|
|
Department of Pathology
TO: Second Year Medical Students (Class of 2010) FROM: H. James Williams, M.D., Vice Chair, Education Programs and Sharon L. Wenger, PhD., Course Director of Mechanisms of Human Disease (Pathology 751) On behalf of the Department of Pathology, we welcome you to the world of Pathology (Pathology 751). Within the setting of medical school curriculums, the study of pathology has traditionally served as the connecting link between the basic sciences and clinical medicine. Comprehensive knowledge of pathology (pathos - disease; ology - to study) is essential to understanding the wide spectrum of diseases that plague mankind. The better we understand a disease in terms of etiology and mechanism, the more specific the diagnosis and treatment becomes. Pathology is the foundation upon which the safe and effective practice of medicine is built. The goal of Pathology 751 is to assist you in establishing this foundation of knowledge. It is our premise that the primary responsibility for medical education rests with the individual student. The corner stone is thoughtful reading of the subject under study in the required textbook Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7th edition, Robbins and Cotran. The required readings will be supplemented with the course lecture series (attendance of lectures is expected). While students may elect to read the pertinent material after the associated lecture, it is recommended to read in advance of the lecture as this tends to optimize the lecture experience and allows for questions and clarification of the reading material. Lecture notes/outlines are given at the discretion of the lecturer to assist the students and are not intended to replace the required reading assignments. In addition to the general course lecture series, there will be Case Discussions to be presented by small groups of 5-6 students (to be assigned). The intent of the Case Discussions to allow application of the knowledge obtained through the readings and course lectures in the setting of a clinical scenario with clinical histories, physical examination, laboratory data, radiographic data, etc. The Pathology 751 Course lectures will be presented in the Learning Center Classroom #1909 to begin with an introduction at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2007. Please review our web pages (http://sole.hsc.wvu.edu) to familiarize yourselves with the course. The material there explains the purpose of the course as well as updates and changes as we work to improve the course. The Department of Pathology faculty, residents, and staff are looking forward to introducing you to the wonderful world of pathology. While the assimilation of such an expanse of knowledge is not easy, it is our hope that you will enjoy the course and find it useful in your future medical careers. . |
||
