Kansas City Clinical Required Course Descriptions

Third Year Requirements

FAPR 955.  Family Medicine Clerkship.  0-8 Credits.     

The Family Medicine (FM) clerkship will introduce third-year medical students to the principles and practice of family medicine and community health. Students will learn about the breadth and diversity of family medicine through direct patient care, simulation, case-based learning, workshops, flipped classrooms, and more. Two options for the patient care portion of the FM clerkship are available: rural placement and Kansas City placement. For the rural placement, the student is immersed in a rural community under the close tutelage of a rural family physician. Students who choose the rural placement will have opportunities to learn in various settings, likely to include outpatient clinic, hospital, emergency department, and community settings. For the Kansas City option, the student is assigned to the KU Interprofessional Teaching Clinic, the University Hospital, and outpatient settings within the academic center and greater community. Student evaluation is based on assessment by clinical supervisors, the NBME Family Medicine Subject Exam, an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), presentation of a written assignment, and participation in all required clerkship activities. Prerequisite: Completion of Phase I (Years 1 and 2).

ICM 900.  Issues in Clinical Medicine.  0 Credits.     

This course enables students to apply the theoretical framework developed in ICM 801/802 and 850/851 to the patient care activities in which they participate during third-year clerkships. Through lectures and small group discussions students examine the ethical, legal and social aspects of medical practice and application of key principles to clinical practice. Students also explore career opportunities in medicine and factors to be considered in choosing a medical specialty. Students are evaluated through written assignments and participation in course activities.

GYNO 900.  Obstetrics/Gynecology Clerkship.  0-8 Credits.     

During this clerkship, the student develops an understanding of disease in women through history, physical examination, and laboratory studies. The clerkship includes the study of biochemical, anatomical, and physiological changes in normal pregnancy and the effect of disease in altering the course of reproduction. Prerequisite: Medical Basic Sciences.

MED 900.  Internal Medicine Clerkship.  0-8 Credits.     

The Internal Medicine 8-week Clerkship will prepare the student to perform thorough and accurate history and physical examinations, select and interpret appropriate diagnostic testing, and create assessments and plans for adult patients as their level of training allows. The clerkship will begin with an orientation followed by a week of didactics including CBCLs, lectures, and flipped classroom activities that will enable students to tackle common problems presenting in both inpatient and outpatient settings in internal medicine. Teaching is provided by Inpatient Hospitalists, Ambulatory Faculty, and Internal Medicine Specialists with a focus on effective history-taking and cardiopulmonary examinations. The didactic week is followed by 6 weeks of clinical rotation blocks with a variety of Internal Medicine Specialties including General Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease, Ambulatory Medicine, and Pulmonary Medicine with rotations taking place at the University of Kansas Health Center and Outpatient Clinics as well as the Kansas City Veterans Administration Hospital. In the final clerkship week, students complete an OSCE and have preparatory time for their SHELF examination. Prerequisite: Completion of Phase I (Years 1 and 2).

NEUR 900.  Neurology Clerkship.  4 Credits.     

The required four-week Neurology Clerkship is intended to familiarize students with the diagnosis and treatment of major neurological disorders. Effective interviewing and diagnostic skills, and competent performance of the neurological examination are emphasized. Students have an active closely supervised role in the diagnosis and treatment of both hospitalized and ambulatory patients. Clinical experience is accompanied by a didactic schedule of lectures, seminars, and practical-interactive learning sessions. Students will be assigned to Kansas University Medical Center and Kansas City Veterans Administration Hospitals. Prerequisite: Completion of Phase I (Years 1 and 2).

PED 900.  Pediatrics Clerkship.  0-8 Credits.     

The Pediatric Clerkship provides clinical experiences in inpatient and outpatient settings. Activities will include rotations on pediatric inpatient services with combinations of general pediatrics, subspecialty pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, pediatric critical care, and newborn services. Daily rounds will be conducted with faculty. Activities will include rotations in outpatient clinics in a variety of academic and community-based clinics. All clinics are supervised by faculty. Students may have opportunities to work with pediatric, family medicine, and emergency medicine residents during the clerkship. Clinical learning environments used in the clerkship include inpatient and outpatient services at The University of Kansas Health System and Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics. Patient care activities include conducting histories and performing physical exams on infants, children, and adolescents; generation of differential diagnoses and assessments; participation in ordering and performing diagnostic and therapeutic testing; and development of comprehensive care plans. Students participate in simulation activities to hone key pediatric skills. Student evaluations are based on clinical performance and assessment of problem-solving skills as well as performance on a mid-clerkship examination, an Objective Clinical Skills Examination (OSCE), and a multiple-choice examination given at the end of the clerkship. Prerequisite: Medical Basic Sciences.

PYCH 955.  Psychiatry Clerkship.  4 Credits.     

The required four-week basic Psychiatry Clerkship is intended to familiarize students with the diagnosis and treatment of major psychiatric disorders. Effective interviewing and diagnostic skills, and competent performance of the mental status examination is emphasized. Students have an active closely supervised role in the diagnosis and treatment of both hospitalized and ambulatory patients. Clinical experience is accompanied by a didactic schedule of lectures, seminars, and practical-interactive learning sessions. Students will be assigned to Kansas University Medical Center and Kansas City Veterans Administration Hospitals. Prerequisite: Completion of Phase I (Years 1 and 2).

SURG 900.  Surgery Clerkship.  0-8 Credits.     

Surgical problems and diseases are studied utilizing lectures, skills laboratory experiences, study questions, clinical problem discussion, and live patients. This course prepares the student to meet the pertinent aspects of the summative competencies of the University of Kansas School of Medicine during the third year of Medical School. A particularly useful goal of this course is to teach the student to identify life-threatening conditions that require urgent intervention. Although the skills of this course are necessary for ambulatory practice, the skills that are taught in this course are most frequently seen and performed in the hospital setting. The student is expected to have a basic understanding of normal and abnormal body functions. Prerequisite: Completion of Foundational sciences.

Fourth Year Requirements

FAPR 900.  Rural Preceptorship.  4 Credits.     

Since 1951 all medical students have completed, as a requirement of graduation, a rural preceptorship of at least four weeks with a practicing physician in the state of Kansas. The emphasis of the preceptorship is rural primary care (family medicine, general internal medicine and general pediatrics). Rural placements are made by the Course Administrator. The preceptor or site will provide housing while the student is on this rotation. The preceptor will expect the student to participate in all phases of professional life as a rural physician. Most sites have the student work in ambulatory clinic, hospital care, ER, nursing home, house calls, and night call. Students also are expected to participate in the civic, administrative and social activities of their preceptor. The preceptor will evaluate student performance based on school of medicine criteria. At the completion of the course the student will have: a working knowledge of the rural health care system, an understanding of the function of a physician in the context of community and an appreciation for the support systems needed for practice in rural Kansas. Offered in Modules I-XII. Prerequisite: Completion of year 3 clinical clerkships.

Subinternships (4)

The four-week subinternship gives medical students an opportunity to become more proficient in a specific area of medicine. They provide a more comprehensive course than that of the third-year required course. Students select one of the following options to fulfill the requirement.

FAPR 901.  Subinternship in Family Medicine.  4 Credits.     

This sub-internship is designed to prepare students for residency and enrolled students will assume the role of an intern under supervision. The family medicine approach to patient care is emphasized to include caring for patients in the context of their family environment and community, addressing structural and social determinants of health, and providing longitudinal care for patients throughout their lifetimes. Students will be assigned to patient care experiences in the hospital, ambulatory, and maternity-care settings. The student will be expected to participate in teaching and learning experiences available to residents. Students will be evaluated by their clinical supervisors in the areas of oral presentation, encounter documentation, differential building, plan formation, patient interview and physical exam skills, interpersonal and communication skills, systems knowledge, self-assessment, and goal-setting skills, and professionalism. Prerequisite: Completed third year.

GYNO 901.  Subinternship in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  4 Credits.     

The objective of GYNO 901 is to provide students with advanced experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Students will be assigned to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service at KUMC. Students will participate in the management of common obstetrical and gynecologic conditions in a role similar to that of a resident. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This course fulfills the Subinternship Selective requirement.

MED 908.  Subinternship in Internal Medicine.  4 Credits.     

The objective of this course is to provide students with advanced experience in the management of acutely-ill medical patients. Students will be assigned to Kansas University Medical Center and will participate in the diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions in a role similar to that of a resident. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This course fulfills the Subinternship Selective requirement.

OTOR 901.  Subinternship in Otolaryngology.  4 Credits.     

The objective of this clerkship is to provide students with advanced experience in otolaryngology. Students will be assigned to the Otolaryngology Service at KUMC. Students will participate in the management of common ENT conditions in a role similar to that of a resident. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This clerkship fulfills the Subinternship Selective requirement.

PED 910.  Subinternship in Pediatrics.  4 Credits.     

This selective is an extension of the basic pediatric clerkship. It is designed to permit senior medical students to take increasing responsibility of patient care under close supervision of the faculty. Students will learn skills in patient management by active participation in the daily activities expected of a first-year resident. This selective is entirely clinical. The student will work on the pediatric inpatient unit at The University of Kansas Health System or at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Student performance will be evaluated by the faculty based on factual knowledge, practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and personal behavior and values. On the first day of the rotation, students will report to the inpatient attending assigned to the pediatric floor. Prerequisite: PED 900 or equivalent.

PED 918.  Pediatric Subinternship Selective - Outpatient.  4 Credits.     

This selective is an extension of the basic pediatric clerkship. It is designed to permit senior medical students to take increasing responsibility of patient care under close supervision of the faculty. Students will learn skills in patient care by active participation in the daily activities of the pediatric outpatient clinic. This selective is entirely clinical. The student will work in the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic at KUMC in a variety of clinics. The specific clinics will be assigned by the Chief of the Ambulatory Pediatric Section after consultation with the student. Student performance will be evaluated by the faculty based on factual knowledge, practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and personal behavior and values. This course can still be taken for elective credit even if a student already has met the subinternship selective requirement. Prerequisite: PED 900 or equivalent.

PYCH 901.  Subinternship in Psychiatry.  4 Credits.     

The student will function as an intern on the Adult Psychiatric Services at the University of Kansas Medical Center and Kansas City VA Hospital. Each student will work closely with faculty and residents and will have an important role in the team care of hospital patients. The course is designed to provide a transitional experience between the predoctoral and residency stage of medical education allowing the student the opportunity to take more responsibility for patients with support and active teaching provided by faculty and residents.

SURG 901.  Subinternship - Plastic Surgery.  4 Credits.     

This course is designed to provide advanced experience to medical students the diagnosis and management of plastic surgery patients. Additionally, concepts taught during surgery 900 are reemphasized in greater detail. Ward rounds, clinical conference seminars and care studies supplement the clinical experience. An optional laboratory experience providing in-depth introduction to microvascular surgery can be arranged. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the principles and surgical anatomy of areas of plastic surgery including congenital, trauma, tumor and cosmetic. Students are expected to participate with the surgical team in the diagnosis and management of plastic surgery patients. It is expected that the student will participate, when possible, at a resident level of responsibility. The student participates directly in patient care on the wards, in the outpatient clinics and in the operation room. Prerequisite: SURG 900, MED 900.

SURG 902.  Subinternship in Surgery.  4 Credits.     

The student will be expected to participate with the surgical team in the diagnosis, operation, and management of surgical patients. It is expected that the student will participate, as possible, at a resident level of responsibility. Ward rounds, clinical conferences, seminars, and case studies supplement clinical experience. The student participates directly in patient care on the ward, in the outpatient department, and in the operating room. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of alterations in physiology secondary to pathology, management of fluids and electrolytes, basic elements of pre- and post-operative care, and diseases amenable to surgical treatment. In addition, concepts taught during Surgery 900 are reemphasized and considered in more detail. We can accommodate 6 students. Prerequisite: SURG 900 and MED 900.

SURG 909.  Surgery Subinternship-Neurosurgery.  4 Credits.     

This course is designed to provide advanced experience to the student in the management of neurosurgical problems. The student is assigned to the neurosurgical service at the University hospital for four weeks. Students will participate with the surgical team in daily rounds, diagnosis, out-patient experience, operative experience and post-operative management of neurosurgical patients. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of neurologic disease with special emphasis in physical exam and dia gnosis, management of basic neurosurgical emergencies and management of common neurosurgical problems. Accommodates three students in Modules I-XII. Prerequisite: SURG 900 and MED 900.

SURG 910.  Surgery Subinternship-Urology.  4 Credits.     

This course is designed to provide advanced experience to the student in the diagnosis and management of genitourinary disease. The student is assigned to the Urology Service at KUMC or the VA Hospital for 4 weeks. Students are expected to participate with urologic patients. It is expected that the student will participate, as possible, at a resident level of responsibility. Ward rounds, clinical conferences, seminars, and case studies supplement clinical experience. The student participates directly in patient care on the ward, in the outpatient department, and in the operating room. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of alterations in physiology, secondary to pathology of the genitourinary tract, and diseases amenable to surgical or medical treatment. The student is expected to become familiar with the diagnostic procedures and techniques used in evaluating patients with acute and chronic genitorinary problems (i.e. cystoscopy). The outpatient experience is particularly emphasized. By the end of the course, the student should be able to describe risk factors, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, management strategy, prognosis, including sequelae, and preventive measures for common urologic problems. We can accommodate five students at KUMC. Prerequisite: SURG 900 and MED 900.

SURG 915.  Subinternship-Orthopaedic Surgery.  4 Credits.     

This subinternship is designed to allow the student to participate in orthopedic clinical care. The student is assigned to the orthopedic surgical service at KUMC for four weeks. The student participates with the orthopedic surgery team in the diagnosis, surgical treatment and postoperative management of orthopedic patients. The student will participate directly in care of patients in the emergency department, operating room, intensive care unit and orthopedic ward. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of pre-op, intra-op and postop care of the orthopedic patient. There is a limit of 4 students per rotation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of basic clinical clerkships.

Critical Care (4)

The four-week critical care selective presents the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to care for very ill hospitalized patients. This allows the student to focus on an interest in a particular specialty and ensures that all students have basic knowledge and skills in critical care. Students select one of the following options to fulfill the requirement.

ANES 911.  Critical Care: Post-Anesthesia Unit.  4 Credits.     

The objective of this clerkship is to provide students with experience in the management of critically ill patients. Students will participate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the KUMC Post-Anesthesia Unit. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This clerkship fulfills the Critical Care Selective requirement.

ERMD 920.  Critical Care: Emergency Room.  4 Credits.     

The objective of this course is to provide students with experience in the management of critically-ill patients. Students will participate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the Emergency Room. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This course is only offered on the Salina campus.

MED 905.  Critical Care: Coronary Care Unit.  4 Credits.     

Critical care is an integral aspect of medical education.  The purpose of the 4th year critical care selective rotation is to allow students to participate in the management of the critically-ill patient in a specialty area of interest not experienced during the third year of training. Each subspecialty critical care rotation provides the student with the core knowledge necessary for the care of critically-ill patients, an appreciation of management issues unique to this patient population, and the technical skills that one must incorporate for effective patient care. The student will act as an integral part of the critical care team with an emphasis on increased patient care responsibility and autonomy.  Most importantly, this educational purpose will be founded on the core competencies set forth by the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This course fulfills the Critical Care Selective requirement. ​​​​​​ Prerequisite: fourth year standing.

MED 912.  Critical Care: Medical Intensive Care Unit.  4 Credits.     

Critical care is an integral aspect of medical education. The purpose of the 4th year critical care selective rotation is to allow students to participate in the management of the critically-ill patient in a specialty area of interest not experienced during the third year of training. Each subspecialty critical care rotation provides the student with the core knowledge necessary for the care of critically-ill patients, an appreciation of management issues unique to this patient population, and the technical skills that one must incorporate for effective patient care. The student will act as an integral part of the critical care team with an emphasis on increased patient care responsibility and autonomy. Most importantly, this educational purpose is founded on the core competencies set forth by the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This course fulfills the Critical Care Selective requirement.

PED 926.  Critical Care: Neonatology.  4 Credits.     

The student will be actively involved in the care and management of high-risk and acutely ill neonates. Through clinical participation, tutorial sessions, and assigned readings, emphasis will be placed on modern neonatal intensive care techniques and developmental physiology and biochemistry. Students may elect additional consecutive four-week periods to pursue aspects of neonatology in more detail, engage in investigative projects or acquire first-hand experience in the operation of a regionalized program for care of high-risk or acutely ill neonates in the state. Interested students should contact the Pediatric Department.

PED 930.  Critical Care: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.  4 Credits.     

Principles of ongoing assessment and management of critically-ill children with single and multiple organ failure will be presented. The teaching format will be formal and informal rounds at the bedside in the KUMC Pediatric ICU by faculty members of the Pediatric Critical Care Division. Integration of history-taking, physical examination skills, and laboratory and radiological assessment with pathophysiology will be emphasized.

SURG 927.  Critical Care: Burn Center.  4 Credits.     

The objective of this clerkship is to provide students with experience in the management of critically ill patients. Students will participate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the KUMC Burn Center. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This clerkship fulfills the Critical Care Selective requirement.

SURG 929.  Critical Care: Surgical Intensive Care Unit.  4 Credits.     

The objective of this course is to provide students with experience in the management of critically ill patients. Students will participate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the KUMC Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Clinical work will be supplemented by conferences and other educational activities. This course fulfills the Critical Care Selective requirement.