Physician Assistant Studies Courses: Fall 2023
Physician Assistant Studies
PAS 329: Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice
3 Credit Hour(s)
This is a 3 Credit Hour Course. Evidence-based practice provides methodologies to evaluate scientific evidence for the delivery of the highest quality health care. This course is one of two courses in the Physician Assistant Department for the evaluation of medical research that provides: 1. a foundation in probability and statistics, and 2. an introduction to medical research designs and associated inferential statistical analyses. In combination with PAS 529, this course is designed to increase students' competency in the evaluation of medical research. In this course, the emphasis is on basic study design, appropriate descriptive and inferential procedures, and interpretation of results. We will focus on real examples from the medical literature to cover the basics of clinical research design, sampling methodology, statistical methods for evaluating clinical research data, as well as introduce some of the many limitations of basic and clinical research. Topics include: Descriptive statistics, statistical inference probability theory and application, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, estimation, confidence intervals, measures of risk/association, association vs. causation, and pitfalls of p-values. Specific statistical analyses include: t-test, ANOVA, linear correlation, linear regression, relative risk, and the odds ratio with emphasis on clinical trial designs. (UG)
PAS 510: Advanced Human Anatomy I
2 Credit Hour(s)
Functional and applied human anatomy presented on a systemic basis. The course is divided into sections - general anatomical concepts, thorax, abdomen, perineum, and pelvis. 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: Three year program acceptance; Corequisites:PAS 510L, 511, 513, 514, 516, 516L, 535. (GR)
PAS 510L: Advanced Human Anatomy Laboratory
0 Credit Hour(s)
Laboratory techniques for Advanced Human Anatomy I. Corequisite: PAS 510. (GR)
PAS 511: Clinical Microbiology/Immunology
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is an introduction to clinical microbiology and immunology. As a clinical microbiology course, it will describe the general aspects of infectious diseases, as well as specific localized, systemic and multisystemic diseases caused by specific microorganisms. It will also briefly discuss disease control and prevention. As an immunology course, it will describe the specific and non-specific host defenses, immunological dysfunction and practical aspects of applied immunology. (GR)
PAS 513: Clinical Laboratory Medicine
2 Credit Hour(s)
The PAS 513 Clinical Lab Medicine course serves as an introduction to the study of laboratory and diagnostic tests. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of essential anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Laboratory and diagnostic tests on body fluids, tissues and cell samples can be used for multiple clinical purposes including but not limited to screening, risk assessment, establishing a diagnosis, support of a diagnosis, exclusion of a diagnosis, assisting in prognosis and helping to develop individualized treatment plans. This course will cover the most frequently used laboratory and diagnostic procedures utilized in the subspecialties of medicine that are covered in PAS 515 Fundamentals of Medicine I and PAS 519 Fundamentals of Medicine II. (GR)
PAS 514: Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hour(s)
Pathophysiology is the study of disease. Disease is a disorder of anatomic structure or physiologic function, which affects a part of or the entire body. This course is primarily concerned with the underlying processes associated with disease as well as environmental and genetic contributing factors. This course does not necessarily place a focus on the diagnosis or treatment of disease, although references to these topics will be made on occasion. In no way will this course attempt to try and cover all disease states. Selected disease states will be studied as examples of how variation from normal physiology affects the human body. (GR)
PAS 515: Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine I
5 Credit Hour(s)
This course serves as an introduction to the study of disease processes that commonly impact specific organ systems. Emphasis has been placed on the integration of the essential anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to the care of medical problems seen acutely and chronically, across the lifespan, with an emphasis on adult and geriatric populations. Students will be trained to understand and consider risk factors that increase the impact of disease, including gender, genetics, racial, ethnic and cultural differences, lifestyle habits and medical comorbidities. The differential diagnosis of symptoms and physical findings along with interpretation of laboratory and radiographic tests appropriate to each system are discussed. Additionally, the treatment plan, including appropriate setting, course, appropriate patient counseling and disease education, and rehabilitation and prevention of medical conditions in the various subtopics is also emphasized. Disease topics in the following areas are thoroughly covered - Pulmonology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Nephrology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Otolaryngology, Allergy & Immunology and Ophthalmology. (GR)
PAS 516: Advanced Human Anatomy II
2 Credit Hour(s)
These courses, PAS 510 and 516, taken concurrently in one semester, will build upon the fundamental content in embryology, histology, and gross anatomical structure acquired in General Anatomy (BIO 330). The focus will be on the detailed structure of the human body, with concentration on the relationships of normal and abnormal developmental processes to gross anatomical structure, and the relationships of normal and abnormal anatomical structure to function across the lifespan. Specific anatomic content will be presented on a regional basis. Various teaching/learning methods will be used including lecture utilizing 3D anatomy software, laboratory, and demonstrations. Laboratory sessions will provide the student with opportunities for identification of structures and appreciation of the three-dimensional macroscopic organization of these structures. Human cadaver dissection and prosection as well as the study of anatomic models will be utilized. (GR)
PAS 516L: Advanced Human Anatomy II Lab
0 Credit Hour(s)
Laboratory techniques for Advanced Human Anatomy II. Corequisite: PAS 516. (GR)
PAS 517: Physical Diagnosis I
3 Credit Hour(s)
Physical Diagnosis I is the first module of a dual semester course. It is presented in the spring semester of the first year of upper division and is complemented in the following fall semester by PAS 520 Physical Diagnosis II. PAS 517 consists of a 2.5 hour per week class lecture and a small group lab session each week, which provides the student opportunities to practice and demonstrate diagnostic knowledge and hands-on skills accumulated over the course of the semester. The overall course objective is for the student to learn to perform a complete and accurate physical examination and to be able to distinguish and describe normal vs. abnormal findings. Students will be expected to integrate the knowledge learned in anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine, and pharmacology relevant to some of the most common medical problems. Using appropriate medical terminology, students will demonstrate their ability to describe their clinical findings and assessments in written form. Additionally, students will be introduced to certain aspects of history-taking this semester and documentation of that information- including Past Medical History, Past Surgical History, Medications, Allergies and Family Medical History. Students must keep in mind that clinical competency encompasses many factors including a solid fund of medical knowledge, proficiency in clinical skills, appropriate attitudes, behaviors and critical thinking skills in their approach to the patient's medical concerns. (GR)
PAS 517L: Physical Diagnosis I Laboratory
1 Credit Hour(s)
Physical Diagnosis I Lab is a weekly lab which allows for students to practice and demonstrate the ability to perform an organ specific physical examination, as well as a comprehensive head to toe physical examination by completion of the semester. Each week of the laboratory experience covers a different organ system's appropriate physical examination. Additionally, through the course of this semester, students will be able to document their exam findings in appropriate format for patient notes. Students are expected to come to the lab prepared to demonstrate and refine their PD lab skills. Extensive outside time for the practice of skills is expected. (GR)
PAS 518: Pharmacology I
3 Credit Hour(s)
Pharmacology is the study of the action of chemical substances on biological systems. This course is primarily concerned with chemicals and drugs that have actions significant to the health and well-being of man - those substances which have important roles in the origin, prevention, alleviation, or curing of the diseases of human beings. A pharmacology course is an important and necessary part of the professional education of the physician assistant student. (GR)
PAS 520: Physical Diagnosis II
2 Credit Hour(s)
This course is a 2 credit hour course (a continuation of Physical diagnosis I) consisting of two hours of physical diagnosis lecture weekly. This course will provide opportunities for the student to learn and apply methods to gather historical data and properly document that information into a medical note. The interactive classroom lectures will prepare students to take a complete history, a follow-up history and acute organ system specific histories in the laboratory setting. There will also be a focus on the development of differential diagnoses throughout the semester. The course will be divided into two modules. Module 1 will cover the weekly lectures pertaining to outpatient notes and specific body systems. Module 2 will pertain to the various types of inpatient and surgical note. (GR)
PAS 520L: Physical Diagnosis II Laboratory
1 Credit Hour(s)
The Physical Diagnosis Laboratory meets weekly. Physical Diagnosis I is a prerequisite for this course as the psychomotor skills learned in Physical Diagnosis I will be utilized. Students are in a small group setting and will learn the foundation for eliciting a history for problem focused, follow up and well visits. As the semester proceeds, the students will incorporate choosing the appropriate physical examination and correct documentation for such visits. In addition to the weekly labs, each student will fully participate in one lab session completing the female pelvic examination and one lab completing the male genitourinary examination. (GR)
PAS 521: Pharmacology II
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is a continuation of Pharmacology I. The goal of the pharmacology course is to provide the Physician Assistant student with a basic understanding of pharmacological treatments in the areas of rheumatology, neurology, dermatology, women's health, endocrinology, psychiatry, emergency medicine and basic vitamin supplementation. The course cannot and does not attempt to discuss all drugs that are currently available. The student is provided with a solid foundation of current evidence based treatment guidelines upon which new information and clinical experience may be added. Prescribing information and safety profiles have the potential to change daily. When students begin working clinically, they need to be responsible for constantly changing research and information as they prescribe medications. Prescribing references will be utilized to aid students. Students should be able to recognize both generic or name brands of medications. (GR)
PAS 522: The Cultural and Psychosocial Dynamics of Medicine
3 Credit Hour(s)
During the semester, students will attend presentations from guest lecturers from our community on the important topics of domestic violence, child abuse, alternative medicine, death and dying, religion, pain management, addiction, nutrition, patients with disabilities, sexuality and cultural barriers to patient care. Students are introduced to concepts in health psychology and behavioral medicine which identify the cultural and psychosocial factors contributing to health, physical and emotional wellbeing. Emphasis is placed on establishing a relationship and understanding of the effects of culture and personality types. Selected books and continuing medical education have been chosen for the students to read pertaining to these topics. (GR)
PAS 524: Clinical Pediatrics
2 Credit Hour(s)
This is an introduction to the practice of ambulatory pediatrics. It is designed to provide the fourth semester PA student with a functional understanding of growth, development, and disease processes as they relate to the infant, child, and adolescent. Through integration of the basic and clinical sciences, the PA student will be exposed to hallmark conditions in neonatology, as well as, cardiology, hematology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, surgery, urology, infectious diseases, dermatology, gastroenterology, and psychiatry. Special attention will be given to wellness, health maintenance, patient/parent education (aka anticipatory guidance), and the most common or critical ambulatory care problems seen in the general pediatrician's office, urgent care center, or emergency department. While only 1-2% of physician assistants practice pediatric and adolescent medicine, the fundamental principles reviewed in this course will be important for any PA practicing in orthopedics, otolaryngology, emergency medicine, urgent care, and family medicine where it is not unusual to see many young patients. The course will require an advanced level of application of topics previously presented in courses such as medical terminology, pharmacology, microbiology, clinical medicine, physical diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, and clinical laboratory medicine. While theory will be discussed, practical and problem-solving skills such as writing notes, writing prescriptions, calculating fluids, developing differential diagnoses, determining nutritional needs, and evaluating immunization schedules will be emphasized. (GR)
PAS 525: Clinical Problem Solving
3 Credit Hour(s)
The purpose of the Clinical Problem Solving Course is to facilitate the student's assimilation of his/her medical and basic science knowledge. In conjunction with physical diagnosis information, students will learn to appropriately identify and address the health care problems that she/he may encounter in a clinical environment. By utilizing the Problem-Based Learning Method as an instructional model, students will work both in groups and individually. This course is designed to help students identify their individual knowledge base, learn how to utilize available resources and understand how they would approach solving an individual patient's problem(s). (GR)
PAS 526: Surgery
3 Credit Hour(s)
This multifaceted course is designed to provide the PA student with the academic preparation to succeed in his/her clinical clerkship(s) and evaluate/manage patients with surgical needs. This course encompasses general principles related to the management and care of patients with surgical conditions. Wound healing, surgical techniques, and pre- and post-operative management are studied. Surgical diseases of the head and neck, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological systems, are covered, as well as the approach to surgical emergencies and trauma. During small group lab experiences, basic procedures will be presented, including basic suturing techniques, casting, splinting, aseptic technique, gowning and gloving, and other procedures necessary to function in the surgical setting. This course will also provide a foundation for further study in Surgery or its subspecialties. The course includes the following components: Surgery, Casting and Splinting, Suturing, Aseptic Technique/Scrubbing, and Oncology/ Breast disease. (GR)
PAS 527: Geriatrics
2 Credit Hour(s)
Geriatrics is a 2 credit hour course presented in the Spring semester of the second year in the PA program. This course emphasizes an understanding of the aging process and the long term care of our population, while growing a students' awareness of the social context in which health care is provided to the elderly and chronically ill. The course focuses on the development of communication skills necessary to enhance the humanistic practice of geriatric medicine. Through lectures, guest faculty, assigned reading, class discussion, and group case projects, the student will learn the fundamentals of geriatric medicine and the multi-dimensional aspects of the long term care of an aging patient. (GR)
PAS 528: Emergency Medicine
3 Credit Hour(s)
Initial, life-saving management of ill and seriously injured (or potentially ill or injured) patients are the focus of this course. The systematic evaluation and work-up will be considered for a variety of patients presenting with life-threatening and emergent medical conditions. Basic skills, advanced procedures, and other interventions will be described and reviewed in this course. You will be reintroduced to many topics presented in the Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physical Diagnosis. However, the approach to each topic will now be tailored to the Emergency Department. Fundamental knowledge of clinical medicine is required for success in this course. If you identify personal weaknesses in any particular area, please review material from the aforementioned courses. (GR)
PAS 529: Research Methodology
3 Credit Hour(s)
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 present a case, identify a research question relevant to the practice of medicine, critically review the relevant clinical and scientific literature, write a research proposal, and present this proposal at a formal seminar. (GR)
PAS 531: Preventive Medicine
2 Credit Hour(s)
Preventive Medicine is an introduction to wellness and screening. Students are exposed to a multitude of topics that strongly rely on patient education for proper treatment. Guidelines for prevention will be reviewed/learned and students will practice conveying information via videos and with standarized patients. The focus of the course is adult wellness. Communication skills will be utilized, critiqued and evaluated in this course before the clinical year. (GR)
PAS 535: Medical Professional Issues I
1 Credit Hour(s)
Medical Professional Issues is a two-course series offered to all Daemen College Physician Assistant students during the didactic phase of the program. The class establishes a preliminary level of knowledge about the US healthcare system, the PA profession and its historical development, and other members represented on interprofessional medical teams. During the second year of the program, MPI II builds upon this foundation and serves as the primary venue to examine, at great depth and breadth, the professional issues delineated in the 5th Edition of the ARC-PA Standards. Together, the courses allow students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to abide by the laws and regulations that govern the PA profession and to practice medicine safely. But, perhaps more importantly, the courses prepare our graduates to be effective participants and leaders in the PA profession. (GR)
PAS 536: Medical Professional Issues II
2 Credit Hour(s)
This course is designed specifically for the 2nd year PA student and will build off the foundation established in the fall of 2020. It shall serve as the primary venue to examine, at great depth and breadth, the contemporary professional issues delineated in the 5th Edition of the ARC-PA Standards. The course will explore many facets of the US healthcare system and the role of PA's. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to assist them in abiding by the laws and regulations that govern PA practice. But, perhaps more importantly, students will be prepared to effectively participate as future leaders in the profession and advocates for patients. (GR)
PAS 538: Orthopedic Medicine
1 Credit Hour(s)
An introduction to the study of musculoskeletal injuries and disease processes. 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 musculoskeletal system. The differential diagnosis of symptoms and physical findings along with interpretation of laboratory and radiographic tests appropriate to each region are discussed. This course includes an Orthopedic Skills Laboratory opportunity, which focuses on the understanding of musculoskeletal special testing and physical examination skills by region. (GR)
PAS 538L: Orthopedic Medicine Lab
0 Credit Hour(s)
Laboratory portion of PAS 538. Co-requisites: 538. (GR)
PAS 601: Clerkship I
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 602: Clerkship II
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 603: Clerkship III
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 604: Clerkship IV
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 605: Clerkship V
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 606: Clerkship VI
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 607: Clerkship VII
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 608: Clerkship VIII
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 609: Clerkship IX
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 610: Clerkship X
3 Credit Hour(s)
As part of a comprehensive and coordinated 40 week clinical schedule, each four (4) week full-time clerkship is designed to offer the PA student supervised clinical practice 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, and psychiatry/behavioral medicine. (GR)
PAS 612: Research I
1 Credit Hour(s)
In this course, students will write a research paper based on a patient case study. The student will choose a case that he/she participated in while on clinical rotation. Students will utilize EBP (Evidence-Based Practice) principles to write a clinical case study for their peers. The case will be written following the guidelines outlined below and be presented to his/her faculty advisor during a one on one case management defense. (GR)
PAS 613: Research II
1 Credit Hour(s)
In this course, students will present a clinical case to their peers in a Grand Rounds format. This course will follow the completion of PAS 612 Research I. The student will choose a case that he/she actively participated in while on clinical rotation. The case will be presented to the student's research group and faculty advisor. (GR)
PAS 614: Clinical Seminar I
2 Credit Hour(s)
The purpose of Clinical Seminar I is to ascertain that the physician assistant student can apply the knowledge required to successfully transition to the program's clinical phase. This course also prepares students to work collaboratively in interprofessional patient centered teams and apply these principles beyond the physician-physician assistant role, as well as being their journey of lifelong learning. (GR)
PAS 615: Clinical Seminar II
2 Credit Hour(s)
As a supplement to the experience and knowledge gained through the completion of supervised clinical practice experiences, students enrolled in the final year of the Daemen University PA Program will prepare for clinical practice and the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) through the callback day lectures, in-class activities, journal club, interprofessional reflection, and assessment and plan assignments. The purpose of Clinical Seminar II is to ascertain that the physician assistant student can apply the knowledge required to successfully continue in the program's clinical phase and continue their journey of lifelong learning through Continued Medical Education including obtaining MAT training. This course also prepares students to work collaboratively in interprofessional patient centered teams and apply these principles beyond the physician-physician assistant role. (GR)
PAS 616: Clinical Seminar III
2 Credit Hour(s)
As a supplement to the experience and knowledge gained through the completion of supervised clinical practice experiences, students enrolled in the final year of the Daemen University PA Program will prepare for clinical practice and the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) through the callback day lectures, in-class activities, interprofessional reflection, and assessment and plan assignments, and faculty assessment/mentoring. The purpose of Clinical Seminar III is to ensure the student has the medical knowledge, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors necessary to transition to clinical practice and be a competent practicing physician assistant. This course will integrate information from specific courses and experiences into unified concepts, in preparation for the PANCE and a career in clinical practice. Students will reflect on experiences working collaboratively on interprofessional patient centered teams, as well as continue their journey of lifelong learning with continued medical education as required by the NCCPA and successful clinical practice. (GR)