Physician Assistant Program (PHY ASST) < University of Wisconsin-Madison

PHY ASST 550 — FUNDAMENTALS OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

3 credits.

Introduces information fundamental to understanding clinical medicine principles. Topics addressed include select areas of physiology-pathophysiology, pharmacology, laboratory medicine, and common systemic disease processes. There will also be instruction relative to cognitively approaching the patient.

PHY ASST 601 — CLINICAL MEDICINE I

5 credits.

Covers the knowledge and skills required to diagnose and treat patient health problems. Topics include genomics, neurology, psychiatry, hematology/oncology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and dermatology.

PHY ASST 602 — CLINICAL MEDICINE II

6 credits.

Covers the knowledge and skills required to diagnose and treat patient health problems. Topics addressed include cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology/urology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, geriatrics, and family medicine.

PHY ASST 603 — PEDIATRICS

2 credits.

Examines important aspects of primary care pediatrics including assessment of the child patient, preventive health, and pediatric diseases and conditions. The student will also learn examination techniques specific to the pediatric population.

PHY ASST 610 — CLINICAL PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY PRACTICE I

1 credit.

Addresses the concepts of prevention and population health. Multiple topics will be explored including but not limited to: Health Information Literacy, Immunizations, Nutrition, Exercise, Communication and Counseling Skills, and Integrative Medicine.

PHY ASST 611 — CLINICAL PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY PRACTICE II

1 credit.

Addresses the concepts of prevention and population health and explores the topics of: health systems/policy, and community aspects of practice. Case examples and community-oriented learning experiences will be incorporated into the course.

PHY ASST 616 — PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR I

1 credit.

Emphasizes an understanding of basic research methodology, project development, collaborative research, and project evaluation.

PHY ASST 617 — PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR II

1 credit.

Emphasizes medical ethics as well as fundamental principles of evidence-based medicine. Research and statistical concepts are taught within the framework of epidemiologic study to develop skills in evaluating and interpreting the medical literature.

PHY ASST 618 — PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR III

1 credit.

Emphasizes an understanding of basic research methodology, project development, collaborative research, and project evaluation.

PHY ASST 619 — HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

4 credits.

Provides the primary care physician assistants with the knowledge and physical exam skills to evaluate patients in a variety of settings. Normal and pathological physical findings are discussed. Master interview skills and physical exam skills applicable to all patients. Selected physical exam techniques are emphasized.

PHY ASST 620 — ADVANCED PATIENT EVALUATION I

1 credit.

Advanced physical examination and patient evaluation techniques with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system; selected physical exam procedures in the complete evaluation of patients; advanced medical interviewing skills.

PHY ASST 621 — ADVANCED PATIENT EVALUATION IN THE PRIMARY CARE SETTING II

1 credit.

Instruction in advanced skills in history and physical examination including comprehensive patient history and physical examination, focused history with related male genitalia and rectal exams, and focused history with female breast and pelvic exams.

PHY ASST 629 — APPLIED HUMAN ANATOMY FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

7 credits.

Gross human anatomy involving complete dissection of the human body. Major topic areas: Thorax; abdomen and pelvis; head and neck; limbs. Focus on anatomical organization of the trunk, head and neck, and limbs. Application of functional anatomical information to clinical practice/problems. Practice in teamwork and teaching.

Requisites: Declared in Physician Assistant program

Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Summer 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the anatomical organization of the trunk, head and neck, and limbs.
Audience: Graduate

2. Apply functional anatomical information to clinical practice/problems.
Audience: Graduate

3. Demonstrate teaching skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
Audience: Graduate

PHY ASST 630 — WOMEN'S HEALTH FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

3 credits.

Provides a theoretical and clinical background for the assessment, diagnosis and management of problems in obstetrics and gynecology.

PHY ASST 640 — CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY I

2 credits.

Emphasizes pharmacotherapeutics relative to disease processes of the neurologic, psychiatric, hematologic/oncologic, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, endocrinologic, and dermatologic systems. Antimicrobial and pain management principles will also be addressed.

PHY ASST 641 — CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY II

2 credits.

Emphasizes pharmacotherapeutics relative to disease processes of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, urologic, gastrointestinal, and rheumatologic systems. Other topics addressed include geriatric pharmacology, pharmacoeconomics, complementary and alternative medicines, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

PHY ASST 648 — EMERGENCY MEDICINE

2 credits.

Fundamental concepts related to the provision of emergency medical care and urgent ambulatory care.

PHY ASST 650 — DIAGNOSTIC METHODS I

2 credits.

Primary focus is laboratory medicine assessments and ECG interpretation with additional content in imaging modalities, utilization of survey tools, screening assessments, as well as selected specialized examination techniques.

PHY ASST 651 — DIAGNOSTIC METHODS II

3 credits.

Primary focus is laboratory medicine assessments, heart sounds interpretation, and imaging modalities.

PHY ASST 660 — CLINICAL SKILLS LABORATORY

1 credit.

Hands-on clinical skill laboratory that includes: dermatologic procedures, splinting, casting, suturing, IV access, venipuncture, injections, joint aspiration/injection, and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

PHY ASST 662 — PREPARATION FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY HEALTH CARE IN BELIZE

1 credit.

Preparation for PHY ASST 663. Examination of important and ever-changing topics related to global healthcare. Focus on the more remote, indigenous populations of Belize, their current healthcare system and their access-to-care. Content relates to historical, social, economic and cultural perspectives of the under-served Belizean populations, as well as medical-related topics from an interdisciplinary perspective. Activities and self-study exercises include team-building and self-reflection exercises. Specific topics will include; Belize anthropology, health care in a resource limiting setting, human trafficking, cervical cancer, etc.

Requisites: Declared in Physician Assistant, Nursing Practice DNP, or Pharmacy Program

Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Spring 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Articulate understanding of the historical, societal, economic and cultural perspectives and values of the Belizean population and unique problems that affect this population
Audience: Graduate

2. Demonstrate knowledge of diagnoses and interventions utilized by professionals who work in global, rural, underserved villages in remote areas of Belize
Audience: Graduate

3. Apply their profession’s roles and responsibilities to cases that address complex medical and public health issues
Audience: Graduate

4. Compare and contrast the diversity of expertise and skills among participating interprofessional disciplines in a resource-limited setting
Audience: Graduate

5. Describe what it means to be a part of an interdisciplinary team and illustrate how the different professions and systems can complement and facilitate one another in addressing health care needs of an underserved population
Audience: Graduate

6. Explain and apply health inequalities from a global perspective via reflective exercises and facilitated discussion
Audience: Graduate

PHY ASST 663 — INTERDISCIPLINARY FIELD EXPERIENCE IN RURAL BELIZE

1 credit.

One-week service-learning field experience in rural Belize. Provide health care to the more remote, indigenous populations of Belize. Must have a valid passport that does not expire 6 months past your Belize field experience dates.

Requisites: PHY ASST 662

Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Summer 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate history and physical exam skills with a culturally sensitive approach that permits accurate diagnostic evaluation
Audience: Graduate

2. Identify predominant cross-cultural and underserved issues in primary care, and appreciate how this knowledge can be utilized in the practice of medicine in the participants’ home country
Audience: Graduate

3. Recognize and implement cost-effective approaches to providing health care in a resource-limited setting
Audience: Graduate

4. Demonstrate interdisciplinary team work (communication, negotiation, respect for group dynamics, and conflict resolution) and describe how an interdisciplinary approach to care contributes to improved patient outcomes
Audience: Graduate

5. Examine Belizean culture through rural connections, community interactions, and guided cultural excursions. Discuss this relationship to the concept of Global to Local
Audience: Graduate

6. Discuss the structure of the health care system in Belize from the role of the traditional medicinal healer to the community health worker and primary health care physician
Audience: Graduate

PHY ASST 670 — FUNDAMENTALS OF SURGERY

1 credit.

An introduction to the role of the physician assistant in surgery, fundamental principles of pre-, intra- and post-operative surgical care, operating room aseptic technique, and common strategies to avoid and to treat surgical complications.

PHY ASST 699 — INDEPENDENT STUDY

1-3 credits.

Directed study projects as arranged with instructor.

PHY ASST 700 — RURAL HEALTH FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

1 credit.

Realizing the rural healthcare shortage, emphasizes an understanding of healthcare issues unique to rural populations with the intent to attract Physician Assistants to work in these underserved areas.

PHY ASST 716 — PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR IV

1 credit.

Emphasis will be on placed on refining the capstone project and writing an initial paper draft. Also includes instructional content on professional issues in preparation for clinical experiences and clinical practice.

PHY ASST 717 — PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR AND CAPSTONE I

1 credit.

Emphasis will be placed on completion of capstone projects with preparations for oral and poster presentation of the projects. Also includes instructional content on professional issues in preparation for certification and clinical practice.

PHY ASST 718 — PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR AND CAPSTONE II

1 credit.

Emphasis will be placed on preparing poster and lecture presentation for completed capstone projects. Also includes instructional content on professional issues in preparation for certification and clinical practice.

PHY ASST 729 — PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRECEPTORSHIP: SURGERY

8 credits.

A 2 month intensive clinical learning experience with an emphasis in surgery and taking place in a variety of off-campus clinical settings under the direction of a supervising physician preceptor.

PHY ASST 739 — PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRECEPTORSHIP: FAMILY MEDICINE

8 credits.

A 2 month intensive clinical learning experience with an emphasis in family medicine and taking place in a variety of off-campus clinical settings under the direction of a supervising physician preceptor.

PHY ASST 749 — PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRECEPTORSHIP: INTERNAL MEDICINE

8 credits.

A 2 month intensive clinical learning experience with an emphasis in internal medicine and taking place in a variety of off-campus clinical settings under the direction of a supervising physician preceptor.

PHY ASST/NURSING/PHARMACY/PHY THER/PUBLHLTH 758 — INTERPROFESSIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP

1 credit.

Build skills in collaboration, problem solving, and reflection to approach complex community-based public health problems contribute to becoming a public leader. Explore the six levels of public health leadership through the practices of current and past public health leaders, case studies, and personal experience.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing

Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Spring 2019

Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of their profession with all participating health professional students, while examining the roles and responsibilities of all other health professions.
Audience: Graduate

2. Compare and contrast the diversity of expertise among participating health professions.
Audience: Graduate

3. Apply their profession’s roles and responsibilities to case studies that address complex public health issues.
Audience: Graduate

4. Describe what it means to be part of an interprofessional team and illustrate how the different professions and systems can complement and facilitate one another in addressing public health issues.
Audience: Graduate

5. Apply the principles of public health leadership via reflective exercises, case studies and facilitated discussion.
Audience: Graduate

6. Promote a public health cause or principle through legislative advocacy.
Audience: Graduate

7. Elucidate the importance of reflection as a life-long learning and leadership tool.
Audience: Graduate

PHY ASST 759 — PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRECEPTORSHIP: EMERGENCY MEDICINE

8 credits.

A 2 month intensive clinical learning experience with an emphasis in emergency medicine and taking place in a variety of off-campus clinical settings under the direction of a supervising physician preceptor.

PHY ASST 769 — PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRECEPTORSHIP: ELECTIVE

8 credits.

A 2 month intensive clinical learning experience with an emphasis in an elective specialty discipline and taking place in a variety of off-campus clinical settings under the direction of a supervising physician preceptor. Elective specialty disciplines include but are not limited to family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, ENT, dermatology, pediatrics, women's health and psychiatry/behavioral health.

PHY ASST 787 — SEMINAR ON INTEGRATING PUBLIC HEALTH INTO PA PRACTICE

1 credit.

Provides direction to Physician Assistant (PA) Path of Distinction (PoD) students for the PoD capstone project and to provide an overview of public health, some of its current issues and tools to help become engaged in the communities in which clinical experiences and practice takes place.