Southwest Campus

Rheumatology

IMED 9108

Participating Faculty:
James H. Lampman, M.D.
Lynne S. Peterson, M.D.
Nowarat Songsiridej, M.D.

Offered: by individual arrangement
Positions: 2

Objectives of the Elective:

1. Increased familiarity with rheumatic disorders ranging from common musculoskeletal problems to rare connective tissue diseases as they present in practice.
2. The student would be expected to master elementary differential diagnosis of synovitis, vasculitis, metabolic bone disease, and understand the role of laboratory and radiologic studies in rheumatology.
3. Grasp the place of rheumatology in relation to general medicine and other subspecialties, and the role of the consultant in assisting other practitioners.

Instructional Activities:

1. Office and hospital evaluation of patients with rheumatic disease under direct supervision, with supervised reading and possible preparation of seminar.
2. Instruction in rheumatologic history and physical exam.
3. Microscope evaluation of joint fluid, crystals and tissue biopsies.
4. Radiologic interpretations relative to rheumatic diseases.
5. Teaching slide collection of American College of Rheumatology.

Standards of Performance (Outcomes) Indicating Attainment of Objectives:

1. Ability to assess rheumatic disease problems (history and physical), formulate written work-up, and discuss/defend conclusions.
2. Display understanding of basic radiology, pathology, and procedures relevant to rheumatology.
3. Familiarity with selected literature, and willingness to solve problems by searching for specific answers beyond the text level.
4. Effective physician-patient relationship.

Criteria for Grading:

1. Active participation in office and hospital clinical work.
2. Clarity in grasp of clinical work.
3. Progress in learning from actual clinical problems and reading.
4. Quality of patient interactions.