2021-2022 Electives Catalog

Contact:

Dr. Srinivas Bharadwaj
sribharadwaj@usf.edu

Report to:

Contact Dr. Bharadwaj  at sribharadwaj@usf.edu

Description:

Advanced anatomy is an elective course designed to provide prospective students with an opportunity to review anatomical sciences and revisit systems that relate to future residency interests. It is formulated in a manner to enhance student’s knowledge of the fundamental of anatomy applicable to the anatomical basis of diseases that pertain to surgical as well as non-surgical fields.

Objectives:

1. Perform an in-depth study of anatomy as it relates to surgical and other clinically relevant disciplines

2. List the major pathologic processes that has a distinct gross anatomic correlate

3. Outline the anatomic basis of procedures and associated complications

4. Understand the structural organization of the human body to the interpretation of disease processes

5. Develop experience and demonstrate competence in dissection/prosection techniques

6. Develop in depth understanding of three-dimensional presentations of anatomy through prosection

7. Develop the ability to work independently and responsibly, and interact with peers and Faculty

8. Self-assess and communicate to peers and faculty their understanding of Anatomy

9. Engage in teaching through interactive laboratory settings.

Rotation Activities:

N/A

Patient Encounters:

N/A

Evaluation:

Evaluation is based on completion of the assignments. Please see the syllabus. 

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

SonoSim modules can be completed online. Periods 8-10 are offered as hands-on rotations only.

Contact:

Dr. Hector Lopez-Cardona
lopezh@usf.edu

Report to:

Contact Dr. Lopez-Cardona  at lopezh@usf.edu

Description:

Applied Head and Neck Anatomy is an elective course designed to provide prospective students with an opportunity to review relevant anatomical sciences and revisit systems that relate to future residency interests. It is formulated in a manner to enhance student’s knowledge of the fundamental of anatomy applicable to the anatomical basis of diseases that pertain to surgical as well as non-surgical fields.

Objectives:

1. Perform an in-depth study of anatomy as it relates to surgical and other clinically relevant disciplines

2. List the major pathologic processes that has a distinct gross anatomic correlate

3. Outline the anatomic basis of procedures and associated complications

4. Understand the structural organization of the human body to the interpretation of disease processes

5. Develop experience and demonstrate competence in dissection/prosection techniques

6. Develop in depth understanding of three-dimensional presentations of anatomy through prosection

7. Develop the ability to work independently and responsibly, and interact with peers and Faculty

8. Self-assess and communicate to peers and faculty their understanding of Anatomy

9. Engage in teaching through interactive laboratory settings.

Rotation Activities:

N/A

Patient Encounters:

N/A

Evaluation:

Evaluation is based on completion of the assignments. Please see the syllabus. 

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

SonoSim modules can be completed online. Periods 8-10 are offered as hands-on rotations only.

Contact:

Dr. Hector Lopez-Cardona
lopezh@usf.edu

Report to:

Contact Dr. Lopez-Cardona  at lopezh@usf.edu

Description:

Applied Anatomy of Musculoskeletal System is an elective course designed to provide prospective students with an opportunity to review relevant anatomical sciences and revisit systems that relate to future residency interests. It is formulated in a manner to enhance student’s knowledge of the fundamental of anatomy applicable to the anatomical basis of diseases that pertain to surgical as well as non-surgical fields.

Objectives:

1. Perform an in-depth study of anatomy as it relates to surgical and other clinically relevant disciplines

2. List the major pathologic processes that has a distinct gross anatomic correlate

3. Outline the anatomic basis of procedures and associated complications

4. Understand the structural organization of the human body to the interpretation of disease processes

5. Develop experience and demonstrate competence in dissection/prosection techniques

6. Develop in depth understanding of three-dimensional presentations of anatomy through prosection

7. Develop the ability to work independently and responsibly, and interact with peers and Faculty

8. Self-assess and communicate to peers and faculty their understanding of Anatomy

9. Engage in teaching through interactive laboratory settings.

Rotation Activities:

N/A

Patient Encounters:

N/A

Evaluation:

Evaluation is based on completion of the assignments. Please see the syllabus. 

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

SonoSim modules can be completed online. Periods 8-10 are offered as hands-on rotations only.

Contact:

Nan.Schwann@lvhn.org
(484) 866-9581

Report to:

CC OR – Anesthesia work room

Description:

The course is directed towards medical students who plan to enter Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, or Emergency Medicine. The course emphasis will be tailored to the medical specialty the extern expects to enter and the skill set of the student. Excellent hand-eye coordination is a must for this course, since students are expected to perform procedures on patients.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to introduce the student(s) to the practical/hands on approach to anesthesiology with emphasis on airway management, respiratory physiology, cardiovascular physiology, perioperative management, and invasive procedures. 

Rotation Activities:

Medical students are expected to make preoperative rounds with the anesthesiology staff on patients scheduled for surgery. Preoperative examinations and assessments of patients are expected. Participation in the decisions of anesthetic drugs and anesthesia choice are required. Students will assist in the preparation of the patients for surgery which include starting IV’s, connecting monitoring equipment, learning the pharmacology of various anesthestic agents, and learn to problem solve basic anesthetic situations. Emphasis on airway management include placement of LMAs, LTDs, masking patients, and intubation via direct laryngoscopy and video laryngosocpy. Invasive procedures include arterial line insertions and central line placement. An introduction to peripheral regional blocks will be included for those students that express an interest. Students will follow their patients throughout the anesthetic care into the postoperative recovery for continuity of care. 

Patient Encounters:

Preoperative / Intraoperative Patients - Multiple

Evaluation:

Oral, practical, and/or written evaluations of medical students will include clinical performance, medical knowledge, professionalism, motivation, and ability to problem solve.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Thomas Finney
Thomas.Finney@moffitt.org

Dr. Raymond Evans
Raymond.Evans@moffitt.org

Report to:

Second Floor MCB Anesthesia Department
12902 Magnolia Dr., Tampa, FL 33612

Description:

The course is directed towards medical students who plan to enter Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, or Emergency Medicine. The course emphasis will be tailored to the medical specialty the extern expects to enter and the skill set of the student.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to introduce the student(s) to the practical/hands on approach to anesthesiology with emphasis on airway management, respiratory physiology, cardiovascular physiology, perioperative management, and invasive procedures. 

Rotation Activities:

Medical students are expected to make preoperative rounds with the anesthesiology staff on patients scheduled for surgery. Preoperative examinations and assessments of patients are expected. Participation in the decisions of anesthetic drugs and anesthesia choice are required. Students will assist in the preparation of the patients for surgery which include starting IV’s, connecting monitoring equipment, learning the pharmacology of various anesthestic agents, and learn to problem solve basic anesthetic situations. Emphasis on airway management include placement of LMAs, LTDs, masking patients, and intubation via direct laryngoscopy and video laryngosocpy. Invasive procedures include arterial line insertions and central line placement. An introduction to peripheral regional blocks will be included for those students that express an interest.

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

Oral, practical, and/or written evaluations of medical students will include clinical performance, medical knowledge, professionalism, motivation, and ability to problem solve.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Heather Kimrey 
Heather.Kimrey@va.gov  
(813) 972-2000, ext. 5946
(813) 808-3713 (cell phone)

Report to:

James A. Haley VA Medical Center
Room 2C-211 (second floor)
Monday at 8:00 AM (except for holidays)

Description:

The course is directed towards medical students who plan to enter Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, or Emergency Medicine.  The course emphasis will be tailored to the medical specialty the extern expects to enter and skill set of the student.  Excellent hand-eye coordination is a must for this course, since students are expected to perform procedures on patients.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to introduce the student(s) to the practical/hands on approach to anesthesiology with emphasis on airway management, respiratory physiology, cardiovascular physiology, perioperative management, and invasive procedures. 

Rotation Activities:

Medical students are expected to make preoperative rounds with the anesthesiology staff on patients scheduled for surgery.  Preoperative examinations and assessments of patients are expected.  Participation in the decisions of anesthetic drugs and anesthesia choice are required.  Students will assist in the preparation of the patients for surgery which include starting IV’s, connecting monitoring equipment, learning the pharmacology of various anesthetic agents, and learn to problem solve basic anesthetic situations.  Emphasis on airway management include placement of laryngeal mask airways, esophageal airway devices, bag masking patients, and intubation via both direct laryngoscopy and video laryngoscopy.   Invasive procedures include arterial line insertions and central line placement.  An introduction to peripheral regional blocks will be included for those students that express an interest.  Students will follow their patients throughout the anesthetic care into the postoperative recovery for continuity of care. An introduction to Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) and/or Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) would be presented to students interested.

Patient Encounters:

The patient case types will depend on the medical specialty the student plans to enter.

Evaluation:

Oral, practical, and/or written evaluations of the medical students will include clinical performance, medical knowledge, professionalism, motivation, and ability to problem solve.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Ashley Sanford
asanford@usf.edu
(813) 974-4381

Report to:

Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare
13330 USF Laurel Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
Dermatology, 6th Floor

Description:

Upon completion of this elective, the student will be able to conduct a full dermatologic examination and will be able to recognize and offer reasonable management for common dermatologic disorders, including those primary in the integument and those associated with systemic disease. Students will rotate throughout the elective at the USF Morsani Center, the James A. Haley VA Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, and other ancillary clinics. The student will attend various weekly conferences with the Dermatology residents. Periods 2, 3 and 4 are reserved for students applying to dermatology residency programs.

Objectives:

1. Accurately describe primary and secondary dermatologic lesions as well as patterns of distribution.

2. Conduct a total body skin exam and detect suspicious and abnormal findings.

3. Identify the most common inflammatory skin diseases.

4. Identify the major types of skin cancers.

5. Recognize skin manifestations of internal disease.

6. Perform shave and punch biopsies.

7. Understand the concepts of skin patch testing.

8. Understand the appropriate management for common dermatologic disorders including neoplasms

Rotation Activities:

The students will rotate through the following clinics in dermatology:

• General dermatology clinics at Morsani Center, VA, 17 Davis

• Pigmented lesion clinics at Moffitt Cancer Center

• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma clinic at Moffitt Cancer Center

• High Risk Solid-Organ Transplant Dermatology Clinic at TGH

• Mohs/surgical dermatology at Morsani Center

• Inpatient consult service at Tampa General Hospital

Additionally, the students will be provided didactics on the fundamentals of dermatology and be involved in a hands-on wet lab session where they will learn basic dermatologic procedures including shave biopsies, scallop biopsies, punch biopsies, surgical excisions. 

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

10-minute Case Presentation to be made at a morning Resident Conference.  Student progress and performance in the clinical setting will be evaluated by the faculty and residents.

Syllabus:

Handbook with general information about clinic duties and expectations (i.e., dress code, conduct, etc.) will be provided on the first day of the rotation.  Dermatology reading for students is also described in the handbook, along with references for textbooks, online and other pertinent dermatology information.

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via USF Health Morsani College of Medicine on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Ashley Sanford
asanford@usf.edu 
(813) 974-4381

Report to:

Paul Rodriguez-Waitkus, MD, PhD
Director, Dermatopathology Lab, 4^th Floor
Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare
13330 USF Laurel Drive
Tampa, FL  33612

Description:

This course is designed for students interested in expanding their knowledge of dermatopathology. Students will receive didactic and case-based instruction in dermatopathology using daily microscope, sign-out with attending faculty, and attending weekly dermatopathology teaching conferences. Students may have the opportunity to participate in research in the form of co-authoring a case report, meeting abstract, or assisting with a portion of a larger departmental research project with a resident or faculty member, if one is available during the rotation.

Objectives:

1.  Understand how to accurately describe and identify primary and secondary dermatologic lesions by microscopic examination

2.  Learn to identify the most common inflammatory skin diseases by microscopic examination.

3.  Ascertain how to identify the major types of skin cancers by microscopic examination

4.  Participate in research by co-authoring a case report, meeting abstract or assisting with a portion of a larger departmental research project with a resident or faculty member depending on availability of such a project

Rotation Activities:

Attend dermatopathology conferences twice a week

Invited to attend the “Dermatopathology Consenus Meeting” with all dermatopathologists from USF, MCC & VA Medical Center to review and discuss unusual, challenging cases, in order to gain different perspectives to confirm a diagnosis.

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

The student will be evaluated by the faculty & residents in dermatopathology.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via USF Health Morsani College of Medicine on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Ashley Sanford
asanford@usf.edu
(813) 974-4381

Report to:

Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare
13330 USF Laurel Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
Dermatology, 6th Floor

Description:

This course allows third year students to gain exposure to various topics in Dermatology by special arrangement with the Dermatology department director, Dr. Nishit Patel.

Objectives:

Our goal is to provide you with a 2-week precursor to your 4^th year elective in dermatology. 

1. Gain general understanding of the variety of diseases managed by dermatologists

2. Gain general understanding of the variety of procedures performed by dermatologists

3. Accurately describe primary and secondary dermatologic lesions as well as patterns of distribution.

4. Identify the most common inflammatory skin diseases.

5. Identify the major types of skin cancers.

Rotation Activities:

The students will be assigned a mix of clinical experiences from the list below:

• General dermatology clinics at Morsani Center, VA, 17 Davis

• Pigmented lesion clinics at Moffitt Cancer Center

• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma clinic at Moffitt Cancer Center

• High Risk Solid-Organ Transplant Dermatology Clinic at TGH

• Mohs/surgical dermatology at Morsani Center

The student will attend various weekly conferences with the Dermatology residents.

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

Student progress and performance in the clinical setting will be evaluated by the faculty and residents.

Syllabus:

Handbook with general information about clinic duties and expectations (i.e., dress code, conduct, etc.) will be provided on the first day of the rotation.  Dermatology reading for students is also described in the handbook, along with references for textbooks, online and other pertinent dermatology information.

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Pamela Bhowanidin
(813) 844-7044

Dr. Justin Arnold
jkarnold@usf.edu

Report to:

One Davis Blvd, Suite 203 (Second Floor) at 9 am on the first weekday of the rotation

Description:

Medical Toxicology is best described broadly as the field of medicine with expertise in the health effects caused by pharmaceuticals, occupational exposures and environmental agents. Toxicologists assist in the management of medication overdoses, addiction and withdrawal states, envenomations, hazardous materials exposures and workplace hazards. Toxicologists oversee the clinical operations of a Poison Center.

Objectives:

1. Become familiar with fundamental concepts underpinning the clinical management of Toxicological patients. Participation in the diagnosis and treatment of selected acute and chronic exposures in adults and children is expected. Elements of competency include reliable history-taking, physical examination aimed at the detection of toxidromes, formulation of differential diagnoses, implementation of treatment, and development of safe disposition plans.

2. Understand the principles, methods and controversies related to limiting toxic exposures by decontamination including gastric lavage, activated charcoal administration, renal replacement therapy, ion trapping, and hyperbaric oxygen.

3. Review knowledge of basic kinetic principles of drug absorption, redistribution, metabolism, and elimination.

 4. Learn guiding principles of the management of acute intoxication in the Emergency Department.  Commonly abused drugs for specific socioeconomic groups, occupational toxins and hazards, as well as withdrawal syndrome will be reviewed. 

 5. Become familiar with selected antidotes, their uses, doses, side effects and limitations.

 6. Observe the clinical operation of a Poison Center. Understand the public health role of the Poison Centers in gathering and disseminating data including protected health information (PHI).

 7. Understand basic management and response principles related to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents.

 8. Manage a variety of poisoned patients through daily case-based learning, case review, and consultations.

Rotation Activities:

1. A mandatory orientation is to be attended by the student in the first few days of the rotation.

2. Observation and participation in telephone consultations at the Florida Poison Information – Tampa is expected. Students will review cases referred for medical treatment and other cases of interest.

3. Participation in daily case review of active poison center paints is required.  

4. Participation in a variety of teaching activities, including but not limited to in person lectures, webinars, statewide journal club, off-site visits to local zoos and toxicology-related public health meetings and events, and regional training and conferences (when possible).

5. Asynchronous learning through the assignment of selected journal articles relevant to the practical application of toxicology in the acute care setting.  Approximately 10 articles are routinely assigned, and ample time is provided to review the assigned articles.

6. Optional preparation of an abstract suitable for submission to a regional, national, or international conference on an interesting patient presentation encountered during the rotation.

7. Students will be expected to prepare a 15-minute presentation on a pre-approved topic of their choice to be shared with toxicology rotators and poison center staff.

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

1. Individual case presentations and management will be assessed during discussion with the medical toxicologist.

2. Attendance at daily case discussion, lectures, webinars, and other poison center activities will be counted in the evaluation.

3. Reading of assigned journal activities will be assessed through two quizzes throughout the rotation.  One quiz will occur halfway through the rotation while the second quick will occur at the end of the rotation.

4. The quality of the prepared abstract will be counted in the evaluation.

5. Input on professionalism and participation will be solicited from the Poison Center staff.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via USF Health Morsani College of Medicine on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Dawn Yenser
Dawn.Yenser@lvhn.org
(484) 884-2489
LVH-M 5th Fl South Building

Report to:

Will be provided one week prior to the start of the rotation.

Description:

This acting internship integrates clinical skills and evidence-based medicine through didactic lectures, performance of clinical procedures, hands-on clinical experiences, observation and direct interaction with faculty, individual patients, and families. Students will manage the patient using the "team approach," which involves EMTs, nurses, physicians, and students. Students are expected to evaluate patients, address their presenting complaints, initiate workups, and provide definitive therapies.

Objectives:

This rotation will enrich students' knowledge, help them develop history-taking ability, physical skill assessment, diagnostic and management skills, as well as help them develop a caring, compassionate and empathetic attitude in dealing with patients and their families.

Rotation Activities:

Suture lab, splint lab, journal club, EBM lecture, ultrasound didactic and hands-on, trauma simulation, critical care simulation, grand rounds, EMS ride-along, autopsy, spend a day with a nurse (procedures) and toxicology lectures

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

Students will be graded based on clinical evaluations from their preceptors. Additionally, students will be required to take a series of online open book quizzes.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via Lehigh Valley Network on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Dr. Andrew Thomas
Andrew_Thomas@teamhealth.com
AThomasEM@gmail.com
(407) 529-9061

Report to:

Emergency Department, second floor of TGH
First Monday of the rotation (unless otherwise instructed due to holiday)

Time and exact location will be sent via email several days before start of rotation

Description:

This acting internship integrates clinical skills and evidence-based medicine through didactic lectures, performance of clinical procedures, hands-on clinical experiences, observation and direct interaction with faculty, individual patients, and families. Students will manage the patient using the "team approach," which involves EMTs, nurses, physicians, and students. Students are expected to evaluate patients, address their presenting complaints, initiate workups, and provide definitive therapies.

Objectives:

This rotation will enrich students' knowledge, help them develop history-taking ability, physical skill assessment, diagnostic and management skills, as well as help them develop a caring, compassionate and empathetic attitude in dealing with patients and their families.

Rotation Activities:

Students will participate in the following activities:

1. Attendance & participation at weekly grand rounds (Wednesday mornings - virtual or in-person)

2. Obtain history and perform physical evaluation of patients in the emergency department

3. Presentation of patient cases to attending physicians and/or senior residents, including differential diagnosis and management plans

4. Performance of available procedures including but not limited to laceration repair, incision & drainage, endotracheal intubation, ultrasound, central line placement, and other procedures deemed appropriate

5. Gain experience with ED point-of-care ultrasound

6. Additional events such as disaster drills, simulation, EMS rides,  or special conference events may occur

Patient Encounters:

There are not required quotas for the number and types of patients seen, however it is expected that students will attempt to see a high volume of patients (consistent with their comfort level) without compromising patient care. Students should attempt to see a variety of chief complaints.

Evaluation:

Student grades are based on daily attending evaluations and attendance at emergency medicine conferences. There is an end of rotation exam.  Students will give a 3-5 minute presentation of an interesting case during an end of rotation meeting and this also is used for grading purposes.

Syllabus:

Will be provided in orientation email

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via USF Health Morsani College of Medicine on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Dr. Jason Wilson
tampaerdoc@gmail.com

Report to:

Dr. Jason Wilson

Description:

Students participating in the elective should be interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine. 

Objectives:

1. Obtain human subjects research certification and understand the principles and history of human subjects research. During this process, student will obtain CITI certification.

2. Understand the administrative infrastructure necessary to operationalize emergency medicine/acute care research

3. Develop the ability to design and evaluate testable scientific hypotheses for clinical research

4. Participate in monthly Journal Club

5. Become familiar with study protocols, FDA regulations for clinical research, patient consent process

Rotation Activities:

1. Obtain CITI certification

2. Attend Hospital Research Meetings

3. Attend EM Grand Rounds

4. Liaison with Research Assistant clinical Team

5. Develop scholarly project in conjunction with Research Director

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

The student will be assessed during this rotation in four ways.

1. 25% participation at assigned meetings and research shifts

2. 25% observations of student motivation/achievement/abilities during patient and staff interactions

3. 25% participation and completion of Journal Club assignment (3 articles each with journal club worksheet)

4. 25% online, open-notes/open-resource quiz on the foundations of EBM

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

Any interested student should contact Dr. Wilson to plan the elective. This should be done at least 3 months prior to the start of the elective. 

Contact:

Anish Zachariah, MD
ZachariahMD@gmail.com

Report to:

Dept. of Emergency Medicine
One Davis Blvd. Suite 502
Tampa, FL 33609

Description:

Because of the wide array or patients and pathology, the rotation is an excellent introduction to acute care and primary care medicine regardless of which ever field the student may be considering. It is required pre-requisite for those USF students considering Emergency Medicine as as career.

Objectives:

This rotation will enrich students' knowledge, help them develop history-taking ability, physical skill assessment, and diagnostic and management skills, procedural skills, as well as help them develop a caring, compassionate, and empathetic attitude in dealing with patients and their families.

Rotation Activities:

This introduction to Emergency Medicine integrates clinical skills and evidence-based medicine through didactic lectures, observation, performance of clinical procedures, hands-on clinical experiences, and direct interaction with faculty, individual patients, and families. Students will manage the patient using the "team approach," which involves EMTs, nurses, physicians, and students. They are expected to evaluate patients, address their presenting complaints, initiate workups, and provide definitive therapies. There is also interactive simulated skills sessions ranging from suturing, central lines, lumbar puncture, and intubations.

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

The student's grade is primarily based on daily attending evaluations but will incorporate quality case presentations, clinical skills evaluation, required attendance at emergency medicine conferences, and written testing.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

No

Special Instructions:

N/A

Contact:

Crystal Walker
One City Center
707 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

Crystal.Walker@lvhn.org
(484) 862-3066

Report to:

Will be provided one week prior to the start of the rotation

Description:

The Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley (NHCLV) is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center serving the under-served community of Allentown. Understanding health in a broad context, we seek to partner with our patients and community to build skills for stronger families and a healthier community.  In January of 2017, NHCLV received a Pennsylvania Department of Health award as a Center of Excellence for Opiate Use Disorders to develop screening, medication assisted treatment with naltrexone or buprenorphine/naloxone, community partnerships and community based care management with an interdisciplinary team.  People with opiate use disorders, who often have tangled story of poverty, isolation and co-morbidity, frequently slip through the cracks of the usual fragmented systems of care.  Our care teams work intensively with people with opiate use disorders wherever they need us, whether that is in our office, in the community or in their homes, to develop the relationships and understanding they need to engage in care and meet their own goals for treatment.  This elective is designed to introduce senior students to comprehensive, relationship centered care for complex patients with opiate use disorders in community settings.  At the intersection of community health and primary care, students will work with our Outreach Teams as health coaches and story gatherers to partner with patients and learn from the patient's point of view what it takes to live a good life in the face of complex issues inherent in opiate use disorders. 

Objectives:

1. Develop empathy and deeper understanding by developing relationships with patients and hearing their stories

2. Identify social determinants of health across the lifespan that contribute to opiate use disorders

3. Walk with patients and describe how healthcare systems designed to help sometimes do harm

4. Develop skills in health coaching for self management of complex health issues using motivational interviewing techniques

5. Describe the roles in interdisciplinary team and progression to transformation for patients engaged in program

6. Understand treatment options for patients with opiate use disorders, including community based organizations and community building programs

7. Describe the health policy implications of learnings from personal experiences including service delivery redesign, payment reform, and outcomes at local, state and federal levels

8. Reflect on implications for relationship centered care in student's vision of personal practice

Rotation Activities:

Students will participate in daily team rounds, initial assessments, primary care and medication assisted treatment,  home visits, and accompany patients to specialist visits and community organizations.  Students will also have opportunities to work closely with our community engagement including our Timebank service exchange and community organizing. Each student will identify individual learning goals and present either a topic or project to the team.

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

Students will work in close contact with the interdisciplinary team and participate in daily huddles.  They will meet with the elective director at or before the beginning of the course to set learning goals, and at the midpoint and end of rotation to debrief experiences and offer feedback. Students will provide the course director with weekly reflections.  End of rotation assignments include a patient and a final presentation to the team and leadership group on the topic of their choice.  Grading for this elective will be S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).  Students who complete all assignments and engage respectfully with the team and patients will be assessed as satisfactory by the elective director.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via Lehigh Valley Network on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

Any interested student must contact Dr. Letcher to plan specific goals and activities for the elective.

Mackenzie Mady, DO
200 Schuylkill Medical Plaza
Pottsville, PA 17901

Mackenzie.mady@lvhn.org
Office: (570) 621-9270

Report to:

Students will be contacted by Dr. Mady and Diane Boris a week prior to the rotation to coordinate housing as well as to gather more information re: the student’s interests in an effort to tailor the experience. Reporting information will be discussed at this time.

Description:

This is a rural/underserved health elective in which a student will be matched with an attending physician in the Schuylkill County area.  Responsibilities will largely be assisting with out-patient clinical care in a rural primary care office, though students may be expected to participate in hospital rounds/ER call at a hospital local to the primary practice site (depending upon preceptor).   This clerkship WILL INCLUDE A DAILY COMMUTE OF UP TO 60 minutes each direction if driving from LVHN- Cedar Crest; though, housing within the local community is provided.  Students should also note that "rural/underserved" is a relative term.  Many areas within 60 minutes of LVHN-Cedar Crest fit the definition and are typical of rural Pennsylvania.  However, these are not REMOTE rural communities, which have a different flavor and feel.  Students interested in a remote experience should consider other options.     

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast the health needs and problems encountered in rural or underserved practice to those encountered in prior urban practice rotations

2. Identify the unique opportunities and challenges to medical practice and life in a rural or underserved community

3. Introduce/sensitize the student to cross-cultural issues in health care

4. Understand the mechanisms and indications for consultation and referral in rural or underserved practice settings

5. Evaluate the business management of rural or underserved practice, including availability of organized funding for patient care, managed care, etc.

Rotation Activities:

1. Arrangements for a specific time commitment will be made through the Department of Family Medicine.

2. The student will accompany the clinic physician Monday through Friday at the designated clinic site, will see patients, and will perform procedures assigned by the preceptor under his/her supervision.

3. Opportunities are available for additional practice activities within the hospital (e.g. pediatric hospitalists and emergency department), local specialists (e.g. cardiology and pulmnology), and in the community.

4. Students may travel to LVPG Family Medicine Hamburg for additional procedures, as well as Allentown for residency-based activities/activities related to the students’ particular interests

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

The assigned faculty preceptor will provide an individual evaluation addressing the student's adaptability and understanding as well as knowledge, judgment, and rapport.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via Lehigh Valley Network on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

Diane Boris, MBA coordinates housing:
700 East Norwegian Street
Pottsville, PA 17901
Phone: 570-621-4142
Email: Diane.Boris@lvhn.org

Contact:

Linda Giordano
lindag@usf.edu
(813) 974-1996

Victor Rodriguez Cruz
Coordinator of Clinical Training & Enrichment
Gulfcoast North AHEC
vrodriguez@gnahec.org
(813) 929-1000 ext. 209

Report to:

Will be provided prior to the start of the rotation.

Description:

This elective rotation is designed to introduce the senior student to the unique characteristics of medical practice in a rural or underserved community. Students will be supervised by clinical family physician faculty and will gain a better understanding of providing care to a medically underserved population and the tremendous health needs that exist.

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast the health needs and problems encountered in rural or underserved practice to those encountered in prior urban practice rotations

2. Identify the unique opportunities and challenges to medical practice and life in a rural or underserved community

3. Introduce/sensitize the student to cross-cultural issues in health care

4. Understand the mechanisms and indications for consultation and referral in rural or underserved practice settings

5. Evaluate the business management of rural or underserved practice, including availability of organized funding for patient care, managed care, etc.

Rotation Activities:

1. Arrangements for a specific time commitment will be made through the Department of Family Medicine in conjunction with Gulfcoast North AHEC.

2. The student will accompany the physician during the course of the preceptor’s schedule  (which may involve a Saturday clinic or extended evening hours ) at the designated clinic site, will see patients, and will perform procedures assigned by the preceptor under his/her supervision.

3. At certain locations opportunities are available for additional practice activities within the hospital, emergency department, and in the community.

Patient Encounters:

Evaluation:

The assigned faculty preceptor will provide an individual evaluation addressing the student's adaptability and understanding as well as knowledge, judgment, and rapport.

Syllabus:

Visiting Students:

Yes. Apply via USF Health Morsani College of Medicine on VSAS.

Special Instructions:

At certain sites this elective is available to USF students only. The Department of Family Medicine and Gulfcoast North AHEC will make the final arrangements. Availability at all clinic sites is per the preceptor’s approval.

Sites

Premier Community HealthCare Group (Dade City), Suncoast Community Health Care Centers (Ruskin, Dover, Plant City), Community Health Centers of Pinellas (Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs), or Citrus County Health Department (Lecanto) 

Contact:

Linda Giordano
lindag@usf.edu
(813) 974-1996

Victor Cruz
Coordinator of Clinical Training & Enrichment
Gulfcoast North AHEC
vrodriguez@gnahec.org
(813) 929-1000 ext. 209

Report to:

Will be provided prior to the start of the rotation.