Organ System Diseases

Course Overview

An understanding of disease pathogenesis, pathology and pathophysiology is the bridge that links basic science to clinical care. Combined with medical pharmacology, competency in these disciplines provides the knowledge base necessary for effective and lasting learning in the third and fourth years of medical school. In keeping with LInC principles, the course Organ System Diseases (OSD) will build that knowledge base and then foster the integration of the knowledge so that it can be applied to problem-solving.

The major disciplines covered are Human Pathology and Pathophysiology, along with Medical Pharmacology. Included under the categories of Pathology and Pathophysiology are Infectious Diseases, and Oncology. The key principles are that, first, no attempt will be made to cover all human diseases; instead, the course will focus on the most common diseases and those best illuminating basic principles. Second, the material will be covered at a depth appropriate for second-year medical students. The course will not attempt to emphasize clinical management; however, the management of clinical cases frequently will be used to illustrate and underscore the importance of basic principles.

Each organ system block has Block Directors who determine block content/organization and assume responsibility for integrating the material. Each block provides an electronic syllabus but may require additional readings in selected textbooks and other materials. Blocks usually consist of didactic lectures, laboratories and/or small group sessions.