University of Washington (School of Medicine)

The University of Washington School of Medicine is a regional resource for Washington state, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho - the WWAMI states.

Founded in 1946, the UW medical school is recognized for its excellence in training primary-care physicians and for advancing medical knowlege through scientific research. It's nationally known for its commitment to community service through the volunteer activities of its students, staff, faculty and alumni.

The full-time physician faculty members of the UW medical school staff UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, as well as the Puget Sound Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, all in Seattle. UW medical faculty members also staff the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics in King County, Wash. The physician faculty provides expert consultation to practicing physicians throughout the region.

Research scientists at the UW medical school explore every aspect of health and disease, from the molecular mechanisms of gene action to population studies of global illnesses. Their work has contributed to improved understanding of the cause of diseases and to better treatments and prevention of many disorders.

Graduates of the UW medical school - physicians, scientists, allied health personnel, or scholars in medical history and ethics - go on to serve in a wide variety of capacities. Many M.D. and physician assistant alumni practice in areas of need, such as rural towns, inner cities, or developing nations.

The distinguishing characteristic of the UW medical school is interdisciplinary collaboration. Scientists, educators, and clinicians are dedicated to helping each other reach the common goals of improving peoples health and alleviating suffering from disease.

The University of Washington School of Medicine is dedicated to improving the general health and well-being of the public. In pursuit of its goals, the School is committed to excellence in biomedical education, research, and health care. The School is also dedicated to ethical conduct in all its activities. As the pre-eminent academic medical center in our region and as a national leader in biomedical research, we place special emphasis on educating and training physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals dedicated to two distinct missions:

* Meeting the health care needs of our region, especially by recognizing the importance of primary care and providing service to underserved populations;
* Advancing knowledge and assuming leadership in the biomedical sciences and in academic medicine.

The School works with public and private agencies to improve health care and advance knowledge in medicine and related fields of inquiry. It acknowledges a special responsibility to the people in the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, who have joined with it in a unique regional partnership. The School is committed to building and sustaining a diverse academic community of faculty, staff, fellows, residents, and students and to assuring that access to education and training is open to learners from all segments of society, acknowledging a particular responsibility to the diverse populations within our region.

Serving five northwestern states via the nationally recognized WWAMI program, the M.D. curriculum at the UW School of Medicine has undergone many innovative changes over the past 30 years. Most recently, a College system has been developed to provide consistent mentoring toward excellence in clinical skills, professionalism, and patient-centered care. In 2006, for the 13th consecutive year, the School of Medicine was ranked the best primary-care medical school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. At the same time, the School pursues its mission to advance knowledge and assume leadership in the biomedical sciences and in academic medicine. It is committed to providing the highest quality educational experience possible for its students.

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School of Medicine Medical School Location

School of Medicine Courses

FIRST YEAR BASIC SCIENCE COURSES :

* Anatomy & Embryology : Provides a broad understanding of the structural organization of the human body at the macroscopic level to provide a foundation for physical examination and functional assessment of the human organism.
Integrates embryological development with study of the cadaver and examination of the normal living body. Concentrates on exploration of the thoracic, abdomen, and pelvis and the viscera they contain.
There is an emphasis on three-dimensional interrelationships and the general principles of blood and
nerve supply rather than detailed anatomy of individual organs. Gross anatomy of skull, pharynx, larynx are presented. Physiological concepts and clinical evaluation related to hearing and balance are covered. Maxillofacial disorders, diseases of nasal passages, nasopharynx, oropharynx and accessory sinuses are introduced. The anatomy of the limbs is presented during the second year. Embryology and general anatomical concepts are presented in lecture format, but most learning takes place in the dissecting laboratory.

* Biochemistry : This course covers classical molecular and cellular biochemistry, cellular physiology, and molecular genetics. Metabolic interrelationships as they occur in the individual will be stressed and related to
disturbances in disease states.

* Introduction to Clinical Medicine : Instruction in communication skills and interview techniques to form the basis for the doctor-patient relationship and the skills of communicating with patients are introduced. The patient profile will be obtained. There will be attention to developing comfort in the physician role.
The medical history will be introduced and instruction in data collection will begin. There will be further experience in conducting medical interviews with patients for the purpose of obtaining the medical history
and patient profile. Special problems related to interviewing will be addressed.
The adult screening physical examination will be taught through the use of lectures, audio/visual aids, and
small group tutorials where students in supervised settings practice the physical exam on one another.
The continuity requirement and required preceptorship are monitored as part of this course.

* Introduction to Critical Reading and Evaluation of Medical Literature : An introduction to methods for identifying and retrieving Web-based, high quality, relevant evidence, and for describing and applying rigorous criteria when reading primary research studies or reviews of primary studies that report on the effectiveness of therapeutic or preventive interventions. Basic research methodologies and statistics have been incorporated in the course to assist students in evaluating the literature and in setting up their III project.

* Introduction to Immunology : Topics covered include: basic concepts such as antigens; antibodies; complement; B-and T-lymphocyte function, including interactions with each other and with accessory cells; immunological tolerance; major histocompatibility complex and role of these basic concepts in immunopathology (immunodeficiencies, hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, blood transfusion, and transplantation).

* Mechanisms in Cell Physiology : Fundamental cellular events underlying the following topics are presented: physiology of the cell membrane including ionic and electrical potential gradients, active transport, excitability and action potentials; biophysics of sensory receptors; neuromuscular transmission; muscle energetics and
contractility; spinal reflexes and central synaptic transmission; autonomic nervous system; energy
metabolism and temperature regulation; epithelial transport; gastrointestinal motility and secretions.

* Microbiology and Infectious Disease : This course introduces the pathogenesis and immunity of infectious diseases, and natural barriers.
Microbiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and control of representative bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infectious diseases are covered. Chemotherapeutics and principles of chemotherapy,
sterilization, principles of asepsis, nosocomial and iatrogenic infections are discussed.

* Microscopic Anatomy (Histology) : Lectures and laboratories in microscopic anatomy are designed to provide the principles and concepts of histology, to define the morphological characteristics of the cells, tissues, and organs of the human body, and to relate this information to functional processes studied in concurrent and subsequent courses.

* Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease : Patterns of cell and tissue response to injury are introduced. Mechanisms of cell injury, the inflammatory process, immunology, immunopathology, thrombosis, normal and abnormal growth, neoplasia, and clinicopathological correlation are presented.

* Nervous System : Integrated approach to the normal structure and function of the nervous system, including the eye. Neuropathological examples are presented as well as clinical manifestations of neurological disease.

* Systems of Human Behavior : Selected overview of contributions from behavioral sciences to the clinical practice of primary care physicians. Sensitizes students to the impact of such factors as emotional and physical development, cultural backgrounds, social roles, families, sexual identities, and belief systems upon their effectiveness as physicians. Encourages appreciation of the role of behavioral factors in major management problems faced in medical practice; covers physical and psychological development of the individual from infancy
through old age; teaches skills in analyzing behavior, defining behavioral objectives, and designing precise treatment strategies to attain these objectives.

SECOND YEAR BASIC SCIENCE COURSES :

* Brain and Behavior : Major psychiatric disorders are defined and described and a systematic approach to differential diagnosis is presented. Conceptual development, pathogenesis, epidemiology, nomenclature and the terminology used in psychiatry are discussed.

* Cardiovascular System : An interdisciplinary approach to cardiovascular medicine, including anatomy, physiology, radiology, pathology, medicine and surgery. The central theme of this course is the function of the cardiovascular system in health and disease.

* Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine : Introduction to principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, emphasizing application to clinical medicine.
Three broad topics: 1) Health and disease in the community, including assessment of disease risk and
mechanisms of epidemic detection, spread, and control; 2) Interpretation of research results, including
fundamentals of research design, data analysis and sources of bias; 3) Clinical epidemiology, including
evaluation and application of diagnostic tests, natural history of disease, and quantitative aids for clinical
decision making.

* Clinical Nutrition : Provides students with insights into the principles and practice of clinical nutrition. An appreciation of the role of nutrients in normal growth and development, the pathogenesis of chronic disease, and nutrition in the management of certain disease states is covered.

* Endocrine System : Normal, gross, and microscopic anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system. Illustrations examining the clinical relevance of homeostasis, feedback, and other controlling mechanisms previously learned. The endocrine integration of metabolism. Clinically important endocrine pathophysiology.

* Gastrointestinal System : Anatomy of gastrointestinal system; physiology and pathology of digestion and hepatic function; physical and laboratory examination.

* Genetics : The primary aim of the course is to review basic genetic principles in the context of their applications in
clinical medicine. Topics include human chromosomal disorders, pathogenesis of hereditary disease,
patterns of inheritance, genetic counseling, amniocentesis, monogenic and multifactorial pathogenesis, role of genetics in common diseases, behavioral genetics, drug-gene interactions (pharmacogenetics), and prevention and treatment of genetic diseases including prenatal diagnosis and population screening.

* Hematology : Familiarizes students with the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to disturbances of red cell, white cell and platelet production as well as abnormalities of hemostasis presenting clinical problems.
Pathophysiology, rather than minute details of individual disease, is stressed. Problem-based learning sessions are a significant portion of this course as well as in the musculoskeletal course.

* Introduction to Clinical Medicine : Advanced instruction in interview techniques, history taking and physical examination, with emphasis upon detection of abnormalities. The ICM teaching in this year focuses on the history and physical exam of the specific areas of the body such as heart, lung, abdomen, mental status, etc. Topics such as human sexuality, geriatrics, and death and dying are covered in the small group format. Emphasis upon identification of problems and correlation of findings with pathophysiological mechanisms, and
introduction to clinical and laboratory diagnosis will also be covered.

* Medicine, Health and Society : Addresses interrelationships between provision of medical care and non-biological factors that influence health. Issues include relative importance of society, environment and individual choice in determining health status; impact of organizational, economic, and political influences on medical practice and choice; measurement of costs, risks, benefits and efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies; importance of these concepts in responsible and scientific decision making. Interdisciplinary course including medical, pharmacy, nursing, and other allied health care students.

* Musculoskeletal System : Gross, surface, applied and X-ray anatomy of system including entire spine but excluding head and neck. Histology of bone, cartilage, tendon-myotendinal junction and joints. Musculoskeletal trauma and healing. Pathology and clinical manifestations of other degenerative, inflammatory, metabolic, nutritional and congenital disorders. Physical examinations.

* Principles of Pharmacology I : Includes general principles of pharmacology and the specific pharmacology of major drugs acting on the autonomic and cardiovascular systems.

* Principles of Pharmacology II : Lectures and conferences on drugs acting on the central nervous system. Emphasis on physiological and biochemical mechanisms with consideration of their therapeutic and adverse effects.

* Problem-Based Learning : Teaches students to methodically solve medical problems by gathering, sorting, and interpreting data. Students learn life-long self-education and self-evaluation skills. Provides practice working as a health care team by including medical, nursing, and physician assistant students in each group.

* Respiratory System : An interdisciplinary approach to the respiratory system, including anatomy of thorax and lungs, ventilation mechanics, blood gas transport, gas exchange, acid-base balance and the physiology and pathology of obstructive, restrictive and pulmonary-vascular diseases.

* Reproduction : Traces normal development of reproductive function in human beings including formation and maturation of ova and sperm, gamete transport, fertilization, menstruation, implantation, physiology and endocrinology of placenta, intrauterine development and nutritional requirements of growing fetus, normal pregnancy, parturition, lactation and adaptation of newborns to extrauterine life. Provides information concerning infertility problems, family planning techniques and demography of human population.

* Skin System : Gross and microscopic anatomy. Physiology, protection, temperature control, pigmentation and photosensitivity. Pathology and genetics of skin abnormalities including tumors. Introduction to clinical
evaluation, including physical examination and illustrating examples of inflammatory, vascular, immunological (including drug hypersensitivity) and neoplastic diseases.

* Systemic Pathology : A multidisciplinary approach to some diseases which affect more than one organ system (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.) and which are caused by different mechanisms (congenital,
inflammatory, vascular, traumatic, metabolic, neoplastic).

* Urinary System : Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the kidney, ureter, bladder and prostate; pathophysiology and treatment of common fluid and electrolyte problems; renal pharmacology; major clinical urinary system syndromes with current diagnostic approaches and therapy.

THIRD YEAR CLERKSHIPS :

* Family Medicine : The Clerkship is taught in numerous settings, including urban and rural communities, small private practice groups and large public clinics as well as community and university residency programs. Each teaching site will address the goals and objectives established for the Clerkship. Experienced faculty and/or senior residents will supervise you during the Clerkship. The Clerkship will challenge you to integrate everything you have learned to this point and to use this knowledge to problem solve in a Family Medicine ambulatory setting.
During the Clerkship you will be involved in defining and shaping your own educational experiences; you will find the clinical faculty supportive and accommodating. Elicit the confidence of the individuals with whom you will work by being aware of the protocols followed in their practice(s). Experience has shown that when the faculty feel they can rely on you, they will give you increased responsibility for patient care and contribute more of themselves to your education.

* Medicine : This is the basic medicine clerkship which serves as a prerequisite for most other medicine courses and clerkships. Students participate in the care of both hospitalized and ambulatory patients to refine their skills of history-taking and physical examinations and to learn to care for the acutely ill as well as to
participate in continuing medical care. Daily rounds and conferences are held. A written examination for
this course is given on the last day of the clerkship. This exam involves both standard multiple choice
problems and computer problem solving. Students are required to pass this exam to receive a passing
grade.

* Obstetrics and Gynecology : This is an introductory clerkship experience for medical students in the provision of comprehensive medical care and counseling services to adult and adolescent female patients. Students are actively involved in both inpatient and outpatient settings with management and delivery of obstetric patients as well as diagnosis and management of gynecologic patients, in outpatient clinics, in seminars, tutorials, and are introduced to community health care agencies for women.

* Pediatrics : This clerkship is a general introductory inpatient and outpatient pediatric experience, with approximately 3 weeks devoted to each setting. The aim is to expose students to environments where children receive medical and health services. The inpatient setting is Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.
The outpatient experience will occur at either Harborview Medical Center, or Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic. On call schedules will occur at both the inpatient and outpatient settings and will reflect the
students’ team assignments. The number of call nights during either inpatient or outpatient experiences
averages 3-4 sessions.

* Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences : The psychiatry clerkship in Seattle utilizes Harborview Medical Center (HMC), the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Students will be assigned to one of these sites and will spend the majority of their time working on the inpatient units with some outpatient experiences included, such as various clinics, consultation-liaison service, etc. The HMC accepts both involuntary and voluntary patients for psychiatric treatment in three inpatient units (locked and unlocked). The UWMC has a 14-bed inpatient unit that accepts voluntary patients only. These patients present diverse diagnoses and are more commonly admitted due to an acute episode. The
VAMC has a busy 30-bed inpatient service and several clinics. The VAMC emphasizes psychiatry in the
primary care setting.

* Surgery : Students are assigned to the surgical service of one of the major affiliated hospitals where they will serve a significant role as a part of the total patient care team. The course is designed to be of value to all students, regardless of their ultimate interest. The information presented will serve as a basic fund of
knowledge concerning an important therapeutic modality for non-surgeons, and as a base for further study for prospective surgeons. Call schedule determined by site and number of students in the rotation.

FOURTH YEAR CLERKSHIPS :

* Chronic Care : Students will be exposed to three content areas: Rehab Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care. Students will choose to focus on one area and be assigned to a preceptor and a clinical site to concentrate their clinical activities in that content area. Students will meet together each Monday for didactic session so that all are exposed to the other three content areas. Monday session will include, but not be limited to: lectures, small group discussions, standardized patients and care presentations.

* Emergency Medicine : Students work at the level of sub-interns directly with the on-duty Emergency Medicine attending. In addition to acutely ill and injured patients, complex patients, including transplant recipients, are part of the patient population. Learning occurs through direct patient care experience, studentattending interaction, lectures, and assigned readings. UWMC students are strongly encouraged to take the two-day ACLS certification course offered by the UWMC EM facility each Spring Quarter.

* Neurology : This clerkship is designed to give experience and training in the evaluation and treatment of epileptic seizures and other spells. Will include working one on one with Epilepsy Center faculty in the outpatient setting, managing patients during long video EEG monitoring, and attendance at Epilepsy Center
conferences and lectures. Experience in pediatric epilepsy can be arranged as appropriate. Participation
in research can also be arranged on an individual basis as a separate experience.

* Surgery Selectives

Other translation schools in Washington

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (College of Osteopathic Medicine) YEAR 1 Is discipline based lectures and labs integrated around gross anatomy. Examinations are given in blocks and are written in board exam forma... Address: 111 South 33rd Street, Suite 104, Yakima, Washington