510-490 Clinical Medicine and Surgery

Note

This subject comprises teaching in Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Dermatology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Principles of Clinical Pharmacology, Microbiology and Radiology.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The principal objective is to develop generic clinical skills, applicable to all areas of clinical practice. More specifically, the objectives are to (i) develop skills in communicating with patients, (ii) develop the ability to take a comprehensive history and make a complete physical examination, (iii) acquire a knowledge base about the clinical features and natural history of particularly medical and surgical diseases, (iv) learn to synthesise the information gained at the bedside in order to arrive at rational diagnoses, (v) gain an understanding and appreciation of the use of laboratory tests and other investigations in diagnosis, (vi) learn the principles of management of medical and surgical patients, including the rational use of drug treatment, (vii) understand the importance of medical ethics, (viii) begin to appreciate the roles of the doctor in the health care system. Content: In this course, the component disciplines and major topics covered are: Clinical Medicine and Surgery and their component subspecialties, Clinical Pharmacology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Geriatrics, Ophthalmology and Radiology, integrated with the teaching of pathology and microbiology. While the content will include all areas referred to under objectives, the major content of this subject will directed to the first four objectives, taught particularly via small group or individual interactions with patients.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-year written examination, including questions related to clinical pharmacology, microbiology, ophthalmology and radiology. A joint long-case clinical examination and an examination comprising clinical problem-solving exercises; students must pass the long-case examination as well as overall in both components to pass fourth year. Clinical teachers reports throughout the year.

Prescribed Texts

For a list of prescribed texts students should consult the Fourth Year booklist which is available at each Clinical School.