Didactic

*Interprofessional Longitudinal Clinical Experience (ILCE) is a course which runs during the Didactic Year from August to March and includes first year students from the Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Nursing and Yale PA Program. This collaborative course allows students to learn with, from, and about each other as they work together to develop and practice history-taking, physical exam, oral presentation and early clinical reasoning skills. Visit the ILCE webpage for more information.

The following courses comprise the didactic phase of the Yale Physician Associate Program. They are designed to build the foundation in basic and clinical sciences that underlies the study of medicine and PA practice.

Human Anatomy I (3 credits)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal clinical anatomy. Students develop their psychomotor skills with full-anatomy cadaver dissections performed in small groups of four to six students. These labs are supplemented with lectures covering the systematic and developmental anatomy of the human body, with faculty in Yale's Department of Surgery utilizing surgical and medical case studies as a vehicle to teach anatomy within a clinical context. State-of-the-art computer-based learning with online self-assessment and hologram and imaging techniques are used in the study of anatomy to improve spatial ability and to help the students think three-dimensionally.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Human Anatomy II (3 credits)

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal clinical anatomy. Students develop their psychomotor skills with full-anatomy cadaver dissections performed in small groups of four to six students. These labs are supplemented with lectures covering the systematic and developmental anatomy of the human body, with faculty in Yale's Department of Surgery utilizing surgical and medical case studies as a vehicle to teach anatomy within a clinical context. State-of-the-art computer-based learning with online self-assessment and hologram and imaging techniques are used in the study of anatomy to improve spatial ability and to help the students think three-dimensionally.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Human Anatomy III (3 credits)

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal clinical anatomy. Students develop their psychomotor skills with full-anatomy cadaver dissections performed in small groups of four to six students. These labs are supplemented with lectures covering the systematic and developmental anatomy of the human body, with faculty in Yale's Department of Surgery utilizing surgical and medical case studies as a vehicle to teach anatomy within a clinical context. State-of-the-art computer-based learning with online self-assessment and hologram and imaging techniques are used in the study of anatomy to improve spatial ability and to help the students think three-dimensionally.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Basic Science I (2 credits)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, genetics, pathologic and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. The physiology component covers normal physiology for the organ systems under study. The genetics component introduces the concepts of patterns of inheritance, formulation of the family history, reviews genetic abnormalities and pharmacogenomics. Indications for genetic testing and counseling are also reviewed. The microbiology component covers how to identify the various pathogens responsible for human disease. Topics covered include bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology. Pathophysiology explores the etiology of organic and systemic disease.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Basic Science II (2 credits)

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, genetics, pathologic and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. The physiology component covers normal physiology for the organ systems under study. The microbiology component covers how to identify the various pathogens responsible for human disease. Topics covered include bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology. Pathophysiology explores the etiology of organic and systemic disease.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Basic Science III (2 credits)

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, genetics, pathologic and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. The physiology component covers normal physiology for the organ systems under study. The microbiology component covers how to identify the various pathogens responsible for human disease. Topics covered include bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology. Pathophysiology explores the etiology of organic and systemic disease.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Patient Assessment I (3 credits)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record a complete patient-centered medical history, use of appropriate equipment, proper technique, and accurate medical terminology to document findings. This course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping and oral presentation skills. In PAI, history taking skills will be developed through structured classroom instruction and standardized patient exercises. Immersion in the clinical setting will allow students to practice the patient-centered model of history taking with patients.

Patient Assessment I includes the Interprofessional Longitudinal Clinical Experience (ILCE) course which is designed to prepare first-year APRN, MD, and PA students to function as a team in the clinical environment. This course requires learning with, from, and about other health care professional students. Students will accomplish this by working together to develop clinical skills (history taking, oral presentation, and early clinical reasoning), knowledge, and attitudes. Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Patient Assessment II (3 credits)

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use of appropriate equipment, proper technique, and accurate medical terminology to document findings. In PAII, skills will be developed through structured laboratory exercises focused on learning how to perform a complete physical examination. Immersion in the clinical setting will allow students to further develop skills learned in PAI and also practice physical examination skills with patients.

The ILCE continues in Patient Assessment II which further develops clinical skills with the addition of physical examination practice in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Patient Assessment III (3 credits)

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use of appropriate equipment, proper technique, and accurate medical terminology to document findings. PAIII will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping, to include advanced clinical reasoning and formulation of patient management plans. Students will also have the opportunity to continue to practice oral presentation skills. Immersion in the clinical setting will allow students to further develop skills learned in PAI and PAII.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Diagnostic Studies I (1 credit)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic testing, including radiographic testing. Students will learn to select, interpret and evaluate clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic tests used for diagnosing, treating, and managing patient needs.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Diagnostic Studies II (1 credit)

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic testing, including radiographic and EKG testing. Students will learn to select, interpret and evaluate clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic tests used for diagnosing, treating, and managing patient needs.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Diagnostic Studies III (1 credit)

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic testing, including radiographic testing. Students will learn to select, interpret and evaluate clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic tests used for diagnosing, treating, and managing patient needs.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Clinical Medicine I (5 credits)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine, and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices, and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Clinical Medicine II (5 credits)

This is the second in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine, and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices, and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Clinical Medicine III (5 credits)

This is the third in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine, and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices, and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Pharmacology I (3 credits)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription and non-prescription. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects, and toxicities.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Pharmacology II (3 credits)

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription and non-prescription. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects, and toxicities.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Pharmacology III (3 credits)

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription and non-prescription. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects, and toxicities.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Practice, Policy, and Ethics I (1 credit)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to aid the student in the transition into the medical profession and serves as an introduction to professional practice issues. Areas of discussion include history of the physician assistant profession, the PA-Physician team, professional organizations, licensing and credentialing, malpractice, and professionalism.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Practice, Policy, and Ethics II (1 credit)

This course is designed to aid the student in the transition into the medical profession and serves as an introduction to professional practice issues and medical economics. Areas of discussion include quality, safety, and prevention of medical errors; health care delivery systems; and reimbursement issues including Medicaid, Medicare and Private Insurance.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Practice, Policy, and Ethics III (1 credit)

This course is designed to aid the student in the transition into the medical profession and serves as an introduction to bioethics. Areas of discussion include confidentiality, truth telling, competency, making informed decisions, and other ethical issues.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care I (1 credit)

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop skills in patient communication, patient counseling, patient education, and cultural diversity and how they influence all aspects of medical practice. Instruction is focused on the detection and application of public health/preventive measures and treatment of health risk behaviors including high-risk behaviors, sexuality, nutrition, substance use, and reaction to illness. Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care II (1 credit)

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop skills in patient communication, patient counseling, patient education, and cultural diversity and how they influence all aspects of medical practice. Instruction is focused on the detection and application of public health/preventive measures and treatment of health risk behaviors including stress, substance use, rehabilitation, end of life issues, and reaction to illness. Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care III (1 credit)

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop skills in patient communication, patient counseling, patient education, and cultural diversity and how they influence all aspects of medical practice. Instruction is focused on the detection and application of public health/preventive measures and treatment of health risk behaviors including abuse and violence, substance use, health disparities, complimentary medicine, and reaction to illness. Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Research I (1 credit)

This course will cover the importance of evidence-based medicine and review basic statistical, research methods, and ethical standards in research. It will also cover the interpretation and application of various types of clinical articles to answering a clinical question.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Research II (1 credit)

This course will apply the knowledge and skills from Research and Evidence Based Medicine I in small group session and Journal clubs. It will cover the interpretation and application of various types of clinical articles used to answer a clinical question and prepare the student for the masters thesis project to be completed during the clinical year.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Research III (1 credit)

This course will apply the knowledge and skills from Research and Evidence Based Medicine I in small group session and Journal clubs. It will cover the interpretation and application of various types of clinical articles used to answer a clinical question and prepare the student for the masters thesis project to be completed during the clinical year.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

As electives, these courses are optional for PA students. Students do not earn credit for participating in these electives.

Global Health Elective

This elective is intended for students in the allied health sciences to develop an understanding of and competence in the sociopolitical, economic and cultural aspects of global health. As the course involves both students and faculty from all of the health professional schools, its participatory and collaborative nature provides a rich environment for interdisciplinary dialogue.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Spanish for Health Care Professionals

This practical course is designed to improve participants' Spanish language and cultural skills to better understand and connect with patients. The course focuses on the language and cross-cultural communication skills that are most relevant for clinical practice.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Most first-year lectures are conducted in the PA Program classroom at 100 Church Street South and the Yale School of Medicine's Jane Ellen Hope Educational Building. Some didactic sessions are also held at Yale-New Haven Hospital. The laboratory facilities in The Anlyan Center (TAC) at YSM are used in the anatomy, microbiology and surgical skills courses. The program utilizes the Clinical Skills Laboratory at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut for our standardized patient program. Physical examination rooms are available for use by PA and medical students in the Harkness basement.

In addition to a smaller dedicated library inside the PA Program's office, access to books and journals are available to all PA students through the world-renowned Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. Both library staff and professional librarians, provide such services as acquiring and organizing the collections, guiding students both in educational classes and individually, searching for information, lending or photocopying materials, and obtaining from other libraries those items that the library does not own.

Covering clinical medicine and its specialties, the pre-clinical sciences, public health, nursing, dentistry, and related fields, the Cushing/Whitney Library's collections are among the country's largest in a medical center. Including rare source materials and supporting works in the historical collections. The collections also include manuscript volumes of the twelfth through sixteenth centuries, prints and drawings, paintings, art slides, and museum objects. The Historical Library, a section of the Yale Medical Library, was founded by Dr. Harvey Cushing, Dr. John Fulton, and Dr. Arnold C. Klebs, whose personal collections form its core.

Other campus libraries include the Sterling Memorial Library, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Seeley G. Mudd Library, and the Cross Campus Library. All library facilities are available to the entire University community.

Private gym facilities for the medical campus and lockers exclusively for the use of the PA students are available in the Harkness dormitory basement.