A Strong Foundation in Podiatric Training

Microbiology includes the study of physiology, biochemistry, and genetic traits of bacteria and viruses that contribute to human pathology. This is a basic course that describes for the future clinician the biochemical structure of the bacterial cell, its appearance, how it grows and carries out its genetic functions. The structure of viruses and mechanisms of viral infection are also presented. The course also includes the presentation and discussion of pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Sterilization techniques by which instruments and materials that are used in surgical procedures are also taught.
Prerequisites: None

Biochemistry is the study of biological systems at the chemical and molecular level. The course content will stress human biochemistry and its clinical applications. Lecture topics include the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids as well as a discussion of enzymes, vitamins and hormones. The Biochemistry of specific tissues will be presented, and the clinical significance emphasized.
Prerequisites: None

In this course, the microscopic and ultrastructural features of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems are taught in both lecture and laboratory sessions. The structural organization of the body is related to the functional histophysiology of the different organs. This course of study provides the student with an understanding of cell and organ function and gives a firm foundation for more advanced coursework in the curriculum, particularly pathology and pathophysiology.
Prerequisites: None

Genetics is playing an increasingly important role in the practice of clinical medicine including podiatric medicine and is now becoming a central component of our understanding of most major diseases. Therefore, it is important for Podiatrists to understand the principles of Human Genetics. “Introduction to Human Genetics,” will introduce students to the basic concepts of Human Genetics, including patterns of inheritance, chromosomal structure and abnormal chromosome patterns, genetic variation, biochemical genetics and population genetics. Students will also get practice taking family histories and analyzing pedigrees.
Prerequisites: None

This Medical Physiology course addresses the functioning of the normal human body with particular consideration of clinical deviations from normal. The functioning of the following systems will be covered: the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous and endocrine systems as well as membranes, muscle, bone. Regulatory mechanisms and the contributions of each system to homeostasis are emphasized, as are integration with clinical conditions. The “laboratory” part of the course provides 1) an introduction to a variety of clinical measurements including some limited hands-on skill development, 2) group presentations of clinical cases with physiological underpinnings and 3) several patient/student cases for clinical problem solving exercises.
Prerequisites: None

This course is intended to prepare the second-year student to become a doctor who cares, teaches, counsels, and conducts the art of healing in an ethical manner. Philosophical and social values from different frames of reference will be compared. Case-based examination of various ethical dilemmas will challenge and help the student develop an understanding of ethical principles. The course is also intended to give the student an overall review of English grammar, speech and writing skills to promote excellence in medical communication.
Prerequisites: None

Human gross anatomy is the study of structures in the body visible to the unaided eye. General Anatomy is taught using a regional approach integrating the principles of basic anatomy, organ systems, radiologic/imaging anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, growth & development, and clinically relevant anatomy as it applies to patients. This is an integrated lecture and laboratory course. The General Anatomy course will cover both systemic and regional anatomy of the whole body but will not include the lower extremity (as that is covered in a separate course). Development (embryology/fetology) is incorporated throughout the course and may include the study of congenital malformations. Lectures will include imaging (radiology, CT, MRI, cross-section views, etc.) and will be correlated with the dissections taking place in the Anatomy Laboratory. Tests will involve multiple choice style questions and may include vignette-style items with clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites: None

This course will teach the composition of the immune system that consists of cells and soluble components, the importance of a functioning immune system for each human being to survive in a world of parasites, microbial and viral pathogens; the cooperation of the cellular and soluble components of the immune system in generating a local and/or systemic immune response; the role of associated cells in certain responses; and the application of our understanding of the self, versus non-self, reactions in conjunction with our ever increasing knowledge of pathogen-derived molecules (antigens) in providing humans with vaccines that help to protect against previously lethal infectious diseases.
Prerequisites: None

Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics is the companion course to the Biochemistry and Introduction to Genetics courses and is offered in the spring semester of the first year. The Molecular Biology portion of the course will discuss nucleotide metabolism, DNA replication, RNA synthesis and processing, protein synthesis, and regulation of gene expression in humans. Molecular biology techniques used in Medicine will also be discussed. The Molecular Genetics portion of the course will discuss the Human Genomic Project and the search for genes involved in single gene and common multifactorial diseases such as Types 1 and 2 Diabetes and cancer. The genetics of diseases related to Podiatric Medicine such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Type 2 Diabetes will be discussed. Techniques such as animal models and microarrays that are used to study the function of newly identified genes will be presented. The diagnosis, screening, and treatment (present and future) of genetic diseases will also be presented with emphasis on the important role genetics may play in podiatric medicine.
Prerequisites: PCLP601; PCLP603

The course integrates the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems with their functions. The course will include studies of the major anatomical structures of the brain, spinal column and peripheral nerves, the subdivisions of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their interconnections, neural transmission, and the major pathways within the central and peripheral nervous systems which modulate or control sensory and motor processes. Therefore, emphasis will be placed on the link between neuroanatomical material presented in lectures and specific known functions of the nervous system. Lesions of the central and peripheral nervous systems will be discussed emphasizing resulting physical deficits.
Prerequisites: PCLP 602

This Medical Physiology course is a continuation of Physiology I. It addresses the functioning of the normal human body with particular consideration of clinical deviations from normal. The functioning of the following systems will be covered: the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous and endocrine systems as well as membranes, muscle, bone. Regulatory mechanisms and the contributions of each system to homeostasis are emphasized, as are integration with clinical conditions. The “laboratory” part of the course provides 1) an introduction to a variety of clinical measurements including some limited hands-on skill development, 2) group presentations of clinical cases with physiological underpinnings and 3) several patient/student cases for clinical problem solving exercises.
Prerequisites: Physiology I

Students will be introduced to the concept of evidence-based medicine as outcomes of clinical research. Students will learn proper programs for searching medical literature and develop the ability to critically evaluate clinical research publications by developing the necessary appraisal skills within the structural framework of the fundamental principles of epidemiology and statistics.

Critical reading of relevant clinical research papers will be emphasized through reading assignments and didactic sessions. An overview of proper clinical study design will be taught including fundamental principles of statistics. Clinical epidemiology aims to apply the principles of the distribution and determinants of health related states and events in specified populations and applying this knowledge to the prevention and control of health problems.

Students will be introduced to the scientific foundation, methods, applications and practice of epidemiology in public health and clinical settings.

Prerequisites: None

This course will provide the skills necessary for history taking and performance of a comprehensive physical examination. At the completion of this course, the student should be able to interview a patient, acquiring as much information as possible related to the patient’s illness. In addition, the student should be able to perform the cardinal principles of physical examination: inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. The laboratory component of the course utilizes a classic systems-oriented approach which includes examination of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, heart, lungs and abdomen. In addition to a written final examination, at the conclusion of the course, there will be a standardized patient (SP) assessment of the student’s clinical skills. Feedback from the SP will be given to the students.

Prerequisites: Completion of Semesters I-II

This course examines the causes, consequences and treatment of diseases produced by microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and fungi. Characteristics of infective microbes and their nonpathogenic relatives that are associated with the human body, mechanisms of pathogenesis and transmission, and the methods of prevention and treatment are discussed in depth. depth.

Prerequisites: None

This course presents in comprehensive detail the gross anatomical foundation of podiatric medicine. A fully integrated lecture and laboratory regional anatomy of the lower limb is presented from structural, functional and clinical viewpoints. Lectures and dissections are closely integrated to encourage the student to develop a three-dimensional visualization of the lower extremity in the basic understanding of the lower limbs as the organ of human gait. Topics that are covered include osteology and soft tissue anatomical relationships and functions, cross-sectional anatomy, anatomical imaging and clinical applications. In addition to lectures, video films will be shown on clinical procedures and on dissection of the lower extremity. Anatomical relationships of structures are emphasized, and multiple clinical entities are presented in relation to anatomical structures. Podiatric applications from cases appearing in the teaching clinic are presented by clinical faculty.

Prerequisite: PCLP 605

This is a comprehensive lecture and laboratory course consisting of didactic lectures covering the basic concepts of abnormal cellular mechanisms that lead to disease. Topics to be covered include cell injury, inflammation, repair and regeneration, neoplasia, environmental and nutritional pathology, immunopathology and infectious and parasitic diseases. The lectures will be supplemented by laboratory exercises. Specific diseases and their effects on organs and organ systems will be covered in systemic pathology.

Prerequisite: PCLP 602

This team-taught course consists of a comprehensive review of dermatology with an emphasis on those conditions affecting the lower extremity. Topics included are the structure and function of skin; clinical evaluation of the skin; histopathology of the skin; dermatologic procedures and laboratory studies; microbiological diseases; dermatoses; cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease; cutaneous tumors; pigmentary disorders; nail, hair, and sweat gland disorders.

Prerequisite: Completion of Semesters I-II

An introduction to the basic principles of neurology including the neurological exam, clinical myopathies, neuropathies, radiculopathies, pain syndromes, extrapyramidal syndromes, cerebellar disorders, disorders of gait, diseases of the spinal cord, nerve conduction studies, E.M. G’S, epilepsy, disorders of the brain, brainstem and cranial nerves, infectious diseases and psychiatric principles. This course requires a comprehensive understanding of neurosciences presently in anatomy, physiology and neuroscience lecture and lab, and prepares the student for the clinical experience

Prerequisite: Completion of Semesters I-II

This course, team-taught in lecture format, is designed to prepare and introduce the student for the study of Podiatric Medicine and patient care. The course material is presented in two blocks – common office problems and a systems approach to diagnosis.

Prerequisites: MEDP 622, MEDP 623, PCLP 620

The Biomechanics course introduces the student to physical and mechanical principles as applied to the development and function of the lower extremity. The areas of study include force vectors, stress, strain and biomechanics of bone, ligaments, tendon muscle and cartilage. Emphasis is placed on the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the spine and lower extremity. The course also touches on diseases of the Spine, hip, knee, and ankle. In addition, students will be introduced to materials used in the construction of orthoses.

Prerequisite: PCLP 611

Functional Orthopedics I is an introductory course designed to give the student a comprehensive understanding of normal mechanical function of the foot and leg. Body planes, joint dynamics and axis orientation and the structure and function of each of the major foot and ankle joints will be taught in detail. By emphasizing concept and theory the course will lay the groundwork for pathomechanics, diagnostics and management techniques which follow in later courses.

Prerequisite: PCLP611

This lecture course includes eight sections: cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, neurologic, gastrointestinal, renal, and hematologic pathophysiology. Each section is four to six hours in duration and will present a concise discussion of material which will help prepare students for entry into the clinical years and for successful completion of the National Boards. The course will provide an understanding of the basic mechanisms by which disease occurs as well as the responses of the body to disease processes.

Prerequisites: DMETS 1218; PCLP 612
Co-requisite: PCLP 622

This course will follow the General Pathology I course and will consist of a series of didactic lectures covering specific diseases and their pathologic consequences. Each system will be discussed including cardiovascular, respiratory gastrointestinal, renal urinary, hematology, endocrine and reproductive systems

Prerequisite: PCLP 612

This course encompasses basic pharmacological principles and the various classes of drugs. Included is a discussion on the manner in which drugs interact with biological receptors, are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted. Also, to be discussed will be drug interactions of podiatric significance. Drugs will be covered primarily on a system basis. The ultimate goal is to enable the future doctor of podiatric medicine to apply pharmacological principles to ensure the 77 rational use of drugs in the therapeutic setting. Emphasis will be placed on those agents contained in the ever-expanding armamentarium of the modern podiatric practitioner.

Prerequisite: PCLP 601

Podopediatrics I is designed to provide the student with the basic foundation necessary for success in the clinical evaluation and management of the pediatric patient with lower extremity concerns. Normal and developmental assessment of the pediatric patient is emphasized. An introduction to lower extremity congenital abnormalities and common pathologies is provided. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for evaluation and treatment of lower extremity pathologies are outlined. Problem-based learning tools are incorporated into the lecture format, where appropriate.

Prerequisite: PCLP 611

This course introduces the student to the principles, indications, and techniques of general, spinal, epidural, regional and local anesthesia. General anesthesia focuses on the pharmacology of general anesthetics, drug interactions as well as techniques of intubation, ventilation, and fluid replacement. The indications and techniques for spinal and epidural anesthesia as it relates to Lower Extremity Surgery is emphasized, as well as problems, complications, and general anesthesia for the pediatric and geriatric patient. Regional and local anesthesia involves a series of lectures that emphasize the pharmacology of local anesthetic agents, and specific techniques for utilization of local anesthetic blocks for foot and ankle surgery.

Prerequisites: None; Co-requisite: PCLP 623

The second-year podiatric foot and ankle course will consist of weekly lectures on the usual standards of care and practice guidelines utilized in surgical procedures to treat pathologies of the fore and mid foot. Lectures will stress definition, evaluation and rationale for surgical procedures. The course will introduce problem solving case workouts for the fore and midfoot. At the completion of the course, the student will have gained the knowledge and understanding of podiatric surgical principles and techniques related to the fore and mid foot. In addition, this course will prepare the second-year student for the third-year clinical rotation.

Prerequisite: PCLP6118; Co-requisite: ORTP617

This multidisciplinary course is intended to provide the fourth semester student with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry into clinical rotations. The material is presented in lecture and small group instruction/performance formats.

Prerequisites; MEDP 622, MEDP 623, PCLP 620