PSYH 550-01
SITE:
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center
DEPARTMENT:
Psychiatry
TITLE OF COURSE: Schizophrenia
Introduction to Clinical and Basic Science Research in
DESCRIPTION AND GOALS OF COURSE: This is a 4 to 8-week medical student elective in clinical or basic science research in schizophrenia. Students are introduced to the principles and methods of schizophrenia research. Students participate in ongoing research in the diverse and complementary MPRC programs: 1) Neuroscience program – investigation of the molecular and cellular basis of schizophrenia brain dysfunction and animal models of schizophrenia. 2) The Maryland Brain Collection – studying aspects of human post-mortem brain structure and function. 3) The Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory – study functional connectivity of the brain and the effects of psychotropic medications on regional activity using fMRI and PET scanning. 4) The Outpatient Research Program, and 5) The Treatment Research Program – conduct clinical trials in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and investigate novel drugs for the treatment of persistent negative symptoms and neurocognitive impairments in schizophrenia. 6) The Schizophrenia Related Disorders Program – examining the pathophysiology of schizophrenia-related endophenotypes such as eye tracking dysfunction, Pre-Pulse Inhibition, and P50; family studies in schizophrenia genetics, and specialist clinics (First Episode Psychosis Clinic, Motor Disorders Clinic, and Children’s Antipsychotic Medication Side-Effects Clinic). Students participate in diagnostic evaluations, attend journal clubs and research seminars presented by faculty and visiting scientists, and learn to review the scientific literature. Specialized didactic seminars in research design, measurement and statistics, and ethics are held. Interested students can develop a small research project. An 8 week elective is recommended, though not required. Duration: weeks)
4 to 8 week rotation (Only one grade received if taken for 8
Hours of Participation:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Number of Students:
Up to 6 (1 per MPRC Program)
Location:
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center
Time of Year Available:
All year. Visit to MPRC Programs required before registration.
Faculty Responsible:
Ikwunga Wonodi, MD
Contact Person:
Gina Perez, M.D. Dept of Psychiatry Director of Medical Student Education (410) 328-6325 gmadrina@psych.umaryland.edu
Prerequisites:
None
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