Women's and Children's Health Clerkship Basic Science Block (2007-2008)

Genes to Generations

Objectives and General Description:

The goal of the two-week block is to revisit specific basic science areas that are of particular significance to both Pediatrics and Ob/Gyn.  This year, the topics covered will follow a developmental theme.  We will begin with the pre-conceptional period, follow the co-development of the maternal-fetal unit through the prenatal and perinatal periods, and address some of the important growth and developmental issues during the first months of life.   Specific topics along this theme will include reproductive endocrinology, infertility, reproductive genetics, etiology of birth defects, maternal and fetal physiology, fetal lung development and prematurity, congenital infections, developmental genetics, and perturbations in growth and developmental as exemplified by such disease processes as cystic fibrosis and a number of mental retardation syndromes.  We will also cover perinatal pain management and pelvic anatomy, topics that are critical in understanding some of the unique problems during labor and delivery.  Where appropriate, genetic factors and processes important during this developmental process will be highlighted.  We will also attempt to integrate many of the Double Helix curricular themes into each day/topic.

Format:

The schedule and topics for each day are attached.  Please note the start and end times for each day will vary.  All days will focus around a primary lecture(s) on a basic science topic.  There will be a faculty person leading each day’s activities.  In line with the policy of the Double Helix Curriculum, we will keep lectures to no more than 2 hours/day.  The rest of the time will be used for demonstration, hands-on activities, student presentations or group discussions.  Where group discussions are intended, we will need your participation such that they do not turn into “lectures” as well.

Requirements:

1. Attendance at all sessions is required.
2. Please read the material included in the syllabus before each day’s activity.
3. Student Presentations:
   On each day, students will lead a 20-minute presentation on a particular basic science topic.  Please refer to the schedule for your assignment.  Please contact the faculty member for the specific day you are scheduled to present for approval of your topic.  You may choose a specific topic from a list determined by the faculty member leading the discussion on that particular day but you still need to contact the faculty member to confirm the topic.    The talk will need to be a given as a PowerPoint presentation and the classroom is fully equipped for this purpose.  You are required to prepare a PowerPoint handout (which includes the images of each slide).  If you feel that the PowerPoint images in the handout does not adequately represent your talk, feel free to use the “Note” feature of PowerPoint such that the content is well represented.  You are also required to submit an electronic copy of your PowerPoint presentation using floppy disks, zip disks, CDs or e-mail.  On the day of the presentation, you may want to arrive 15 minutes early so you can make sure the video equipment works to your satisfaction.
4. At the end of each day, you will be asked to answer 4-5 multiple choice questions that tests on the knowledge base you should have gained on that day.
5. BECMex Assignment
   At the beginning of the clerkship you were given the BECMex assignment.  You will need to submit your essay to Dr. Fong by the last Friday of this block.

Evaluations:

You will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis for the two-week block.  To pass, you must have full attendance, give a twenty-minute presentation, complete all the daily multiple choice exams, and submit your BECMex assignment.  Your presentation will be evaluated and assigned a grade of Honors/Pass/Fail (see attached evaluation form).  Any narrative feedback will be included in your summative evaluation for the respective clerkship, and exemplary performance will be acknowledged.  A failing grade on the presentation must be remediated with the individual faculty member assigned to that day.  Successful completion of the Basic Science Block (Pass grade) will be considered in assignment of each of the separate Pediatrics and Ob/Gyn grades.  The shelf exams will count for 20% of the Ob/Gyn Clerkship grade and 15% of the Pediatric Clerkship grade.

Diversity Requirement:

During your Women and Children’s Health Block, you are asked to identify a patient/family with a defined diagnosis whom you are encountering (inpatient or outpatient), and take a careful family and social history, along with the usual medical history.  Consider the questions below in planning your interview.  You can set these data aside until Weeks 11 and 12 of the Block.

During the Basic Science Block, please analyze these data and answer the following questions:

1. What is one significant disease or disability for this patient or family? (You can use an etiological diagnosis or a symptomatic diagnosis for this purpose.  You can also use the primary or secondary diagnosis.)
2. What are the biological factors* that may have contributed to or exacerbated the patient’s current illness or disease process?
3. What are the ecological factors* that may have contributed to or exacerbated the patient’s current illness or disease process?
4. What are the cultural factors* that may have contributed to or exacerbated the patient’s current illness or disease process?

*For a definition of biological, ecological and cultural factors, please refer to the diagram in the following page

Please write down your thoughts and answers in the form of a short essay (one or two pages) and submit it to Dr. Chin-To Fong by the last Friday of the Block.