510-511 Integrated Clinical Studies

A two-semester systems-based program aimed at developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective patient management in medicine and surgery. This subject is based on four domains presented in an integrated fashion.

The first, the Scientific Basis of Medicine, aims to develop knowledge of the clinical features, pathogenesis and natural history of common and important medical and surgical diseases, the principles of investigational medicine and therapeutics and an understanding of human mind and behaviour within a biopsychosocial model.

The second domain, Clinical Skills, aims to develop communication and consultation skills within the context of integrated, problem-orientated medical interviewing and physical examination. Students will also learn to perform a range of procedural skills under supervision.

Within the Professional Attitudes and Development domain, students will be provided with an opportunity to develop their professional skills and attitudes for interacting with patients and their families, other health professionals and the wider community. They will be encouraged to understand the importance of identifying personal and professional limitations, of behaving in an ethical manner and of the legal and forensic aspects of medicine.

The fourth domain, Population Health, places emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, epidemiology and the influence of social determinants of health such as age, gender and ethnicity. It also introduces students to the structure of the health system, the use of information technology in medicine and the role of evidence-based medicine in clinical decision making.

- Extensive knowledge of a particular professional area, including relevant professional knowledge and skills, and informed respect for the principles, disciplines, values and ethics of a chosen profession;

- Highly developed cognitive, analytic and problem-solving skills;

- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;

- Ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex concepts to express them lucidly, whether orally or in writing, and to confront unfamiliar problems;

- Leadership capacity, including a willingness to engage in constructive public discourse, to accept social and civic responsibilities;

- Ability and confidence to participate effectively in collaborative learning as a team-member, while respecting individual differences; and

- Ability to plan work and to use time effectively.

Written examinations of up to four hours duration (at end of subject) (40%); tutor assessment (10%); multi-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) of not more than two hours (at end of each semester) (30%); long case (20%); and evidence-based medicine (EBM) exercises (pass/fail). Students must pass the long case; the Semester 9 OSCE with an overall mark of 60%; and the EBM exercises in both Semesters 8 and 9. If the only hurdle missed is the long case, an extra test will be given shortly after the examination. Hurdle requirement: 75% attendance at lectures, tutorials and practical classes and 100% attendance at clinical placements and field visits.