MEL 8390: Hepatology Elective

Dr. Guy Neff and Faculty

This course will familiarize and introduce the senior medical student to multifaceted field of Hepatology. The medical student will be afforded the opportunity to learn from team members of a top five US solid organ transplant program. This course should provide an invaluable clinical experience particularly for those who wish to pursue further training in any surgical or medical field. The student will be involved in the numerous aspects of patient care, will receive daily didactic education, have the potential to participate in research projects, and offered the opportunity to observe the “gift of life” liver transplantation. The medical student will have the opportunity to help assist with critical ill patients, observe numerous endoscopic procedures, and observe the transplant selection committee.

Objectives

1. Understand the various etiologies and methods of treatment for acute and chronic liver disease.
2. Learn and appreciate the various pathophysiologic disease mechanisms within the liver.
3. Obtain an improved knowledge base and understanding of complications related to cirrhosis and hepatic end organ failure.
4. Recognition will be given for exceptional performance.

In addition, there will be exposure to the management of pre and post liver transplant patients. This will be achieved by the interpretation of symptoms and physical findings, utilization of appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations, and review of pathologic material. Patients are seen at Tampa General Hospital.

Students will participate at scheduled conferences, and may optionally be asked to present at a conference. The opportunity for a short research project will also be available.

 Any student interested in this rotation is encouraged to contact Dr. Neff at gneff@tgh.org.