University of Pittsburgh
Organ System Pathophysiology

Body Fluid Homeostasis Cardiovascular Course
MS-2

August 24, 2009 – September 26, 2009
30 half days

James A. Shaver, MDJenifer E. Lee, MD

Course Director
James A. Shaver, MD
Professor
Department of Medicine
shaverja@upmc.edu

Co-Course Director
Jenifer E. Lee, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
leeje@upmc.edu

Course Description

The Cardiovascular course is the first in a sequence of three courses (CV, Renal, Pulmonary) that focus on Body Fluid Homeostasis.

The goals of the course are:

  1. to understand the normal anatomy and physiological function of the cardiovascular system.
  2. to understand the sites of action and the mechanisms of pharmacological agents that act on the cardiovascular system.
  3. to understand basic anatomical pathology that results from diseases of the cardiovascular system.
  4. to learn the characteristic clinical presentation of common diseases in the cardiovascular system.
  5. to learn the physical findings, laboratory diagnostic tools, and the basis of treatments used for cardiovascular disease.

The 39 faculty are from 6 Departments: Cell Biology and Physiology; Medicine; Pathology; Pediatrics; Pharmacology; and Surgery.

Educational Methods

Educational methods are summarized below. The cardiovascular physical diagnosis examination is taught using a Harvey simulator and a computer-based module on heart sounds.

Lectures Problem-based learning Small-group workshops    
Harvey simulator Criley CD ROM Self-study    

Evaluation

Evaluation for this course is based on a single multiple-choice examination.

Grading: This course comprises 40% of the grade for the Organ Systems Pathophysiology Block, Section 2. The block section is graded Honors, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory.

Faculty Note

Course Director James A. Shaver, MD, and faculty member Franklin Fuchs, PhD, are recipients of the Kenneth E. Schuit Award, recognizing the Dean’s Master Educators. Faculty member P. Sudhakar Reddy, MD, is a recipient of the Excellence in Education Award for Small Group Facilitator and the Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award. Faculty member Georgia Duker, PhD, is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Kenneth E. Schuit Award, the Excellence in Education Awards for Problem-based Learning Facilitator and for Small Group Facilitator multiple times, and the Pre-Clinical Golden Apple Award. In addition, Dr. Shaver and Dr. Duker are members of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Academy of Master Educators.