Clinical Instruction and Rotation Descriptions
117:110 Introduction to Clinical Skills (1 s.h.)
Workshops in suturing, injections, casting, prescription and order writing, medical records, patient confidentiality and Iowa law governing PA practice. In addition, students will complete the American Heart Association’s Advanced Cardiac Life Support program.
117:201 Clinical Decision Making III (1 s.h.)
Student will select a pertinent health topic issue, complete a thorough literature search, and draw conclusions based on the data/evidence. These findings are then presented in one of three ways: as a written clinical paper for submission to a medical journal, in the form of a poster with an accompanying abstract for submission at a professional meeting, or as a PowerPoint presentation to their colleagues and faculty.
Required Clinical Rotations
117:300 Emergency Medicine (4 s.h.)
This four-week rotation prepares the student to obtain and record pertinent historical data, obtain indicated laboratory studies, assess the results, arrive at a diagnosis, formulate a treatment plan, and implement appropriate therapy to the acutely ill or injured patient who presents to the Emergency Department.
117:301 Gynecology (4 s.h.)
This four-week rotation is designed to provide an opportunity for the PA student to develop proficiency in special history taking and physical examination of the gynecologic patient. Special attention to outpatient gynecology, exposure to the concepts of diagnostic techniques and therapy, experience in family planning, and techniques for the early detection of gynecologic cancer are an integral component of this rotation.
117:302 Family Practice I (4 s.h.)
The PA students will participate in the delivery of ambulatory primary care. The students will study problems commonly encountered in ambulatory situations; study selected patients and their families; and work under the supervision of family practice residents, faculty, and/or private physicians. The students will develop an appreciation for the skills of other allied health professionals and observe the efficient utilization of these personnel.
117:303 Family Practice II (4 s.h.)
PA students will do a second family practice rotation at a completely different site.
117:304 General Surgery (6 s.h.)
This surgical rotation is designed to prepare the student to function as an assistant to the generalist. The student’s time is divided almost equally between outpatient and inpatient surgical services. During this time a series of general and specific objectives include that body of cognitive information and skills which will enable the trainee to examine patients with surgical disorders, to arrange and recommend further evaluation, to participate in surgical procedures, and to manage the common postoperative course for the surgical patient. The specific objectives are structured to detail areas of competency necessary to fulfill the general objectives of the course.
117:305 Internal Medicine (6 s.h.)
PA students become a part of a team caring for patients. They will obtain data from patients (history, physical and screening laboratory studies) and present the data to staff and house staff. They will function in a role similar to the intended role of a practicing physician assistant, including written and oral communication about patients, participation in ward rounds where discussion is held regarding diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, and observation and performance of common skills.
117:306 Pediatrics (4 s.h.)
Supervised clinical practice under the direction of qualified practitioners in a variety of clinical pediatric situations.
117:307 Psychiatry (4 s.h.)
The PA student will be trained in history taking and mental examination of the psychiatric patient. The students will observe individual and family therapy sessions, obtain experience in vocational testing and guidance, and develop skills in interviewing. Students will attend ward rounds and staff meetings.
117:308 Adult Long Term Care (4 weeks)
PA students will develop clinical knowledge and skills for the diagnosis, treatment procedures and conditions related to patients in long term care settings.