University of Pittsburgh
Combined Clinical Years

Preclerkship Course
MS-3

May 3, 2010 - May 7, 2010
1 week

Donald Middleton, MD

Course Director
Donald Middleton, MD
Professor
Department of Family Medicine
middletondb@upmc.edu

John Mahoney, MD

Course Director
John Mahoney, MD
Associate Dean for Medical Education
mahoney@medschool.pitt.edu

Course Description

The overall goal of this course is for students to gain a basic knowledge and understanding of core topics that will prepare them to get the most from the clerkship experience.

Specific objectives include preparing students to:

  1. recognize the requirements for successful completion of each clerkship rotation.
  2. clearly communicate medical information in spoken and written form, and write progress notes, orders, and prescriptions.
  3. learn the requirements for successful use of electronic medical records.
  4. use information and educational technology to facilitate patient care.
  5. function as an ombudsman for the patient’s welfare.
  6. initiate prompt treatment for acute medical problems, including performing CPR.
  7. comprehend the basic approach to management of medical disasters and pandemics.
  8. incorporate the tenets of the Honor Council into their daily behaviors.
  9. recognize where to go to get help through the SHARP program.
  10. complete N95 respirator testing and understand how to effectively use these protective devices.
  11. initiate key actions after a blood or body fluid exposure.
  12. follow basic infection control procedures against current pathogenic threats, such as MRSA and C. diff.
  13. make appropriate referral to and utilization of the services of other members of the health care team.
  14. understand the importance of and have respect for all members of the health care delivery team.
  15. recognize the key roles of cooperation, collaboration, communication, and leadership in healthcare endeavors.

The course also includes sessions on various administrative necessities, such as pager use and tuberculosis testing, and gives an overall orientation to the clinical years.
The 34 faculty in this course are drawn from departments throughout the School of Medicine and from other health care disciplines and are assisted by fourth year medical students.

Educational Methods

Lecture Workshops Pandemic simulation exercise    
Skills sessions Small-group cases Pre-class preparation exercises    

Evaluation

Evaluation for this course is based on attendance and participation in the course sessions.

Grading: This course is graded Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory.

Faculty Note

Course Director Donald Middleton, MD, is a recipient of the Kenneth E. Schuit Master Educator Award and the Excellence in Education Award for Small Group Facilitator. Course Director John Mahoney, MD; Melissa McNeil, MD, MPH; Paul L. Rogers, MD; and William R. McIvor, MD, are members of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Academy of Master Educators. In addition, Dr. McNeil is a recipient of the Excellence in Education Award for Small Group Facilitator and the Donald S. Fraley Award for Medical Student Mentoring; Dr. Rogers is a recipient of the Kenneth E. Schuit Master Educator Award and numerous Clinical Golden Apple Awards; and Joe Suyama, MD, is a recipient of the Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award.