Available in 2024
Course code

MEDI4016

Units

40 units

Level

4000 level

Course handbook

Description

During the course students will be attached to medical and surgical teams in both rural and urban teaching hospitals, which will enable them to experience differences in healthcare according to location. This course integrates previously learned basic sciences knowledge and professional skills in intensive medical and surgical clinical settings. It enables students to build on their knowledge and clinical skills in a range of patient scenarios. Learning is focused on medical and surgical problems from presentation to diagnosis, including management and the associated issues arising. Clinical experience will develop knowledge of the pathophysiology of common disease. Conditions encountered through participation in ward rounds, ward work, operating theatre, clinics and doctors rooms will enable students to gain exposure in a variety of disciplines. Students will experience the management of common conditions of adult medicine and surgery and the impact of urban and rural location on the pattern of health services.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Hunter Clinical School

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Analyse the aetiology, pathophysiology including pathology, presentation, and prognosis of medical and surgical conditions as presented in clinical settings

2. Demonstrate appropriate skills in the history taking, physical examination, investigation and use of diagnostic techniques for diagnosing medical and surgical conditions

3. Articulate the basic principles of the management of medical and surgical conditions, including the use of appropriate pharmacological, surgical, physical, nutritional, psychological and unorthodox therapies

4. Describe the health services, programs and resources available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people which includes acknowledging and addressing relevant social determinants of health

5. Justify the presentation of those medical and surgical conditions that require urgent assessment and treatment, along with plans for the emergency procedures for such

6. Assess the public health impact of clinical problems for both medicine and surgery in the community, including the epidemiology of common risk factors and early intervention strategies, and in particular for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

7. Describe and discuss the relationship between psychiatric illness and medical or surgical conditions, including an understanding of the common psychiatric presentations

8. Demonstrate awareness of the cultural significance of medical and surgical problems, including understanding of cultural differences in response to illness.

9. Obtain an accurate, problem-oriented, tactful, culturally competent and organised history for medical and surgical conditions

10. Perform an accurate, problem-oriented, tactful, culturally competent and organised physical examination for medical and surgical conditions

11. Interpret and integrate the history and physical examination findings to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis and differential diagnosis for medical and surgical conditions

12. Choose from the repertoire of clinical skills, justifying those that are appropriate and practical to apply in a given situation

13. Formulate a plan addressing the investigation and management of the patient's illness, and the personal and social issues to which the illness may give rise

14. Appreciate the importance of taking into account the values and preferences of the patient when considering the investigation and management of illness, and of the need, in all cases, to plan management in concert with the patient

15. Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients and their families and with other health professionals

16. Demonstrate culturally competent, holistic, patient centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

17. Function in the health care team, involving collaboration and cooperation with other team members and understanding the role of each member

18. Discuss the principles of ethics related to health care and demonstrate the capacity to apply those principles to the care of patients; and demonstrate understanding of the legal responsibilities associated with health care, particularly with respect to patients with medical and surgical illnesses, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

19. Articulate the factors that affect the quality and safety of health care

20. Compare and contrast how the cost of care may affect optimal patient care and appreciate the benefit to the community of using available resources, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

21. Analyse the interaction between the health of individuals and the well-being of populations, and in particular for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

22. Demonstrate an appreciation of the responsibility to maintain standards of medical practice at the highest possible level throughout a professional career.


Content

Opportunities will be available in the following areas (depending on the clinical site)

  • Aged Care Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardio Thoracic Surgery
  • Clinical Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology
  • Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery
  • Endocrinology and Endocrine Surgery
  • Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • General Surgery
  • Haematology
  • Neurology and Neurosurgery
  • Oncological Surgery
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Rheumatology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Traumatology
  • Urology
  • Vascular Surgery

Review of Progress

This course is a compulsory program requirement and is monitored for academic progress purposes. The course must be completed to progress in the program or meet other program requirements.

Failure or withdrawal from this course will result in students being considered under the Student Academic Progress Procedure.


Requisite

This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine degree programs.

Pre-requisite - successful completion of all 3rd year requirements


Assumed knowledge

MEDI1011, MEDI1012, MEDI1013, MEDI1014, MEDI1015, MEDI2011, MEDI2012, MEDI2013, MEDI2014, MEDI3014, MEDI3017 and MEDI3018


Assessment items

Demonstrated competency: Demonstrated competency
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Viva Voce: Examination: Oral - Long case / Viva

Written Assignment: Essay/Written Assignment: Logbook

Formal Examination: Examination: Formal (MCQ) and SAQ

Participation: Group/Tutorial Participation and contribution

Professional Task: Clinical Supervisor Rating


Compulsory Requirements

Compulsory Placement and WHS Requirements:

  • NSW Health Verification Requirements - Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met.
  • First Aid Certificate - students must complete a First Aid Certificate issued by an approved provider. - Students must hold a current WorkCover approved Provide First Aid Certificate or equivalent
  • Working with Children - A national criminal history check and review of findings of misconduct involving children, required for any child-related work.

Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Hunter Clinical School

Integrated Learning Session-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • Twenty additional hours per week will normally be needed for ward rounds and other activities to satisfy requirements for Clinical Supervisors' ratings.
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 25 hour(s) per term
Practical-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 12 hour(s) per term

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.