Basic Sciences First Year
113 Developmental and Clinical Anatomy
Gross Anatomy and Embryology courses were integrated into one course with the following general objective designed for the student to learn the characteristics, development, functions and clinical aspects of the human body. The course will prepare the students to apply their knowledge of macroscopic and developmental anatomy clinical cases they will see throughout their professional endeavours.
In the dissecting laboratory, the students reaffirm the knowledge conveyed in the lectures and other educational activities. The modern anatomicoclinical approach, the use of diagnostic imaging like radiographies, computed tomography (CT-Scan), magnetic resonance (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), an others, guarantee us the complete development of our students. In the laboratory, students are responsible for the dissection of the human body, under the direct supervision of professors.
115 Histology and Cell Biology
This course studies the cell, its anatomy and functions, and the characteristics of the basic tissues of the human body, placing emphasis on the attributes of the living and soft tissue. It also studies the interaction between the tissues that will make up the body's organs and systems.
142 Neurosciences
This course is an introduction to the structure and functions of the nervous system. It is designed to cover information in the areas of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, neurological imaging techniques, and complex brain functions and disorders. Professors of Anatomy, Physiology/Pathology, and Neurology actively participate in this course, as well as visiting professors.
The classes are conducted in the following manner:
- Lectures that incorporate clinical conditions.
- Laboratory exercises using human brain specimen, models, microscopy, and interactive CD-ROM and DVD of the anatomy of the human nervous system.
- Clinical case presentations and discussion by students.
The concepts taught in this course will provide students with an applicable understanding of the functions of the nervous system.
155 Human Genetics
The genetic variability is the basis for the development of rare occurrence diseases and common disorders, just as it is the angular stone that makes each individual unique.The human genetics course has been designed to introduce the fundamental concepts and technological advances in the study of the human genome as far as they are relevant to medical practice. The following subspecialties will be discussed: Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry Genetics, Clinical Genetics, and Genetics Counseling.
156 Immunology
This course occupies an independent position in our curriculum, and it is developed throughout an academic semester. The enormous growth of immunology in modern science and the influence of this disipline in medicine justify this particularity. During the course, aspects of cellular and molecular immunology of the normal immune response, and the results of their alterations are studied. Similarly, it includes the study of the immune system intervention in the physiopathology of other organ and system diseases, as well as the tools and manipulation methods of the system, which are of great use in biomedical sciences such as: vaccination, transplants, cancer immunotherapy, immunological therapies, and immunodiagnosis. The study of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) occupies an important place in the course because of its implications in medical practice. To obtain a better student performance, modern teaching methodology and learning strategies are included.
165 Medical Biochemistry
The most relevant conceptual structure to the medical profession will be emphasized all the way through this course. This includes thinking skills and their application to the chemical principles that make life possible. Specifically the study of chemical changes that involve the following entities: carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. The teaching methodology employed comprises lectures, problem solving, case analysis and discussion. This course also provides the basis to understand other important concepts of the medical profession related to pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
175 Medical Physiology
The course emphasizes basic concepts of normal human functions and includes integrative activities that provide the basis for clinical applications. It begins with the general phenomena shared by organ systems i.e., homeostasis, membrane physiology, automatic nervous systems and muscle physiology. This is followed by sessions on Cardiovascular Physiology, Renal Physiology, Respiratory Physiology, Gastrointestinal Physiology and Endocrinology. Students are evaluated on the basis of written exams and/or quizzes and on small group integrative activities involving other courses such as Introduction to Clinical Skills, Immunology, Human Genetics and Neuroscience. The small group activities include: Laboratory exercises, Academic Competence Enhancement (problem-solving exercises) and Community Work.
172 Community Medicine I
During this course, students will study the elements and philosophy of Community Medicine by means of a series of lectures, independent readings, and group discussions of clinical cases. Students will be exposed to the biopsychosocial model and they will learn how to prepare a family genealogy. They will be presented to the family circle concept by lectures and group discussions. They will also present genograms and group presentations. Students are invited to participate in seminars related to this discipline: Family Physicians of the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFM), Puerto Rico Chapter, Preventive Medicine, Geriatrics, Managed Care. These activities expose the student to the most common situations that affect the health and well being of Puerto Rican families.
Basic Sciences Second Year
213 Pathophysiology
This course systematically studies the morphological changes that occur due to illnesses and mechanism of disease. Emphasis is place in micro and macroscopic pathology and pathogenesis by each organ system.
Students are taught by means of lectures, laboratory practices, small group discussions, directed studies, clinical correlations, clinical pathological cases, standardized patients and computer stimulations. This course is coordinated with the Clinical Diagnosis 1 as related to content and evaluation. Pathophysiology 1 will offer an Introductory Section that covers all aspects of the cells normal functions to cell death. In addition, topics of immunology, genetics, inflammation, fluids and electrolytes, and acid and bases will be review. After the introductory section the course will continue the study of the pathophysioloical changes of the Central Nervous System, Endocrine System, Reproductive System and the Hematologic System.
214 Pathophysiology
This course systematically studies the morphological changes that occur due to illnesses and mechanism of disease. Emphasis is place in micro and macroscopic pathology and pathogenesis by each organ system.
Students are taught by means of lectures, laboratory practices, small group discussions, directed studies, clinical correlations, clinical pathological cases, standardized patients and computer stimulations. This course is coordinated with the Clinical Diagnosis-2 as related to content and evaluation. Pathophysiology-2 will study the pathophysiological changes of the Cardiology, Renal, Gastroenterology, skin and musculoskeletal Systems.
207 Community Medicine II
This course broadens the theorical Community Medicine base. The concepts acquired during the first year are expanded. The focus is directed to make the student conscious of the importance of knowledge of the family structure and the circumstances that may affect it. Prevention is also emphasized as an essential basis of Community Medicine practice. The student will be presented with other aspects, including: Occupational Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Sports Medicine, Geriatrics, and Nutrition. The concept of Family Medicine will be widened to focus on Community Medicine. The course will be carry out by lectures, group discussions, Journal Clubs, and student work presentations.
260 Microbiology
Microbiology is the branch of biology that deals with microorganisms and their effects on other living organisms. The focus of this course is to study the major groups of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, that are pathogenic for humans. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanism of pathogenesis, host response to the pathogen, and strategies for controlling, treating and preventing infections. In addition, aspects of bacterial classification, morphology, metabolisms, genetics and antimicrobial agents will be covered in this course. The Microbiology lectures are complemented with laboratory exercises, case discussions, journal clubs, and community oriented activities.
271 Human Behavior
This is the study of Human Behavior from the normally and healthy perspective, but also as a disease. The course envision the human being as an entity in development, interacting with the biological, psychological, and social issues of their environment. elements that at the same time create the individual observable behavior, as well as their thinking process, emotions, and feelings, which are the basis for study in this course.
273 Pharmacology and Therapeutics
In this course, the students are introduced to the Pharmacological Sciences, by acquiring basic terminology, obtaining familiarity with generic name medications, learning quantitative pharmacokinetic calculation methods, and evaluating drug-receptor interactions. It discusses information related to action mechanisms, common clinical usage, and expected beneficial and adverse effects for each general group of drugs and for specific agents in each group. The pedagogical strategies are designed to integrate the acquired knowledge in Pharmacology to medical practice. The course incorporates concepts of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Physiology, Immunology, and Pathology; with information concerning drug interactions in the molecular, cellular areas, and of organs, systems, and the human body as a whole, by means of clinical case discussions and clinical correlations. These establish a bridge between the mechanical aspects of basic Pharmacology and the application of pharmacological intervention in the treatment of diseases.
278 Psychiatry
This course consists of the study of psychopathology, nosology, theories and concepts related to the basic nosological categories, such as neurosis, psychosis, among others. It also includes patient evaluation, psychiatric medical record and basic concepts of the therapies, pharmacotherapies, instructions, dosages, and contraindications.
Clinical Sciences Clerkships Third Year
320 Psychiatry
In this clerkship we study how biopsychosocial and enviromental factors provoke different disorders in the human psyche. During the rotation, the student will learn how to obtain relevant information to make a diagnosis, in adittion to the details and knowledge of the different emotional entities. The prevention, the psychological, psychopharmacological and behavioral treatment of such entities, their prognosis and corresponding dispositions to prevent relapses, will be studied. The psychopathology will be studied from DSM-IV (Diagnosis and Statistics of Mental Disorders-IV Handbook) perspective.
322 Surgery
During this clerkship, the student is introduced to the process of pre and post operation diagnosis and management of the most frequent cases of surgery. It offers the opportunity to the students to develop basic skills in taking medical records, physical examination, and discussion of differential diagnosis relevant to the field of general surgery.
324 Obstetrics and Gynecology
During this clerkship, the student is introduced to the normal conditions and complications of the pregnant patient during the prenatal, labor, and after birth (puerperium) periods. Particular attention is given to prevention aspects. Obstetrics surgical issues are discussed. During the Gynecology section, the students are expose to different gynecological conditions and their management.
326 Internal Medicine
This clerkship is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will make them capable to correctly recognize and manage the most frequent problems and diseases found in Internal Medicine. The students will be exposed to practical clinical experiences and to the intensive care of patients, under supervision by Clinical Faculty.
328 Pediatrics
This clerkship is directed toward the formation of a general physician with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes to diagnose and manage most frequently encountered pediatric diseases. In addition, this clerkship offers the opportunity to develop the attitudes and skills needed for prevention of disease in the pediatric age group. Supervised clinical experiences in both inpatient and outpatient services will enable the student to acquire and develop skills in identifying clinical problems, selecting the necessary diagnostic test and procedures, and formulating the most appropriate plan of management for each problem or diagnosis. Students will actively participate in patient care aspects, as members of the health-care team in each of their assigned areas: Pediatric and Adolescent Ward, Term Nursery, Emergency Room and Pediatric Clinics (OPD).
334 Radiology
336 Anesthesiology
Clinical Sciences Clerckships Fourth Year
450 Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine clerkship is designed to provide the students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them to recognize and handle correctly the most frequent problems and diseases found in the Internal Medicine field. Students will be exposed to practical clinical experiences and to the intensive care of patients, under the direct supervision of the faculty. The clinical subspecialties of neumology, gastroenterology and neurology will be part of these clerkships during the fourth year.
456 Family Medicine
During this stage, the student will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the assigned patient, from the biopsychosocial perspective. This includes: obtaining their medical history, performing physical examination, organizing the data obtained using the Problem Oriented Medical System; and discussing the findings with the attending physician. The critical clinical reasoning process will be stimulated by the discussion of the cases with the attending physician. Emphasis will be given to the following aspects of primary medicine: preventive health care, patient education, health maintenance procedures, patient and family reaction to illness, physician-patient and physician-family relationships, family life cycle stages and family disease patterns, care of the chronically ill patient, and cost efficient delivery of health care. The student will be allowed to actively participate in assessing and treating the patient, under the direct supervision of the attending physician.
457 Emergency Medicine
The main objective of Emergency Medicine is to do a rapid and assertive patient stabilization to ensure an effective subsequent handling and care. During this clerkship, fourth year students will be guided and exposed to the patient in critical condition (true emergencies), and to patients with medical urgencies. This will enable the student, once the patient is well stabilized, to consult the corresponding specialist regarding the patient's admission, transfer to another San Juan Bautista School of Medicine or discharge.The students will acquire this knowledge by means of a thorough medical record and physical examination, visiting passes, where the cases will be discussed (differential diagnosis, treatment, among others), the assignment of related subjects, and medical lectures pertaining to emergency medicine. Students are at all times supervised by an assigned faculty member of the Department of Emergency Medicine. By its nature, the Emergency Room is an area where different medical disciplines interact (Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics and Gynecology), where the students must expose themselves to, and which contributes to the enhancement of their professional training.
467,468, 470, 471 Electives
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine elective program has been designed to offer the students the opportunity to select several areas in medicine that might interest them and in that manner reinforce their medical knowledge. These elective courses are given in different places such as, the San Juan Bautista Medical Center, and private medical offices in Puerto Rico.
472,473 Required Electives
Each required elective clerklship must be selected from the following list: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Ob-Gyn, Pediatrics in Emergency Room and Pschyatric.
Specialties 474
This clerkship exposes medical students to careers in internal medicine by placing them in an in-hospital setting and in direct contact with attendings, residents, and patients. Students learn about continuity of care while improving their physical diagnosis and interviewing skills. They also have the opportunity to learn about community resources and other health care professions and their roles on the health care team. Because the type and design of clinical courses, active participation is required and encouraged.
Focus is on in-depth evaluation and ongoing treatment of patients with complex problems and/or chronic illness with emphasis in Internal Medicine subspecialties. Students will learn the skills necessary to evaluate and manage the effects of chronic disease on multiple body systems and perform or assist in procedures commonly performed in Internal Medicine. They will have the opportunity to choose from all the different medical subspecialties available. This rotation will contain experiences in both the outpatient and inpatient setting for the chosen discipline.
New Emphasis
117 Introduction to Research
This course provides medical students with the basic information regarding methods and principles of conducting research. Students will be introduced to the scientific method, gain practical skills in information literacy, learn to critically analyze scientific literature, be familiarized with the ethical principles of research, access resources available for funding scientific research, analyze data and develop a research proposal.
118 - 119 Professionalism I and II
This course is designed to reinforce and make evident, the characteristic that makes a physician or what is known by the word "doctor". This means, just values and actions of the medical practice, the humanism and virtue. It includes the White Coat Ceremony for the students entering the medical profession, as well as History of Medicine I , and the Oaths of the Medical profession.
123 Introduction to Clinical Skills
This course provides students with an early exposure to clinical skills and professional issues with instruction in communication skills and interview techniques that form the basis for the doctor-patient relationship and the skills of communicating with patients. Students will start by obtaining the patients social history and later will add the patient’s illness narrative, learning how the narrative is transformed into the history of the present illness. Through the Community Preceptorship students will experience patient contact allowing an early rapport with actual issues of becoming a physician. The students will work on developing comfort in the physician role.
211 - 212 Professionalism III and IV
Some of the topics covered are: Ethics of Being, Humanism, Physician and Public Health, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
290 - 292 Clinical Skills I and II
This course is designed to introduce the student to the clinical sciences, with the goals of achieving proficiency in clinical skills and the ability to apply basic science information to solving problems and making decisions in clinical medicine. Course material assumes a thorough knowledge of normal anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, neurobehavioral science and epidemiology.
The didactic portion of the course (Pathophysiology and Approach to Clinical Problems) is designed to teach the student basic concepts pertaining to humandisease covering pathophysiology and introduction to the clinical disciplines Material is organized and presented by organ systems. The teaching of clinical science related to each system is integrated with the teaching of the pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and clinical preventive medicine pertaining to that system. Throughout the course, lectures relate clinical material to the concepts presented in basic sciences given in the first year.
The practical portion of the course (Clinical Skills: Physical Diagnosis) emphasizes practical aspects of being a physician. The sessions are designed to teach students history taking, physical examination, as well as the skills and knowledge required to pursue diagnostic investigations. There is an emphasis on "abnormal" findings. Students will learn to interpret the meaning of these examinations, and to organize and utilize the information obtained from their data-gathering activities for the diagnosis and treatment of human illness.