
MEDC 126.18
TERM 2
COURSE SYLLABUS
2014/2015
Foundations in Clinical Medicine I – Course Overview
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Foundations in Clinical Medicine Courses run over Terms 2, 3, and 4 and incorporate the eleven human body
systems modules. The four modules explored in the Foundations of Clinical Medicine I (Term 2) Course include:
Hematology, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Gastrointestinal Medicine. Major vertical themes will be emphasized.
Students will be prepared to enter their clerkship where they will expand and deepen their knowledge and skills in these
areas.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
A student must have successfully completed Principles of Biomedical Science (MEDC 115.18) or be conditionally
promoted and engaged in a program of remediation for the MEDC 115.18 course as approved by the Undergraduate
Education Committee prior to the start of the Foundations of Clinical Medicine I course.
OVERALL COURSE OBJECTIVES
Building on their knowledge from MEDC 115.18 of normal anatomy, histology and physiology, students will learn to care
for patients with common and/or urgent medical conditions by acquiring and applying knowledge and clinical reasoning
skills to:



Explain the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the subject conditions, with reference to the divergence from
normal anatomy, histology and/or physiology
Generate reasonable differential diagnoses and management plans
Select and interpret appropriate investigations
In addition, each discipline-specific module in the course will also have its own specific module objectives and individual
session objectives of learning.
COURSE CONTACTS
Course Chairs:
Dr. Jennifer Chlan - [email protected] (306) 966-6557
Dr. Regina Taylor-Gjevre - [email protected] (306) 844-1145
Administrative Coordinator: Cheryl Pfeifer [email protected] (306) 966-6138
COURSE SCHEDULE
The Foundations in Clinical Medicine I Course is organized in 4 modules running sequentially on specific assigned days.
Session schedules for each of the modules will be posted in MEdIC on One45.
All information relating to this course is available in One45 that can be accessed through the Medical Education
Information Center (MEdIC) as well. Please check One45 DAILY to ensure that you have the most current schedule
information.
COURSE DELIVERY
Students will learn through a variety of methods, including:

Large group sessions including lectures, interactive discussions, case-based problem solving

Interactive small group learning sessions

Independent self-directed reading and exercises
2
COURSE MATERIAL ACCESS
Course materials are available on MEdIC in One45. The syllabus, forms, and other useful documents will be posted there.

If you have not been assigned a user name (NSID – U of S Network Service ID) and password for PAWS, contact
Student Central 306-966-1212 or contact IT Services Help Desk 306-966-4817.
COURSE POLICY FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION & REMEDIATION
As per University of Saskatchewan standards a passing grade is 50%. However, in order for a student to be promoted to
Foundations of Clinical Medicine II upon completion of the Foundations of Clinical Medicine I Course (hereafter called
“Foundations I”) students must achieve a minimum grade of 70% in each of the four modules within the Foundations I
course (Hematology, Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Gastrointestinal Medicine Modules). Students must also achieve a
minimum grade of 60% in the end-of-term integrated examination for Foundations I.
A student’s grade for each module will be determined at the end of each module and is based on the weighted
cumulative average of all graded assessments within each individual module.
The requirements for successful completion of the Foundations I Course are listed below. Please note that students must
meet the overall Term 2 promotion standards in order to be promoted to Year 2 (see Student Information Guide):
A) Students will be considered to have successfully completed the Foundations I Course if they have achieved a
minimum 70% average grade in each of the four modules and a minimum 60% grade on the end-of-term
Foundations I integrated examination.
B) Students who have not received the required 70% average grade in any of the four modules or a 60% grade in the
end of term integrated examination will be deemed to be experiencing academic difficulty. The severity of academic
difficulty will be based on a weighted grade deficit assessment (see Table 1 for grade deficit point allocation rubric).
Students accumulating 2 or more deficit points at any point in the course will be required to meet with a course
sub-committee of at least 3 people (made up of Course Chairs(s); relevant Module Director(s); Year Chair or
designates) to discuss ways to improve academic performance. The goal of such a meeting is not meant to be
punitive, but should be student-centered, and focused on the success and well-being of the student. With any
further accrual of deficit points, the student will be required to again meet with the course sub-committee.
C) Students who are identified as being in academic difficulty as defined in (B) above may potentially be offered
remediation for the modules or the integrated examination for which they did not achieve the standard. This
remediation will be in the form of additional assignments and/ or supplemental examinations as determined by the
module director and/ or course chair(s). The determination of eligibility for either type of remediation will be based
on a weighted grade deficit assessment (see Table 1 for grade deficit point allocation rubric). Students will be
offered remediation up to and including the point where they have accrued a maximum of five grade deficit points
for Foundations I. Supplemental assignments and/ or supplemental exams will be written as arranged between the
student, module director and/ or course chair(s). These supplemental assignments and examinations should be
written within one month after the completion of final examination period, unless otherwise arranged by the
student and the Course Chair(s).
D) Students who have accrued six or more grade deficit points will be considered to have been unsuccessful in the
Foundations I Course and will NOT be offered supplemental assignments and/ or examinations as per usual course
policy. Further decisions regarding academic outcomes will be adjudicated by the Year I Term II Promotions
Committee and the Undergraduate Education Committee.
E)
Students who have not achieved the required 70% average grade in each of the four modules and a 60% grade in
the end of term integrated examination and who have written a supplemental examination, but who still have not
achieved the required standard, will be required to meet with the Course Sub-Committee to determine a course of
action, which may include additional opportunity to remediate as defined in Section (C) (depending on number of
grade deficit points accrued and any other mitigating factors); or may include a decision that the student has been
unsuccessful in the course and will NOT be offered further supplemental examinations. If the failure of a
supplemental examination occurs during or after the final examination period, this decision will be adjudicated by
the Promotions Committee and the Undergraduate Education Committee.
F)
Success in supplemental assessment will be accorded a maximum grade equivalent to the minimum requirement
for that component of the course (70% for a Module and 60% for the end-of-term integrated exam).
3
G) Students are required to complete all assignments, quizzes, and examinations in each of the four modules, as well
as the integrated examination. A mark of 0% will be given for any missed assignment, quiz, or examination, unless
otherwise arranged as per the College of Medicine Attendance Policy and Deferral Policy. .
Students who are eligible for supplemental examination will be contacted by the Module Director and should arrange to
meet with the Module Director or designate to discuss educational issues and develop a learning plan.
Table I: Grade deficit point allocation
Overall grade achieved in module before remediation
Average 69-60%
Average 59-50%
Average <50%
Haematology Module
I
II
III
Respiratory Module
I
II
III
Cardiovascular Module
I
II
III
Gastrointestinal Module
I
II
III
Integrated Examination
N/A
II
III
I: one grade deficit point; II: two grade deficit points; III: three grade deficit points; N/A: not applicable
IMPORTANT AND RELEVANT STUDENT INFORMATION
The following information is extremely important for your success in the Foundations of Clinical Medicine I Course and in
your medical education in general. To avoid duplication and ensure clarity, please refer to the Student Information
Guide or UGME website for the following policies and information:
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE CONTACTS
ATTENDANCE POLICY
PROFESSIONALISM POLICY
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
EXAMINATION POLICIES AND EXAMINATIONS WITH DISABILITIES SERVICES FOR STUDENTS (DSS)
LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES
OFFICE OF STUDENT AND RESIDENT AFFAIRS
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
GUIDELINES FOR PROVIDING FEEDBACK
EXAM REVIEW POLICY
4
Foundations in Clinical Medicine I – Module Syllabus
This section of the course syllabus will describe the specific objectives, requirements and expectations, and assessment
procedures for each module within the Foundations in Clinical Medicine I Course.
MODULE 1
Hematology
MODULE DIRECTOR
Dr. Rebecca MacKay
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 306-655-0655
Office Location: Saskatoon Cancer Center, CM 401.2
Office Hours: varies, please contact by telephone or email in advance to arrange meeting
Assistant Module Directors:
Dr. Julie Stakiw
Dr. Kelsey Brose
Email Address: [email protected]
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 306-655-2980
Phone Number: 306-655-1483
Office Location: Saskatoon Cancer Center, CM 401.2
Office Location: RUH 2609
Office Hours: please contact for meeting
Office Hours: please contact for meeting
MODULE DESCRIPTION
Hematology is the study of blood and blood diseases. This module will include the study of the physiology of
blood/hematologic system components in addition to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of blood
related diseases. Through lectures, cases and assignments, students will develop a clinical approach to common
hematologic problems including anemia, bleeding disorders, hereditary and acquired thrombotic disorders,
lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hematologic malignancies and transfusion medicine.
GENERAL MODULE OBJECTIVES
By the completion of this module, students will be able to:

Construct a differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with hematologic related abnormalities

Order appropriate laboratory investigations and be able to interpret them

Outline a management plan for patients with a hematological disease/disorders

Explain the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of common or urgent hematologic disorders
Note: Students should also refer to overall Foundations I Course objectives within this syllabus. Additionally, for each
module, detailed individual lecture and session objectives will be posted in One45. Please take care to review in advance.
MODULE SCHEDULE
All information relating to this course is available in One45 that can be accessed through the Medical Education
Information Center (MEdIC) as well. Please check One45 DAILY to ensure that you have the most current schedule
information.
5
REQUIRED RESOURCES
HemeTeam website: www.hemeteam.com
[This is a free of charge educational website which includes information of pathogenesis, manifestations and treatment
of common blood diseases, as well as approach to common problems and case studies]
Further individual session resources and pre-readings may also be posted within One45.
Supplemental Resources: (on reserve at the Leslie and Irene Dubé Health Sciences Library)
Hematology in Clinical Practice (McGraw-Hill Medical, 5th edition)
Essential Hematology (Wiley-Blackwell, 6th edition)
Note: Student pre-reading is required in this module. Students are strongly encouraged to come to class prepared to
actively participate in the educational sessions.
MODULE DELIVERY
Students will learn through a variety of methods, including:
Large group didactic, interactive and case-based problem solving sessions
Interactive small group learning sessions
Independent self-directed reading and exercises
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Quizzes x4 (each worth 12.5%)
50%
End of Module Examination
50%
If you must be absent for a quiz, you must inform the College of Medicine Office prior to the quiz as per the procedure
outlined in the Attendance Policy . If they accept your reason for absence, the value of that quiz will be added to your
final exam mark.
Please refer to overall course promotion/failure/remediation standards outlined earlier in this syllabus.
6
MODULE 2
Respiratory
MODULE DIRECTOR
Dr. Donna Goodridge
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 306-844-1469
Office Location: Ellis Hall, Room 543
Office Hours: please contact in advance to arrange a meeting
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module will include the study of respiratory related physiology in addition to the pathophysiology, diagnosis,
prognosis and treatment of respiratory related diseases. Students will develop a clinical approach for patients with
common and urgent thoracic/respiratory system problems including upper and lower airway, pleural and parenchymal
disease/disorders/trauma/malignancies. Major vertical themes will be emphasized including public health implications
related to respiratory diseases.
GENERAL MODULE OBJECTIVES
By the completion of this module, students will be able to:

Construct a differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with airway/thoracic/respiratory abnormalities

Order appropriate medical investigations and be able to interpret them

Outline a management plan for patients with an airway/thoracic/respiratory disease/disorder

Explain the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of common or urgent respiratory/thoracic diseases/disorders
Note: Students should also refer to overall Foundations I Course objectives within this syllabus. Additionally, for each
module, detailed individual lecture and session objectives will be posted in One45. Please take care to review in advance.
MODULE SCHEDULE
All information relating to this course is available in One45 that can be accessed through the Medical Education
Information Center (MEdIC) as well. Please check One45 DAILY to ensure that you have the most current schedule
information.
REQUIRED RESOURCES
(On reserve at the Leslie and Irene Dubé Health Sciences Library)
Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials, by John B. West 9th edition (2011)
Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials, by John B. West 8th edition (2012)
Additional resource materials recommended to students include:
Online lectures by J.B. West: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF6EB599968CCB06B
Internal Medicine reference textbook (Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 18th ed. Or Cecil’s Textbook of Medicine
24th edition)
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 18th ed. (University of Saskatchewan Library E- book link provided)
http://library.usask.ca/scripts/remote?URL=http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=4
Or Cecil’s Textbook of Medicine 24th edition (University of Saskatchewan Library E-book link provided)
http://library.usask.ca/scripts/remote?URL=http://www.mdconsult.com/public/book/view?title=Goldman:+Goldman's+
Cecil+Medicine
7
Further individual session resources and pre-readings may also be posted within One45.
Note: Student pre-reading is required in this module. Students are strongly encouraged to come to class prepared to
actively participate in the educational sessions.
MODULE DELIVERY
Students will learn through a variety of methods, including:
Large group didactic, interactive and case-based problem solving sessions
Interactive small group learning sessions,
Independent self-directed reading and exercises,
Histology laboratory experience with virtual microscopy slides and access to the histology study room
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Assignments (Histology component)
5%
Respiratory KBIT On-Line Case Completion
5%
Assignments (clinical cases – 10 cases x 2%)
20%
Part I Exam (February 10, 2015)
35%
Part II Exam (March 3, 2015)
35%
Please refer to overall course promotion/failure/remediation standards outlined earlier in this syllabus.
8
MODULE 3
Cardiovascular
MODULE DIRECTOR
Dr. Jeffrey Stein
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 306-655-6851
Office Location: RUH 3670
Office Hours: please contact to arrange meetings
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module will include the study of cardiovascular related anatomy and physiology in addition to the pathophysiology,
diagnosis, prognosis and treatments of cardiovascular related diseases. Students will develop a clinical approach for
patients with common and urgent/emergent cardiac and vascular related problems including central and peripheral
vascular, endomyocardial, valvular, pericardial and electrophysiologic disease/disorders. Major vertical themes will be
emphasized including preventative medicine implications related to cardiovascular diseases.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
By the completion of this module, students will be able to:

Construct a differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with cardiovascular related symptomatology or
abnormalities

Order appropriate medical investigations and be able to interpret them

Outline a management plan for patients with cardiovascular related disease/disorders

Explain the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of common or urgent/emergent cardiac and/or vascular related
diseases/disorders

Describe evidence-based approaches to primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Note: Students should also refer to overall Foundations I Course objectives within this syllabus. Additionally, for each
module, detailed individual lecture and session objectives will be posted in One45. Please take care to review in advance.
MODULE SCHEDULE
All information relating to this course is available in One45 that can be accessed through the Medical Education
Information Center (MEdIC) as well. Please check One45 DAILY to ensure that you have the most current schedule
information.
REQUIRED RESOURCES
(on reserve at the Leslie and Irene Dubé Health Sciences Library)
The Complete Guide to ECG’s 3rd edition (2008), O’Keefe J, Hammill S, Freed M, Pogwizd S.
Pathophysiology of Heart Disease: A Collaboration Project of Medical Students and Faculty. (2011), Lilly L.
A case workbook of electrocardiograms and clinical cases for use in small group sessions will be provided to each student.
Further course/individual session resources and pre-readings may also be posted within One45.
Note: Student pre-reading is required in this module. Students are strongly encouraged to come to class prepared to
actively participate in the educational sessions.
9
MODULE DELIVERY
Students will learn through a variety of methods, including:
Large group didactic, interactive and case-based problem solving sessions
Interactive small group learning sessions
Independent self-directed reading and exercises
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Assignments
10%

Take Home Histology Assignment
5%

Patient Voice Assignment *
3%

Future Directions in CV Care Assignment * 2%
In-Term Quizzes
20%

Introduction to CV
10%

ECG Quiz
10%
In-Term Midterm Exam
Cardiovascular KBIT On-Line Case Completion
End of Module Examination
20%
5%
45%
Please refer to overall course promotion/failure/remediation standards outlined earlier in this syllabus.
*In-class assessments – these sessions will be mandatory as per Attendance Policy.
10
MODULE 4
Gastrointestinal
MODULE DIRECTOR
Dr. Lawrence Worobetz
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 306-844-1122
Office Location: RUH 2670
Office Hours: varies, please contact for meeting
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module will include the study of gastrointestinal related physiology in addition to the pathophysiology, diagnosis,
prognosis and treatment of gastrointestinal related diseases. Students will develop a clinical approach for patients with
common and urgent abdominal/gastrointestinal problems including esophageal, gastric, hepatic, pancreatic, biliary,
bowel and nutritional disease/disorders/malignancies.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
By the completion of this module, students will be able to:
 Construct a differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with abdominal/gastrointestinal abnormalities

Order appropriate medical investigations and be able to interpret them

Outline a management plan for patients with abdominal/gastrointestinal disease/disorders

Explain the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of common or urgent gastrointestinal diseases/disorders
Note: Students should also refer to overall Foundations I Course objectives within this syllabus. Additionally, for each
module, detailed individual lecture and session objectives will be posted in One45. Please take care to review in advance.
MODULE SCHEDULE
All information relating to this course is available in One45 that can be accessed through the Medical Education
Information Center (MEdIC) as well. Please check One45 DAILY to ensure that you have the most current schedule
information.
REQUIRED RESOURCES
First Principles of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Adults and Children
(Note: this is an on-line textbook which is free to download at: www.giandhepatology.com)
Further individual session resources and pre-readings may also be posted within One45.
Note: Student pre-reading is required in this module. Students are strongly encouraged to come to class prepared to
actively participate in the educational sessions.
MODULE DELIVERY
Students will learn through a variety of methods, including:
Large group didactic, interactive and case-based problem solving sessions
Interactive small group learning sessions
Independent self-directed reading and exercises
11
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Small Group and Independent Exercises
10%
Histology Assignment
5%
Gastrointestinal KBIT On-Line Case Completion
5%
Midterm Examination
30%
Final Module Examination
50%
Please refer to overall course promotion/failure/remediation standards outlined earlier in this syllabus.
12