Course Director
Robin Maier, MD, MA
Department of Family Medicine
maierrm@upmc.edu
Course Director
David Liddle, MD
Department of Cardiology
liddledw@upmc.edu
Course Description
This course helps students understand normal cardiac anatomy, cardiovascular physiology, and cardiac electrophysiology; gain a basic comprehension of common pathophysiological conditions which affect the cardiovascular system; know the mechanisms of action and clinical uses of common-cardiovascular medications; and learn the physical findings, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and basic treatments used in the management of cardiovascular disease.
Course Objectives
- Identify normal cardiac anatomy and explain the key principles of cardiovascular physiology and electrophysiology
- Distinguish common pathophysiological conditions that affect the cardiovascular system.
- List common cardiovascular medications and describe their mechanisms of action and appropriate clinical uses.
- Describe typical initial presentations and physical exam findings of cardiovascular diseases.
- Select and justify appropriate diagnostic tools for evaluation of cardiovascular disease.
- Outline basic treatment options used in the management of cardiovascular diseases.
Educational Methods
- Independent learning modules (pre-recorded, web-based modules)
- Interactive small group activities in a highly supportive environment
- Formative and Summative assessment
- Clinical Skills Workshops
- Patient panels
- Review sessions
- Visual Human Atlas Laboratory (histology, pathology, and radiology, etc.)
Assessment
Assessment for this phase of the course segment is based on a cumulative, graded Summative exam.
Requests for excused absences should be submitted via Elentra. Unexcused absences may result in grading penalties as outlined in the Policy on Absence and Attendance.