PA 6404 Medical Interview and Physical Exam
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of medical history taking and physical examination. This encompasses the skills of medical interviewing and other forms of communication with patients, their families, and their caregivers. Students will learn the components of a complete medical history. In addition, they will learn interviewing skills that will allow them to efficiently elicit a patient history in an accurate and empathetic manner. This introductory course on physical assessment also includes instruction on performance of complete physical examination, and development of critical thinking and decision-making skills needed to assess adult patients' mental and physical status. Assessment of common and important symptoms is covered including the relevant regions and systems of skin, head, neck, neurological system, thorax and lungs, heart, musculoskeletal system, abdominal exam, and genitourinary systems. Demonstrations and practical laboratory application reinforce the PA's ability to perform a comprehensive physical examination. The laboratory allows the student an opportunity to practice the skills needed to perform a complete physical on the body regions covered in the lecture.