Doctor of Medical Science

The purpose of this course is to help students develop and refine their knowledge about conducting literature reviews and action research projects centered on pertinent topics, issues, and concerns in the practice of health maintenance, the provision of healthcare services, or medical education. Students will identify a research topic, develop a problem statement and one or more high-quality research questions to guide their research. In addition, students will learn how to use Microsoft Word, Zotero, and style sets to help them develop and practice their skills in writing for the medical community.

The student will have the option to attend on-campus or virtual training in the use of ultrasound and its application to common ultrasound guided diagnostics and procedures, such as a FAST exam, vascular access, and identification of DVT, pneumothorax, fractures, foreign bodies, retinal detachment, abscess I&D and more.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Nephrology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Neurology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Psychiatry. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Pulmonology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Cardiology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Gastroenterology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Endocrinology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Hematology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes an advanced systematic clinical approach to Infectious Disease. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

The course takes a systematic approach to advanced clinical Rheumatology. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of system diseases, as they relate to primary care will be evaluated. The course will integrate relevant clinical anatomy, imaging, and pharmacotherapy to maximize the student’s applicability in clinical practice.

In this course, students will learn about survey research, the nature and structure of documents describing action research and literature reviews and will examine methodologies researchers in the medical field commonly use to conduct qualitative and quantitative research. Additional foci will include: (a) different strategies for collecting data; (b) using Excel as a data organization, manipulation, basic analysis, and preparation tool; (c) critiquing published research, and (d) the cautions and procedures required of researchers who conduct research that involves human subjects.

This course focuses on helping students execute their research by: (a) collecting, organizing, and analyzing their data; (b) organizing and documenting their findings; (c) completing at least one draft of their complete document and receiving at least one round of feedback from the instructor. During the course, the instructor will introduce students to various applications that help researchers analyze and interpret data collected through both qualitative and quantitative designs. Course topics will include issues surrounding professionalism and ethics as they relate to designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting research related to the teaching and practice of medicine. The course will also include instruction in effective use of PowerPoint, which can be used in the presentation of the student's final research project.

Learning is in every component of the human experience. Understanding how adults learn and apply expertise to practical everyday situations provides the student opportunities to broaden understandings regarding the capacity of the human mind, what motivates learning and empowers others. This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of adult education emphasizing those theories, models, and principles applied to the workplace and other adult learning venues. Students will explore adult learning in different contexts and become acquainted with relevant issues as well as the philosophies and methodologies utilized within adult education.

The focus of this course is on examining the symbiotic relationship between teaching and learning (instructor-student) in the framework of higher education programs. The instructor and students will introduce and model various research-based strategies and learning and instruction theories regarding their nature and use. Students will also explore issues surrounding the effective use of different instructional strategies in teacher-student interactions.

This course focuses on communication skills for upper-level education leaders. Candidates will explore group dynamics, communication within groups, controversy and creativity, managing conflict, and team development. Candidates will apply course concepts through self-analysis, teamwork, case studies, action research projects, and simulations. Other course concepts will include group goals, social interdependence and trust, power, decision-making, and diversity.

DMS 914 Organizational Assessment and Evaluation (3 credit hours) The content of this course focuses on the processes associated with different models and approaches to program evaluation, problem identification and formulation, and the factors that impact assessment and evaluation in organizations. Considerations will include analytical procedures associated with developing and maintaining learning organizations with the goal of establishing sustained quality improvement based on data acquisition, analysis, and distribution among stakeholders. Students will research, discuss, and describe how to implement standards and methods associated with managing quality within social organizations and will compare and contrast those with equivalent approaches in manufacturing systems.

This course is designed to prepare students to interpret, evaluate, and use published educational research to improve instruction. Basic statistics, data types, and effective data presentation strategies will be reviewed. Different quantitative and qualitative study designs and data analysis techniques will be presented, with a focus on their application in medical education research. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate research studies, draw conclusions, and be able to communicate key findings in a manner appropriate for the audience.

This course will introduce student learning and development theories and curriculum design approaches with a focus on best practices for adult learners in medical education. Multiple curriculum design strategies will be discussed, along with factors that influence those designs such as resources, research, and accreditation.  Students will have the ability to build a curriculum that aligns with ARC-PA standards, program competencies, and course and unit learning objectives.

This course is designed for students to gain knowledge of the evaluation process, including impact assessment, cost analysis, program effectiveness, and development of policy measures. Topics include how to evaluate strategic planning, the accreditation review process, curriculum, student advising and mentoring, clinical practice, and scholarship. Students will gain practical experience through a series of exercises involving the design of a curriculum evaluation plan to include both a process and impact evaluation.

In this course, students will learn to integrate the concepts of adult learning theory and curriculum design to develop all aspects of a course. Activities include preparing a course syllabus, developing lesson plans and instructional materials, evaluations, and assessments. Emphasis will be placed on selection and incorporation of instructional methods, technology, and resources that promote student achievement of the specific objectives.

This course is designed to develop communication and problem-solving skills required for effective educational leadership. The primary format of the class will be discussion, group exercises, and individual presentations. There will be an emphasis on verbal and interpersonal communication, leadership theory, conflict resolution, and collaboration. Related ARC-PA Standards for administration will be reviewed and discussed throughout the course.

The course seeks to build on the clinical knowledge achieved in the medical science modules and to develop clinical reasoning skills for professional practice in primary care. A variety of clinical case scenarios of undifferentiated patient complaints will develop and enhance each practitioner’s critical thinking skills and enhance the breadth and depth of medical knowledge.  Students will be challenged to work through cases and provide their clinical reasoning to peers and faculty through discussion boards and video conferencing. These cases draw from a variety of clinical settings and have a broad application to patient care.

The course seeks to build on the clinical knowledge achieved in the medical science modules and to develop clinical reasoning skills for professional practice in emergency medicine. A variety of clinical case scenarios of undifferentiated patient complaints will develop and enhance each practitioner’s critical thinking skills and enhance the breadth and depth of medical knowledge.  Students will be challenged to work through cases and provide their clinical reasoning to peers and faculty through discussion boards and video conferencing. These cases will require care from the emergency medicine clinician’s perspective. The student will develop knowledge and skills for practice in the emergency room.

The course seeks to build on the clinical knowledge achieved in the medical science modules and to develop clinical reasoning skills for professional practice in hospital medicine. A variety of clinical case scenarios of undifferentiated patient complaints will develop and enhance each practitioner's critical thinking skills and enhance the breadth and depth of medical knowledge. Students will be challenged to work through cases and provide their clinical reasoning to peers and faculty through discussion boards and video conferencing. These cases will require care from the hospitalist's perspective. The student will develop knowledge and skills for practice in the hospital setting.

The residency is designed to enhance the student’s application of clinical knowledge and skills while employed and practicing in the clinical setting. The student will demonstrate competency development in the six core competency areas of patient care; medical knowledge; practice- based learning and improvement; interpersonal and communication skills; professionalism; and systems-based practice. Additionally, this course will encourage the student to explore ways to overcome the common threats to successful clinical practice, such as provider burnout, work satisfaction, lack of resource access and more.