University of Pittsburgh
Organ System Pathophysiology

Endocrine
MS-2

January 20, 2010 – February 5, 2010
16 half days

Janet Amico, MD

Course Director
Janet Amico, MD
Professor
Department of Medicine
jamico@pitt.edu

Fred DeRubertis, MD

Course Director
Fred DeRubertis, MD
Professor
Department of Medicine
derubertis@med.va.gov

Course Description

The contribution of endocrine systems to homeostasis is the focus of this course. It also examines common clinical presentation and treatment of endocrine disease.

The goals of the course are:

  1. to learn the normal structure, function, and organization of the major endocrine systems in the body.
  2. to gain detailed knowledge of the regulation of hormonal secretion from the major glands of the body.
  3. to understand the receptor and post-receptor mechanisms that allow selective expression of hormonal actions at a cellular level.
  4. to become familiar with the etiology, pathophysiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the clinically important disorders of the major endocrine systems of the body.

The 28 faculty are from 6 departments: Cell Biology and Physiology; Medicine (Division of Endocrinology; Ophthalmology; Pathology; Pediatrics; and Surgery.

Educational Methods

Lectures Multidisciplinary workshops Clinical pathological conferences    
Small-group problem-based learning sessions Histopathology laboratory        

Evaluation

Evaluation is based on a single, multiple-choice examination and on attendance and participation in small group exercises.

Grading: This course comprises 20% of the grade for the Organ System Pathophysiology Block, Section 3. Grading for the block section is Honors, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory.

Faculty Note

Faculty member Andrew Stewart, MD, is a recipient of the Excellence in Education Award for Lecturer. Faculty member Georgia Duker, PhD, is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Kenneth E. Schuit Award, 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. Duker is a member of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Academy of Master Educators.