Consists of two phases. Phase one develops the student's interviewing skills eliciting a complete medical history. Phase two instructs the student in the methods and modalities to complete an entire adult physical exam. Medical terminology is reviewed throughout. In the end, the student is expected to be competent in eliciting a complete medical history and performing a physical exam, appropriately documenting the history and physical exam including all positive and negative findings.

Provides a practical approach to making sound medical decisions based on current evidence in medical literature. Using a series of didactic presentations, group exercises, independent inquiry and reading, students learn the basic principles of evidence-based medicine. Emphasizes and practices basic skills in accessing MEDLINE and other medical databases. Introduces research principles, research ethics, and basic statistical analysis. Students use their foundation in EBP throughout their didactic and clinical education. Skills learned are essential in formulating and completing the capstone project in the clinical year of the physician assistant program.

Provides a practical approach to critically evaluating medical literature and an overview of the fundamentals of effective scientific writing. Explores the process of writing and publishing scientific manuscripts while expanding on knowledge and skills from PHAS 7080. Emphasizes effective small group teamwork to help build team problem-solving, professionalism and leadership skills. The knowledge and skills obtained are essential for formulating and successfully completing the capstone project requirement in the third year of the physician assistant program.

Provides a comprehensive presentation of the disease processes commonly encountered in clinical medicine, specifically the specialties of cardiology, hematology/oncology, ophthalmology, and ear, nose and throat. Organized by system, clinical information is presented by core faculty and guest lecturers who work in the particular specialty. Clinical information is presented in conjunction with appropriate, correlative lectures and classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, nutrition and patient education. Coordinated with concurrent Clinical Decision Making course.

Provides a comprehensive presentation of the disease processes commonly encountered in clinical medicine, specifically in the specialty areas of pulmonology, immunology, endocrinology, and medical genetics. Organized by system, clinical information is presented by core faculty and by guest lecturers who work in the particular specialty. Clinical information is presented in conjunction with appropriate, correlative lectures and classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, nutrition and patient education. Coordinated with concurrent Clinical Decision Making course.

Provides a comprehensive presentation of the disease processes commonly encountered in clinical medicine, specifically the specialties of behavioral medicine/psychiatry, neurology, dermatology, and gastroenterology. Organized by system, clinical information is presented by core faculty and by guest lecturers who work in the particular specialty. Clinical information is presented in conjunction with appropriate, correlative lectures and classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, nutrition and patient education. Coordinated with concurrent Clinical Decision Making course.

Provides a comprehensive presentation of the disease processes commonly encountered in clinical medicine, specifically the specialties of nephrology, urology, orthopedics, rheumatology and women's health. Organized by system, clinical information is presented by core faculty and guest lecturers who work in the particular specialty. Clinical information is presented in conjunction with appropriate, correlative lectures and classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, nutrition and patient education. Coordinated with concurrent Pharmacology and Clinical Decision Making courses.

Studies the overview of public health system and commonly encountered chronic diseases that have public health implications. Topics include an overview of communicable & noncommunicable disease, violence, chronic stress, obesity/food-related health disorders, preventive medicine, food safety, antibiotic stewardship, exercise prescription, principles of addiction, accidents & injuries, and environmental health.

Focuses on the development of a systematic approach to the process of solving clinical problems. Emphasizes: 1) gaining familiarity with the differential diagnosis of commonly-encountered clinical problems, and 2) exercising the thought process used in clinical practice to work from a broad differential diagnosis to a single working diagnosis and treatment plan. Accomplished largely by working through mock cases in small groups, individualized assignments and standardized patient encounters. Addresses interpretation of historical, physical exam and diagnostic test data within the context of clinical case studies. Intended to apply and integrate skills and competencies that have been introduced in previous and concurrent course work: the basic sciences, pathophysiology, history taking, interviewing and physical examination skills, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, giving oral case presentations and documenting medical data in a written format. Course cases are linked with concurrent clinical medicine sections in PHAS 7091 and 7092.

Focuses on continuing the development of a systematic approach to the process of solving clinical problems. Emphasizes: 1) gaining familiarity with the differential diagnosis of commonly-encountered clinical problems, and 2) exercising the thought process used in clinical practice to work from a broad differential diagnosis to a single working diagnosis and treatment plan. Accomplished largely by working through mock cases in small groups, individualized assignments and standardized patient encounters. Addresses practical experience with commonly-encountered clinical problems used in developing skills for clinical practice. Intended to apply and integrate skills and competencies that have been introduced in previous and concurrent course work: the basic sciences, pathophysiology, history taking, interviewing and physical examination skills, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, giving oral case presentations and documenting medical data in a written format. Course cases are linked with concurrent clinical medicine sections in PHAS 7093 and PHAS 7094.

Introduction to healthcare delivery to diverse patient populations. Explores various culturally influenced perspectives on health and illness as well as identifying health disparities among certain cultural groups and minority populations. Students work toward becoming culturally competent practitioners by exploring their personal reactions to culturally based medical scenarios.

Continuation of PHAS 7116 that focuses on application and further development of the student’s approach to working–up and solving medical problems, as well as providing patient education and counseling in unique clinical settings. It is intended to build upon, refine and integrate basic clinical skills, interpersonal skills and competencies that students have acquired in previous course work. Students study health disease in social and cultural contexts recognizing health disparities that may exist. Students' clinical skills are honed by providing classroom activities to practice how to approach a focused history, physical exam and address an acute complaint in a simulated primary care outpatient setting.

Current issues facing the profession, including legal and professional standards and how physician assistants fit into the healthcare system are explored. Students become familiar with the history and traditions of the PA profession as well as the current standards and expectations to practice medicine as a physician assistant. Includes information about certification and licensure, employment, professional organizations and political/legislative topics.

Intended to build upon basic interviewing skills that were introduced in PHAS 7050. Consists of a series of patient encounters, classroom discussions and readings relevant to working constructively with problems in clinician/patient communications. Addresses common types of difficult patient interactions. Emphasizes self-awareness as the basis upon which clinicians develop an enhanced capacity for empathic listening and responsiveness.

Focuses on the development of a systematic approach to the process of solving clinical therapeutic problems and management of comorbid diseases. Emphasizes: 1) gaining familiarity with the medications used for commonly-encountered clinical problems, and 2) exercising the thought process of rational pharmacologic management. Accomplished through a lecture-style format by working through clinical patient scenarios in small groups. Intended to apply and integrate information introduced in previous course work: basic clinical sciences – including pathology, physiology and microbiology; evaluation of the history and physical exam; and interpreting diagnostic information.

An introduction into the biological aspects of aging, latency of disease, clinical geriatric syndromes, atypical disease presentations, drug prescribing and long term care of the elderly. Students develop an understanding of the special considerations and knowledge needed for clinical assessment and management of this special patient population.

A comprehensive introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of common and life-threatening adult and pediatric problems in the emergency department. Knowledge of conditions, their salient features and medical management in the emergency context are delivered in lectures and small group case discussions led by emergency medicine PAs. Integrates prior and developing knowledge of microbiology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, history and physical exam skills, pediatrics, pharmacology, public health, surgery and women's health.

Emphasis is on current issues facing the profession, and the unique place for PAs within the health care system. Prepares students for entry into clinical field-based practice and transition into clinical practice focusing on professional issues unique to the profession. Addresses health care and medical related ethics that PAs might encounter from a systems based perspective.

An introduction to the role of the physician assistant in surgery and surgical procedures commonly performed in post-operative care. Employs a system-oriented, problem-based approach and presents clinical information in conjunction with appropriate, correlative lectures or labs in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology, laboratory diagnostics and nutrition.

An introduction to pediatric medicine. Covers the well child exam from birth through adolescence, and common medical problems encountered in the pediatric setting. Employs a system-oriented, problem based approach and clinical information is presented in conjunction with appropriate, correlative lectures or labs in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, and nutrition.

Familiarizes the student with the ever-changing health care marketplace and the Physician Assistant Profession’s role within it. Traces the mechanism of the health care delivery system from the basic patient encounter through to the variations in healthcare delivery among the various paid and subsidized systems, including Federal, State and private systems. Also explores the various local, state, and federal patient resource programs that are available and addresses how to help patients access them as a provider. Concludes with an in-depth look at the medical coding system and teaches the students how and why to code properly.

Consists of three distinct class sections: a 12-Lead ECG interpretation section, a radiology section and a laboratory section. Provides a broad introduction to these topics that are expanded upon in the clinical medicine sections and clinical decision-making courses. The ECG interpretation section provides students with a systematic method of interpreting a 12-Lead ECG with respect to rate, rhythm and blocks, electrical axis determination, hypertrophy (atria and ventricles), ischemia/injury/infarction, and miscellaneous drug, electrolyte, disease, and pacemaker effects. The radiology section provides students with a systematic method of interpreting common radiographic studies seen in primary care. The laboratory section emphasizes the utilization of laboratory methods for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The content focuses on those aspects pertinent to the provision of ambulatory primary care.

Focuses on practicing and implementing history taking and physical exam skills while providing medical care at an urban community clinic to an underserved community; and using simulation, task trainers, and in-person labs to teach and practice procedural and technical skills. Procedures include slit lamp, NP/OP swabs, cerumen removal, EYE/EAR sims, OSHA/BB pathogens, phlebotomy/IV starts, EKG, injections, glucometer, spirometry/eNO, airway, suturing and ultrasound.

Focuses on practicing and implementing history taking and physical exam skills while providing medical care at an urban community clinic to an underserved community; and using simulation, task trainers, and in-person labs to teach and practice procedural and technical skills. Procedures include Lp lab, biopsy, cryotherapy, hemoccult, Foley, male/female GU lab, joint aspirations, joint injections, digital blocks, splinting. Also includes suture 2, ultrasound 2, BLS.

Focuses on practicing and implementing history taking and physical exam skills while providing medical care at an urban community clinic to an underserved community; and using simulation, task trainers, and in-person labs to teach and practice procedural and technical skills. Correlating procedures include trauma lab, scrub lab, wound lab, suture 3, ultrasound 3 (eFAST, RUSH exam, procedural ultrasound), ACLS, mega code practice, procedure day, rounds.

Summative assessment course offered every term of the clinical year which utilizes several evaluation tools provide a comprehensive appraisal of every student’s readiness and eligibility for graduation. Students complete case presentations, complete Observed Simulated Clinical Experiences (OSCEs) with standardized patients, and give presentations on public health disparities. Students complete a comprehensive summative examination based on the NCCPA examination PANCE guidelines. 0 credit is SNC/UNC grade assessment; 1-3 credits are A-F grade assessment.

Used for topics course.

May be offered graded or S/U.

Faculty-supervised, independent study/research of a specific area or topic in Physician Assistant Studies.

Capstone concluding in either a paper or a project. The paper requires students to select a pertinent health topic, propose a relevant clinical question, complete a thorough literature search, and draw conclusions based on the data/evidence. These findings are then presented in the form of a clinical paper suitable for publication in a medical journal and as a PowerPoint presentation. The project requires students to identify a public or clinical health problem or issue to be addressed through a student-led project. Students design and implement the project and draw conclusions based on data/evidence. These findings are presented in the form of a research paper suitable for publication in a medical or public health journal and as a PowerPoint presentation. In both options 0 credit are SNC/UNC grade assessment; 1-3 credits are graded.