April 1, 2024-April 19, 2024
Course Director
Kristen Critelli, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Kristen.critelli@chp.edu
Course Director
Lama Farchoukh Farhat, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pathology
farhatl@upmc.edu
Course Description
This course covers the normal function and pathophysiology of the several organs that comprise the gastrointestinal tract.
Course Objectives
- To learn the five major organs that constitute the gastrointestinal tract and their innervation, vascular supply, and sequence of activation during normal digestion.
- To understand the combination of physical, cellular and chemical events necessary for normal digestion and the physiologic regulation that coordinates these processes.
- To understand the structure and function of the enteric nervous system and the cellular mechanisms targeted by pharmacologic agents that act in this system.
- To understand the interplay between neural and hormonal regulation of digestion.
- To understand the role of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas in metabolic homeostasis.
- To learn the characteristics of common diseases of the gastrointestinal system, their clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, pathology, etiology and treatment.
- To understand the role of normal GI function in nutrition and some specific challenges posed by GI disease states.
Educational Methods
- Case-based learning
- Patient presentations
- Small group workshops
- Team based learning
- Independent learning (pre-recorded lectures, web-based modules)
- Review Sessions
- Weekly assessments (Formative, Summative)
Evaluation
Evaluation for this course 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.