CURRICULUM DESIGN

The Didactic Phase

The didactic phase is comprised of classroom, online and laboratory instruction in areas such as: basic science, behavioral science, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and clinical medicine. Teaching methodologies are multimodal in approach and inclusive of active learning modalities. Active learning modalities include any activity where students are actively participating in the educational process. In addition to the traditional lecture approach, instructional methods, and examples of active learning, include use of simulation, case-based learning, structure (cadaver) lab, and the use of the Northwell Bioskills Education Lab, which utilizes freshfrozen human specimens for practicing skills. Each teaching modality requires significant independent study and preparation on the part of the students to successfully participate in learning opportunities. To appropriately prepare students to practice as PAs, the course load during the didactic year is intense. Students should expect to be in class for a minimum of 8 hours a day. Some classes may require evening, early morning or weekend sessions. Students are expected to attend all classes. Students should have no other commitments during these hours.

At the beginning of each course, students will receive a syllabus and course outline describing the purpose of the course, the format, the objectives, and a list of required and recommended books. Students will also receive instructional learning objectives for each course, which will guide the student in studying and provide the basis for examinations. Students are responsible for each objective listed in a syllabus, regardless of whether it is covered in class. Examples of evaluation methods include simulation lab, clinical note writing, procedure skill completion, oral presentations, group work, and written exams.

Wherever possible, the curriculum is vertically integrated so that students study aspects of an organ system in several courses at the same time. For example, diseases of the lung might be studied jointly in medicine, pharmacology, and the Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities course. The case-based courses, Correlative Medicine I and II, synthesize and integrate previously learned material and promotes critical thinking skills. Other courses address the social aspects of medicine. Preventive Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine help students understand the social and public health contexts of their future patients’ health, as well as how to appropriately identify and synthesize medical literature to inform their clinical decision-making. Health Psychology focuses on the formulation and improvement of student interpersonal and communication skills, especially as it relates to difficult patients or clinical encounters. The Physician Assistant and Society course explores the role of physician assistants within medicine, the legislative and legal realms. The Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities series provides students with an opportunity to learn skills related to physical examination, laboratory and diagnostic testing, and procedures. Examples include: EKG interpretation, phlebotomy, suturing, and radiologic study interpretation.