Physician Assistant Courses (PAS)

301 Advanced Human Anatomy (4)

Functional and applied human anatomy presented on a systemic basis. The course is divided into five sections - general anatomical concepts, upper extremity and back; head and neck; thorax and abdomen; perineum, pelvis, and lower extremity and neuroanatomy. This advanced course will go beyond basic anatomical concepts and emphasize in both lecture and laboratory sessions the functional anatomical relationship to pathological conditions commonly encountered in the primary care setting. The relationship between embryology and the study of pediatrics will be taught. Laboratory sessions will be organized using models and prosection cadavers. Small group interactions will be used to demonstrate problem-solving abilities related to clinical findings and physical examination. Prerequisites: PA Professional Phase acceptance or upper division status in biology, biochemistry, or natural science with a grade of C or better in NSC 331. Offered Each Year (Fall).

302 Advanced Microbiology/Immunology (3)

This course focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and relationships of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and rickettsiae and helminths. Included are the systemic diseases caused by these organisms, control of microorganisms, the host-parasite relationship, and the establishment of disease. The immune system will be discussed in detail including resistance to disease, immunity and serology, and immune disorders. Prerequisite: PA Professional Phase acceptance; Co-requisite of PAS 301, 303, 312, 314. Offered Each Year (Fall).

303 Medical Informatics (2)

The course covers the practical terminology needed for the medical interview, problem oriented medical record, anatomical structures, and physical examination. The use of computers in the health care setting will be explored and practical experience at accessing patient data will be provided. Students will also learn practical software applications. Students are introduced to the practice of medicine as a Physician Assistant with an emphasis on the profession’s history, philosophy, and enabling legislation. Prerequisite: PA Professional Phase acceptance; Co-requisite of PAS 301, 302, 312, 314. Offered Each Year (Fall).

304 Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine I (5)

This course provides an introduction to the study of the disease process. Emphasis has been placed on the integration of the essential anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting. The differential diagnosis of symptoms and physical findings along with interpretation of laboratory and radiographic tests appropriate to each system is discussed. Topics to include, problems of the respiratory tract, cardiology, hematology, endocrinology, nephrology, urology, and gastroenterology. The course will use both lecture and seminar formats. The student learns the general principles of diagnostic imaging and electrocardiography. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in PAS 301, 302, 303, 312, and 314; Co-requisite of PAS 306, 310, and 313. Offered Each Year (Spring).

306 Physical Diagnosis I (4)

Emphasis will be placed on properly conducting a medical interview for problem definition and performing a complete physical examination. Both lecture presentations and laboratory instruction will be utilized to teach history taking and physical examination maneuvers. The laboratory portion includes practical hands-on sessions supervised by faculty in small group settings. Students develop the skills needed to obtain a thorough history and perform a total physical examination. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in PAS 301, 302, 303, 312, and 314; Co-requisite of PAS 304, 310, 306L. Offered Each Year (Spring).

310 Pharmacology I (2)

This course is designed in sequence with the topics presented in Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine I and focuses on practical pharmacotherapeutics. Mechanisms of drug action, therapeutic uses, specific effects and toxicity, effects on organ systems, contraindications and drug interactions will be presented. Emphasis is placed on the most commonly used categories of drugs. Prerequisites: PAS 301, 302, 303, 312, and 314. Offered Each Year (Spring).

312 Clinical Laboratory Medicine (2)

This course focuses on basic laboratory procedures and physiology used to investigate clinical problems encountered in the primary care setting. In addition to office procedures, laboratory tests conducted in the hospital setting useful in making a diagnosis and evaluating treatment effectiveness will be emphasized. Tests relevant to hematology, chemistry, bacteriology, urinalysis, and immunology will be discussed, demonstrated, and performed. In addition to the laboratory experience, students will be exposed to interpreting case studies and laboratory reports. Prerequisite: PA Professional Phase acceptance; Co-requisite of PAS 301, 302, 303, and 314. Offered Each Year (Fall).

313 Preventative Medicine (2)

This course has been designed to provide the PA student with a functional understanding of prevention strategies employed in the primary care setting. Emphasis has been placed on applying appropriate interventions and services that have been proven effective in preventing disease and improving the human condition as it relates to the quality of life and longevity. In addition, nutrition will be a major focus on this course. The students will review the epidemiological distribution of disease and its sociologic implications. Prerequisites: PAS 301, 302, 303, 312, and 314. Offered Each Year (Spring).

314 Pathophysiology (3)

General concepts of disease are covered including degeneration and necrosis, inflammation and repair, fluid and coagulation disturbances, and general aspects of neoplasia. Disease entities in each organ system are studied with regard to causation, evaluation, and morphology of pathological changes. Prerequisite: PA Professional Phase acceptance; Co-requisite of PAS 301, 302, 303, and 312. Offered Each Year (Fall).

410 Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine II (5)

This course is a continuation of PAS 304: Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine I. Topics include gynecology, obstetrics, psychiatry, infectious disease, neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology and rheumatological disorders. The anatomy, physiology, and concepts of physical diagnosis relating to each system are reviewed. The pathophysiology of disease states, differential diagnosis of symptoms and physical findings along with interpretation of laboratory and radiographic tests appropriate to each system is discussed. Both pediatric and geriatric problem correlations will be presented in appropriate context. The course will use both lecture and seminar formats. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 300 level courses; Co-requisite of PAS 411, 412. Offered Each Year (Fall).

411 Physical Diagnosis II (4)

This is a continuation of PAS 306: Physical Diagnosis II. The lecture course introduces the student to the concepts and techniques of medical interviewing, of obtaining an accurate history, and of performing a complete and thorough physical examination. The proper written recording of clinical data as well as the oral presentation of clinical findings will be stressed. Clinical bedside teaching experiences will be scheduled using individual and small group formats. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all PAS 300 level courses; Co-requisite of PAS 410, 412. Offered Each Year (Fall).

412 Pharmacology II (2)

This course is a continuation of PAS 310: Pharmacology I and designed in sequence with Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine II. Also included are practical prescription writing and legalities of prescription writing as they pertain to Physician Assistants. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 300-level courses; Co-requisite of PAS 410, 411. Offered Each Year (Fall).

413 The Cultural and Psychosocial Dynamics of Medicine (3)

Topic areas will include clinical decision-making and problem solving, domestic violence, rape, death and dying, sexuality issues, substance abuse, HIV and other special topics. A critical review of selected readings will be required for seminar discussions. Students are introduced to concepts in health psychology and behavioral medicine, which identify the cultural and psychosocial factors contributing to health, physical and emotional well being. Defenses and adaptations are discussed as related to the types of patients the students will work with. Other psychological responses to acute and chronic illness, and death and dying, and to the psychology of the handicapped are discussed as they relate to the patient and the medical practitioner. Students are introduced to the techniques of modeling and role-playing and are required to participate in the roles of health care practitioner, patient and family member. Emphasis is placed on establishing a relationship, and understanding the effects of culture and personality types. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 300-level courses. Offered Each Year (Fall).

414 Medical Professional Issues (3)

This seminar course is designed specifically for the PA student covering the following topic areas: the PA role and legal standing in US health care, federal programs and initiatives in health care delivery, payment mechanisms and reimbursement policies, rural health care, public health care, community resources, and risk management and quality assurance. A critical review of selected readings will be required for seminar discussions. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 300 level courses. Offered Each Year (Fall).

501 Clinical Pediatrics (2)

This course is an introduction to the study of pediatric medicine. It is designed to provide the PA student with a functional understanding of the pediatric exam, growth, development, and disease processes as they relate to the infant and child. Through integration of the basic and clinical sciences, the PA student will become acquainted with neonatology, as well as, pediatric cardiology, hematology, nephrology, urology, orthopedics, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, surgery, and psychiatry. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 400 level courses. Offered Each Year (Spring).

502 Clinical Problem Solving (3)

This course consolidates all the topics of medicine by developing a logical methodology of assessment of disease processes or syndromes, and subsequent intervention. Students will master the ability to generate a differential diagnosis specific to the patients' presenting complaints, signs and symptoms and laboratory data. A case study format is used. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 400-level courses. Offered Each Year (Spring).

503 Surgery and Orthopedics (3)

This course encompasses surgery and its subspecialty, orthopedics. Wound healing and surgical techniques, pre- and post-operative management are studied. Surgical diseases of the gastrointestinal, endocrine, cardiovascular, pulmonary and urogenital system are covered. The orthopedics section considers the diagnosis and treatment of sprains, fractures, and dislocations, preparation and application of bandages, splints, and casts. Common orthopedic problems of the hand, knee, shoulder and back are covered. Basic procedures will be presented in basic suturing technique, wound care, casting, aseptic technique, gowning and gloving, and other procedures necessary to function in the surgical setting. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 400-level courses. Offered Each Year (Spring).

504 Geriatrics (2)

This course deals with aging and long term care and continues building on the student’s awareness of the social context in which health care is provided to the elderly and chronically ill. The course emphasizes the development of communication skills necessary to enhance the humanistic practice of geriatric medicine. Students are required to interview chronic and acute geriatric patients in nursing home and acute care hospital settings. Through required readings, lectures, field experience and group discussions, the students will learn the fundamentals of geriatric medicine and the multi-dimensional aspects of long term care. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all PAS 400-level courses. Offered Each Year (Spring).

505 Emergency Medicine (3)

Initial, life-saving procedures on the critically ill and seriously injured are considered. Shock, trauma, burns, gastrointestinal, obstetrical, gynecologic, pulmonary, and cardiovascular emergencies are covered. Students are certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Students learn the principles of sterile technique and universal precautions. There are hands-on sessions in phlebotomy, IV therapy, injections, placing foley catheters, and NG tubes. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all PAS 400- level courses and BLS CPR certification. Offered Each Year (Spring).

506 Research Methodology (3)

Together with PAS 612 and 613, fulfills Research & Presentation requirement. Engaging in the process of clinical research design, students will develop skills that are necessary for reviewing objective data as a component of clinical practice. Students will identify a research question relevant to the practice of medicine and critically review the relevant clinical and scientific literature. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all 300 level PAS courses, PAS 410, 411, 412 and NSC 210. Offered Each Year (Spring).

The Clinical Year

The clinical year begins after successful completion of the clinical medicine didactic courses. Students participate in a variety of clinical clerkships at various medical institutions during the final year of their PA training at Daemen College. A student earns three credits per four weeks of clinical learning experience. Students are required to attend a minimum of 45 hours a week at the clinical site and be on call, work shifts and weekends depending on the type of medical service or facility. Each year, a calendar is developed that provides for individual student clinical learning modules that are ordinarily four weeks in length.

601 - 610 Clinical Clerkships I through X (3)

As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clinical clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical experiences in one or more of the following areas: family medicine, internal medicine, medical specialties, pediatric and adolescent medicine, prenatal care, gynecology, surgery, surgical specialties, emergency medicine, psychiatry/behavioral medicine, and geriatrics.

614 - 616 Clinical Seminar I, II, and III (2)

As a supplement to the experience and knowledge gained through the completion of approximately 2000 hours of clinical clerkship, students enrolled

in the final year of the Daemen College PA Program prepare for clinical practice and the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) through the use of computer tutorials, group “callback day” lectures, case presentations, and on-site faculty evaluation/mentoring. All students assigned to clinical clerkships will register for one, two-credit seminar each semester. Offered Summer, Fall, and Spring.

612 Research I (1)

613 Research II (1)

Writing Intensive. Together with PAS 506, fulfills Research & Presentation requirement. Writing Intensive. Together with PAS 506, fulfills Research & Presentation requirement. During the two clinical year semesters the student will apply concepts reviewed in PAS 506 Research Methodology. Students will collaborate with one another during group discussions to facilitate the process of writing the final sections of their individual research papers. Prerequisite: PAS 506. Offered Each Semester.