I.          Descriptive Information

Title:  MED 545-T  Rheumatology

Department:  MEDICINE

Pre-requisite:  Credit in MED 531/532

Duration:  4 weeks; all blocks

Number of Students:  Minimum - 1; Maximum - 1

Locations:       Private Offices and Queen's Medical Center, Dr. David John

                        Tripler Army Medical Center - Dr. David Finger

Program Director or Coordinator:  Laurie Tam, M.D.

II.        Objectives

a.   Demonstrate knowledge of the differential diagnosis of joint pain and arthritis.

b.   List characteristics of systemic autoimmune disease, and recognize features of the common syndromes.

c.   Take a medical history appropriate to the patient symptoms

d.   Perform the examination of the musculoskeletal system and appropriate other systems, as guided by the differential diagnosis

e.   Identify a diagnostic strategy including further history, examination, laboratory, imaging, or other tests

f.    Begin to correctly interpret results of tests

g.   Identify treatment approaches, to include appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies

h.   Demonstrate caring, compassion and problem-solving to assist patient in coping with the health issues.

III.         Method

Through a combination of observation and practice, the student will accomplish learning objectives by having an opportunity to interview, examine, review diagnostic plans and studies; determine the impact of the disease in the family and personal life; observe the indications, risks and benefits of arthrocentesis and injection, and observe synovianalysis. Observe the use of orthopedic, physiastrist, physical therapy, dermatologic and other consultation.  Student may elect to spend some time in Queen Emma Clinic Rheumatology Specialty Clinic, or follow in patient consultations, or surgical or physical therapy treatment of patients.

Directed reading will include "The Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases" and images related to rheumatology, and/or other instructional materials made available.

Participation in Rheumatology Journal Club or academic meetings is highly desirable while on elective.

IV.        Evaluation

The faculty preceptor will evaluate the student accomplishment of the objectives at the end of the elective. 

Additionally, to obtain credit for this elective, all students must complete and return the elective evaluation form to the Department of Medicine.