Students learn human body structure through the process of dissection and from various imaging techniques used in clinical medicine.
Students also learn how the process of embryogenesis forms the human body.
This course has been designed to cover the various issues which physicians must understand in order to provide responsible and compassionate care to their patients and to society at large. It extends through Phases 1 and 2 and includes information on normal psychological development, ethics, working with critically ill and dying patients and their families, managed care, and various public health issues. Other components within PPS are designed to help students develop the communication skills that they will need for interviewing patients. Basic skills needed for physical examination of patients will also be taught as part of PPS I, as will the application of statistical methods to decision making in medicine. The remaining component of PPS in Phase 1 is a preceptorship program during which students accompany community-based and academic physicians as they attend to the needs of their patients in both ambulatory care and hospital settings.