Physicians Assistant (PAT)

Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program This course will introduce the Physician Associate student to the medical vocabulary frequently encountered in the health profession. The "language" of medicine can be extremely confusing and incomprehensible for those new to the field of medicine. Basic knowledge of this "language" to better succeed in future courses throughout the PA program. The course is a step by step approach to teach a word building system. It focuses on the Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes and word roots from which many medical words are derived. In addition, it will also benefit the student with correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Summer Semester I of the Physician Assistant program or permission of the PA Program Director. This course is designed to introduce the physician assistant student to fundamental patient assessment skills. Focus is on patient interviewing, performance of organ-specific and comprehensive physical examination, minor procedures, case presentation, patient education and an introduction to medical documentation. Associated concepts for a variety of clinical problems are introduced.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Fall Semester of the Physician Assistant program or permission by PA Program Director. This course is a continuation of Physical Diagnosis I. It is designed to further student knowledge and skills associated with fundamental patient assessment. Focus is on patient interviewing, physical examination, minor procedures, case presentation, patient education and medical documentation. Associated concepts for a variety of clinical problems are introduced.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the pre-clinical fall semester of the Physician Assistant Program or permission of the Program Director. Clinical Medicine II is one of three courses introducing the PA student to the foundational aspects of clinical practice and the study conditions and disease states commonly evaluated. The student will learn etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic interpretation, treatment and management. Modules include gastrointestinal, cardiology, genitourinary, and psychiatry. (Sp I)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spring Semester of the Physician Assistant program or permission by PA Program Director. Clinical Medicine III is the third section introducing the student to various disease states commonly evaluated in the practice of medicine. The student will learn etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic interpretation, treatment and management. Key topics presented in this course include disease states related to endocrinology, emergency medicine, and surgery.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of summer semester. Introductory course to clinical medicine, emphasizing the underlying pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation and management of common diseases by an organ systems approach. The student learns through the use of lectures and interactive small group case discussion. This course is integrated with the physiology course taught concurrently in the fall semester.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the Program Director. This course provides the student an opportunity to learn techniques in performing and interpreting the neurologic history and exam, develop concepts of localization of neurologic lesions, and practice clinical problem-solving under close supervision of faculty. (F, SP; II)

Prerequisites: Admission into University of Oklahoma, Tulsa Physician Assistant Program or approval of Program Director of the OU-Tulsa Physician Assistant Program The course goal is for the student to research and develop a current comprehensive practice guide for a medical topic that would be totally self-explanatory to a primary care practitioner.

Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program Multi-level Course: AHS 3415/AHS 8415 Clinical Anatomy course is designed to develop the Physician Assistant student working knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the general structures and functional principles of the human body, which will become the anatomic basis on which to relate "abnormal" to "normal" conditions. Also, the student will make use of the knowledge in the competent performance of evaluative and therapeutic techniques, communicate the understanding of anatomy, and gain appreciation of the human body from the cadaver dissection.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Fall Semester This course introduces fundamental concepts of disease, how diseases affect the normal functioning of the body and how the body attempts to counteract the effects of disease processes. The course encompasses both general pathology and systemic pathology. Students will be expected to understand the basic principles of pathologic processes and apply these principles to specific organ systems in order to understand the underlying injury to tissues and signs and symptoms produced thereby. Students will have an understanding of the etiology, the natural history, and the structural and functional processes.

Prerequisites: None. Professional Issues in Medicine and Health (PIMH) is an introductory course designed to expose the student to several issues impacting the practice of a physician associate.

A continuation of PA 7132. Designed to introduce the student to current issues in health care and special topics of primary care not covered in other areas of the curriculum. Students will return to campus for a week before beginning their preceptorship complete their last coursework requirements in preparation for practice as a PA. Professional Seminar II will explore the impact of socioeconomic issues affecting health care, health care delivery, reimbursement, quality assurance, medical-legal issues of health practice explored in this course. Professional practice issues affecting the individual PA and the future of the PA profession are also presented.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Fall Semester. This course is designed to familiarize the PA student with the various radiological procedures and findings utilized in the clinical medical setting and in medical problem solving. Basic principles of radiology are introduced to the student with the goal of enabling him/her to successfully read basic radiologic films. The imaging of organ systems is taught using plain films, computed-tomographic images, angiograms, and nuclear medicine. Students will receive instruction to learn the appropriate use of medicine. Students will receive instruction to learn the appropriate use of radiology evaluation for various clinical problems.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Summer Semester I of the Physician Assistant program or by permission by the PA Program Director The Applied Physiology I course is one of two courses introducing the Physician Assistant student an expanded view of human physiology building on basic undergraduate physiology. Lectures and small-group case discussions give the student a clear understanding of the basic physiologic principles that are responsible for normal function in different organs and organ systems. Discussion will include cell function, cellular dynamics of nerve conduction and neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory system function.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Fall Semester of the Physician Assistant program or permission of PA. The Applied Physiology II course is the second section of Applied Physiology and one of two courses designed to provide the Physician Assistant student a clear understanding of the underlying principles of human physiology and their relevance in clinical practice. Lectures will focus on normal function of various systems of the body while small-group case discussions will explore important pathophysiological syndromes. Discussion will include acid-base physiology and renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine and reproductive system function.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I of the PA Program or permission of Program Director. This course will provide up-to-date, clinically relevant information about laboratory and diagnostic tests used in specialized and daily settings. Students will learn type of tests; normal findings; critical values; test explanation and related physiology; contraindications; potential complications; interfering factors; procedure and patient care (before, during, and after); and abnormal findings. Students will also learn important patient teaching guidelines.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of year one spring semester in the physician assistant program. Lifestyle Medicine provides the physician assistant student with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to integrate lifestyle medicine into clinical practice, with an emphasis on nutritional guidelines for the prevention and management of chronic disease. (Summer II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spring semester of the physician assistant program, or permission given by PA Program Director. Clinical Transitions is a one week course designed to prepare the physician assistant student for the clinical phase of training. Includes review of Program policies and procedures in the Clinical Handbook, completion of BLS/ACLS/PALS, risk management education, and training on patient logging and the electronic medical record. (S, II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the PA Program Director. May be repeated; maximum credit 2 hours. The program selective rotation is a two week clinical rotation as determined by the Program. Factors influencing the specific clinical focus selected by the program may include current medical needs nationally or within the local community and/or specific remediation needs of the student.

Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician assistant program. The Principles of Genetics course is to enhance the knowledge of the physician assistant student in the basic principles and clinical application of genetics.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of year one summer semester in the physician assistant program. Principles of Immunology addresses topics such as the major functions and molecular mechanisms underlying innate, humoral, and adaptive immunity, as well as the respective roles these systems play in combating infectious disease. Moreover, the immunology segment includes disorders of the immune system, such as hypersensitivity and immunodeficiencies.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first summer semester of the Physician Assistant Program or permission by the Program Director. May be repeated; maximum credit 5 hours. The purpose of this course is to increase the physician assistant student knowledge and awareness of pharmacotherapeutics. The course will provide the student with drug knowledge needed to utilize medications appropriately in the treatment of common diseases as a member of the health care team. (F I)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Fall Semester of the Physician Assistant Program or permission by Program Director This course introduces the physician assistant student to various normal and disease states commonly encountered in the primary care of special populations: geriatrics, the homeless, pediatrics, and women. Attention is given to the knowledge, skills and development of professional attitudes required in the care of these patients.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the fall semester of the Physician Assistant Program or special permission of the Program Director. This course is the second of two courses intended to increase the physician assistant student knowledge and awareness of Pharmacotherapeutics. The course will provide the student with drug knowledge needed to utilize medications appropriately in the treatment of common diseases as a member of the healthcare team.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 6 hours. The Health Systems Science in Practice course is the cornerstone element of community medicine training in the School of Community Medicine. The courses emphasize interprofessional education, chronic disease management, social and structural determinants of health, and health systems science theory and practices. (F, SP; II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PAT 7603 Health Systems Science in Practice I. Health Systems Science in Practice II provides students with a unique multi-component course that enhances skills of clinical practice, practice management, and quality improvement during the clinical phase of the program. The course includes involvement in the Bedlam Longitudinal Clinic, Bedlam Retreats, Bedlam Evening Clinic, and Student Academy. (SP II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and/or approval from the program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 4 hours. Advanced Clinical Seminar is a course during the final phase of the program that prepares students to navigate the complexities of assuming a professional role in the healthcare system. Presentations cover a range of topics related to understanding and negotiating employment terms, licensure and certification requirements, and professional practice issues. (F, SU II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of year one summer semester of the Physician Assistant program or permission by PA Program Director. The course is designed to introduce students to the general principles of epidemiology and biostatistics including research study, design, and methodology. A strong emphasis is placed upon use of probabilistic data and critical appraisal skills in clinical decision-making.

Prerequisites: Admittance to the School of Community Medicine Physician Assistant Program. Concepts of Community Medicine is an introductory course designed to prepare students to grasp the many factors that impact health outcomes. A focus will be placed on public health issues and the broad determinants that shape the health of community populations, especially in the state of Oklahoma. (S, I)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the PA Program Director. A two week rotation during the clinical phase of the program in which physician assistant students are assigned to participate in various activities to familiarize themselves with available community resources that could potential impact the care of their patients.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the PA Program Director. May be repeated; maximum credit 3 hours. This is a four-week rotation in which students are assigned to a community clinic or health care facility devoted to treating the underserved population of northeast Oklahoma or surrounding areas. Under the supervision of clinical preceptors, students perform assessments of patients of all ages and gradually assume greater clinical responsibilities. F, SP; II, III

Prerequisites: Permission of the PA Program Director May be repeated; maximum credit 8 hours. Special Studies is an individualizes course that is offered to students who are determined to have deficiencies in a specific content area and who need to remediate this curriculum component before moving from the didactic phase of the program to the clinical phase.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the PA Program Director. May be repeated; maximum credit 7 hours. This course is a clinical experience with adult and elderly inpatients with non-surgical illnesses at various levels of activity and complexity. Students will learn the application of the clinical method, development of a therapeutic relationship, effective medical record-keeping, and efficient utilization of resources. (F, SP, SU; II, III)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 7 hours. An outpatient and inpatient experience to acquaint the student with diseases commonly treated by surgical or other invasive procedures, including emergency and elective situations. In addition to diagnostic evaluation, students will learn principles of post-operative care, empathetic patient and family interactions, common manual skills, and basic surgical principles. (R; II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses and/or permission of the Program Director. May be repeated; maximum credit 3 hours. Emergency Medicine is a four-week rotation in which students are assigned to an emergency department, learning the approach to and initial management of the emergency department patient. Students will develop skills in performing emergency medicine procedures and learn to prioritize care of the patient presenting with various levels of acuity. (R; II, III)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of he program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 5 hours. This course is a combined inpatient and outpatient clerkship with the primary care of women, emphasizing the reproductive system and the breast. Students will learn the anatomy, physiology, and management of pregnancy, and pertinent aspects of preventative care and public health. (R; II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA and /or permission of the program director. A four-week rotation in which students are assigned to a community clinic or health care facility devoted to treating the undeserved population of northeast Oklahoma.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses and/or permission of the program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 5 hours. This course is a combined inpatient and outpatient clerkship with patients from newborn through adolescence. Students will learn fundamentals of common acute and chronic illnesses, growth and development, disease prevention, and psycho-social dynamics. Students will participate in workup and management of patients and medical record keeping. (R; II)

The elective rotation is a 4-week rotation selected by the student to supplement the core required rotations or explore a subspecialty interest more deeply. The selection of the rotation site is dependent on clinical site availability. (F, SP, SU; II, III)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 3 hours. An ambulatory Family Medicine experience supervised by departmental faculty and community volunteer faculty where students learn diagnosis and management of undifferentiated complaints, acute, and chronic illness. Health promotion, disease prevention, longitudinal care, focused patient evaluation, clinical decision-making, practice management and evidence-based medicine are emphasized during didactics. (R; II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 5 hours. This course is a combined inpatient and outpatient experience in any of several mental health facilities. The student works up patients with a wide range of psychopathology, and participates in a variety of activities, including group and individual therapy, crisis intervention, case formulations, medication checks, and didactic sessions. (R; II)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA; successful completion of Year I physical examination practical, and/or permission of the program director. An eight week rotation in which students are assigned to an inpatient service or to a general Internal Medicine physician's office. The rotation will also include time spent with the geriatric patient in outpatient medicine, inpatient medicine, and/or long term care.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the PA program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 8 hours. The preceptorship rotation is the final rotation of the clinical year and gives the student the opportunity to have additional training in the field of their choice and potentially rotate with their future employer. The rotation is flexible and may also be used as an added elective to further the student's experience in any field of interest.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director. May be repeated; maximum credit 3 hours. The Primary Care rotation is a 4-week rotation that provides students with exposure to a model of care that supports first-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated patient-focused care. The rotation will be focused on family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics in a primarily ambulatory setting. (R; II, III)