Belize Medical College

Fourth Semester

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FOURTH SEMESTER:

The Gastroenterology course is designed to provide students with an overview of the clinical aspects of gastroenterology. This course incorporates and relates material learned in the basic science courses, including histology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, immunology and pathology to the diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Included in this course is an introduction to the clinical findings, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis associated with disorders of the GI tract.
The Hematology course is designed to provide students with an overview of the clinical aspects of disorders of the blood. This course incorporates and relates material learned in the basic science courses, including histology, physiology, microbiology, immunology and pathology to the understanding of the basis and clinical implications of blood disorders. Included in this course is an introduction to common clinical presentations, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis associated with blood diseases.
The Oncology course is designed to provide students with an overview of the clinical aspects of cancer: prevention, diagnosis, primary treatment, management of complications and paraneoplastic syndromes. This course incorporates and relates material learned in the basic science courses, including histology, physiology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, and pathology to the study of cancer.
The Orthopedics course is designed to provide students an introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This course is taught by a practicing orthopedic surgeon, who will present an overview of the principles of orthopedic medicine to the students.
The Principles of Clinical Medicine course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the practice of medicine. Students are introduced to the sequence of diagnostic inquiries and laboratory tests that are implemented during the evaluation of specific medical problems. Established techniques for obtaining the history of the complaint, physical examination, diagnostic tests and the assessment and therapeutic plan are presented in preparation for the physical diagnosis course and, ultimately, clinical practice.
The Radiology course is taught by a practicing Radiologist and is designed to provide students with an overview of the clinical practice of radiology. The student will learn the basic principles of radiology, with the emphasis directed toward the understanding of the use of X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans to assist in confirming
The Ophthalmology course is designed to provide students with an overview of the clinical aspects of ocular disease. An overview of the clinical practice of ophthalmology is presented, including the most common symptoms of ocular disease, the eye examination, and specific disorders of the eye. This course incorporates and relates material learned in the basic science courses, including histology, physiology, microbiology, immunology and pathology to the understanding of the basis of ocular disorders. Included in this course is an introduction to common clinical presentations, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis associated with eye disease.
The Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery course is designed to provide students an overview of the practice of general and orthopedic surgery. It is taught by practicing general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who will provide students with an overview of methods and techniques used for the diagnosis and the repair of injuries and disorders requiring surgery.
The Obstetrics and Gynecology course is designed to encompass the basic information a physician will need for the primary care of women. It is structured to to facilitate efficient, focused learning, based on the “Instructional Objectives for a Clinical Curriculum in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 7th ed.,” of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. These national standards are used to organize most Ob-Gyn clerkships in the United States and Canada, and are used as a guideline in the development of national standardized exams
The Pediatrics course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the practice of pediatric medicine. Established techniques used to conduct portions of the physical examination of infants, children and adolescents that require different approaches or techniques from those used in the physical examination of adults. Additionally, this course incorporates and relates material learned in basic science courses, including histology, physiology, microbiology, immunology and pathology to the diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases.
The emphasis of the Systemic Pathology course shifts from the fundamental mechanisms of cell, tissue structural/functional changes and major disease processes to specific examples of the major diseases, which affect each of the vital tissue and organ systems. Particulars of cause and effect, including genetic, molecular, metabolic, infectious, immunologic, nutritional and environmental factors are discussed in conjunction with pathophysiologic manifestations, the typical course or progression of each disease, and the potential for complications
The Geriatric Medicine course is designed to provide students with an overview of the clinical aspects of the specialized management of geriatric patients. This course focuses on methods used to approach older patients, disorders that are more commonly seen in the older person, specialized therapies and long-term management strategies, and important considerations that must be taken into account in the pharmacological management of geriatric patients
The Child Abuse and Human Sexuality Course is designed to examine the historical and social dynamics which foster an abusive family environment. The most common injuries associated with child abuse are presented, with strategies physicians may use to diagnose child abuse. Current requirements for and procedures for reporting child abuse are emphasized.