* Course credits pertain to 2023-2024 academic year.
Age-Related Topics (ARTS): MBART-MAIN
The goals of this course are to provide an introduction to both pediatric and geriatric clinical medicine by highlighting the similarities and differences in basic principles of pathophysiology as they pertain to patients at either end of the age spectrum.
Credits: 1.00
Course Co-Directors: Shweta Parmekar, M.D. and Anita Major, M.D.
Behavioral and Neurologic Sciences (BNS): MBBNS-MAIN
The purpose of this course is to facilitate the integrated development of knowledge and skills related to the care of patients and populations with conditions of the nervous system, including neurologic and behavioral health disorders with consideration of ethical principles, professional wellness, and diverse research areas.
Credits: 5.50
Course Co-Directors: Atul Maheshwari, M.D. and Sindhu Idicula, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Matthew McMillin, Ph.D.
CABS-Business and Leadership in Medicine: MCBLM-MAIN
The goals for the course are for the learner to identify and describe key features of health insurance construction and delivery in the US; discuss key policies that shape health insurance status and care delivery; identify common structures and approaches for health care provider payments; compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of different models of provider reimbursement; and assess recent evolutions in physician practice arrangements and potential interactions with contemporary reimbursement models and emphases on quality of care.
Credits: 0.75
Course Director: Michael Richards, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Associate Course Director: Juliet Holder-Haynes, M.D., M.B.A.
CABS-Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM): MCEBM-MAIN
The goals of this course are to develop a pattern of life-long learning by identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing information relevant to one's learning needs, develop skills in seeking and assessing the credibility of information and resources, utilize evidence-based decision-making in patient care, and to practice team problem solving in a safe environment by practicing sharing information with peers and colleagues. Students will continue to develop skills in basic biostatistics and epidemiology used in the medical literature and practice applying them to patient care.
Credits: 0.75
Course Director: Sowdhamini Wallace, D.O., M.S.
Associate Course Director: Cara Foldes, M.D., M.P.H.
CABS-Nutrition: MCNUT-MAIN
The goals of this course are to integrate basic concepts of nutrition relevant to pathophysiology encountered in common clinical settings in which nutrition plays an especially important role, including that encountered in patients with gastrointestinal, hepatic, endocrine, renal and cardiac disease, and to understand the potential role of nutritional guidance or intervention in reducing the incidence or severity of common medical disorders.
Credits: 0.75
Course Director: Craig Jensen, M.D. and Roberta Anding, M.S., RD/LD
Cardiology: MBCAR-MAIN
The goals of this course are to provide an introduction to clinical cardiology including the heart as a pump, electrocardiography and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders, heart sounds, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, sudden cardiac death, cardiomyopathies, pericarditis, valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease. The pathophysiology, prevention and management of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, valvular disease, cardiac arrhythmias, prevention and treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors, as well as treatment of various prevalent heart diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease will be considered.
Credits: 2.25
Course Director: Tobias Schlingmann, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Course Directors: Josh Kailin, M.D. and Ajith Nair, M.D.
Cardiac, Respiratory, Renal (CRR): MBCRR-MAIN
The Cardiac, Respiratory, Renal course is designed to facilitate the integrated development of knowledge and skills related to the care of patients with cardiac, respiratory, and renal conditions in conjunction with ethical principles, health systems, professional roles, social determinants, and limitations of evidence-based practice.
Credits: 7.00
Course Co-Directors: Joshua Kailin, M.D., Tobias Schlingmann, M.D., Ph.D., Dharani Narendra, M.D., and Bryan Tucker, D.O., M.S.,
Associate Course Director: Stephanie Richardson, Ph.D.
Dermatology: MCDRM-MAIN
The goals of this course are to provide the fundamentals for understanding the pathophysiology of common dermatologic diseases; provide an understanding and knowledge of the pertinent history, clinical exam findings, and diagnostic clinical testing/strategies utilized for dermatologic diseases; and to reinforce the application of and integration of clinical findings to diagnostic differentials and treatment for dermatologic diseases to prepare the learner to transition from the classroom to the clinical setting.
Credits: 0.75
Course Co-Directors: Soo Jung Kim, M.D., Ph.D. and Ikue Shimizu, M.D.
Endocrinology: MBEND-MAIN
The goals of this course are to provide the fundamentals for understanding the pathophysiology of common endocrine disorders; provide an understanding and knowledge of the pertinent history, clinical exam findings, and diagnostic clinical testing/strategies utilized for common endocrine disorders; provide an understanding and knowledge of the principles of endocrinology and treatment strategies; and to reinforce the application of and integration of clinical findings to diagnostic differentials and treatment for endocrine disorders to prepare the learner to transition from the classroom to the clinical setting.
Credits: 1.75
Course Director: Sanjay Mediwala, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Nidhi Bansal, M.P.H., M.B.B.S.
Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, and Genitourinary Systems (EGGS): MBEGG-MAIN
The purpose of this course is to facilitate the integrated development of knowledge and skills related to the care of the patients and populations with conditions of gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, and genitourinary systems, with consideration of ethical principles, advocacy, uncertainty and bias, and professional identity formation.
Credits: 5.25
Course Co-Directors: Richa Shukla, M.D., Nidhi Bansal, M.B., B.S., M.P.H., Jennifer Bercaw-Pratt, M.D., and Nicolette Janzen, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Matthew McMillin, Ph.D.
Foundations of Medicine (FOM): MBFOM-MAIN
The purpose of the Foundations of Medicine course is to understand the fundamentals of structure, function, and relationships of biology to pathology by applying the principles of critical thinking and self-regulated learning.
Credits: 3.00
Course Director: Sandra Haudek, Ph.D., M.S.
Associate Course Directors: Munder Zagaar, Ph.D., Pharm.D. and Susan Ely, Ph.D.
Gastroenterology (GI): MBGST-MAIN
The goal of this course is to increase knowledge of the gastrointestinal system and common disease processes that can affect its function. These include disorders of the luminal gastrointestinal tract – esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon – as well as the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
Credits: 2.0
Course Director: Richa Shukla, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Rehman Sheikh, M.D.
Genetics: MBGNT-MAIN
The over-arching goal of this course is to introduce the students to the discipline and practice of medical genetics and genomics for the prenatal, pediatric, and adult patient by identifying genetic disorders related to connective tissue, dysmorphology, neurology, cardiovascular problems, skeletal dysplasias, hearing problems and cancer ; by interpreting molecular and cytogenetic tests used to diagnose genetic conditions and by understanding the ethical implications of genetic disorders and their impact on patients and their families. This course is designed to create a foundation of knowledge for the genetic and genomic basis of diseases as it pertains to all specialties of medicine and to empower the student to be able to use this knowledge in the specialty of their choice.
Credits: 1.25
Course Director: Shweta Dhar, M.D., M.S.
Associate Course Director: Daryl Scott, M.D., Ph.D.
Genitourinary/Gynecology (GU/GYN): MBGUG-MAIN
The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the disciplines of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Urology. Topics covered include pregnancy, breast cancer, birth control, infertility, and the pathology of the male and female reproductive systems and urinary system.
Credits: 1.25
Course Co-Directors: Jennifer Bercaw-Pratt, M.D. and Nicolette Janzen, M.D.
Hematology (HEME): MBHEM-MAIN
The Hematology course will describe the structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms of the hematologic systems regarding disorders while developing skills for asking and answering questions related to evidence-based practice and utilizing optimal health care to patients and providers within healthcare systems.
Credits: 2.75
Course Director: Andrea Marcogliese, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Amanda Grimes, M.D.
Hematology/Oncology: MBHMO-MAIN
The goals of this course are to increase knowledge of the pathophysiology of hematopoiesis and hemostasis and to integrate and apply knowledge of the regulation and function of blood cells and coagulation, acquire the principles of transfusion medicine, increase knowledge of the principles of cancer medicine and treatment strategies, and know the actions and complications of the major categories of cancer therapeutic agents, targeted therapies and cellular based therapy. As many specific cancers are taught in their appropriate systems courses, this course can be summarized as the details of hematology and the principles of oncology.
Credits: 2.5
Course Director: Andrea N. Marcogliese, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Amanda Grimes, M.D.
Immune, Musculoskeletal, and Integumentary Systems (IMIS): MBIMI-MAIN
This multifaceted course is designed to prepare learners to identify and apply normal and abnormal structures and functions of dermatology, rheumatology, musculoskeletal, and immunologic systems while demonstrating basic principles of diagnostic testing and interpretation to develop skills in taking patient history, communication, and the application of equity and quality care.
Credits: 4.75
Course Directors: Soo Jung Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Ikue Shimizu, M.D., William Decker, Ph.D. and Mariah Gillispie-Taylor, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Susan Ely, Ph.D.
Integrated Systems (IS): MBIS-MAIN
The purpose of the Integrated Systems course is to apply knowledge and skills related to the integration of different organ systems with an emphasis on infectious disease, toxicology, public health, informatics, and nutrition across the age continuum.
Credits: 4.50
Course Director: Shital Patel, M.D., M.Sc.
Associate Course Director: Sarah Shafer, M.D.
Intersession: Service Learning, Wellness and Narrative Medicine: MCSWN-MAIN
The goals for this course are to provide the fundamentals for understanding the importance of and need for personal wellness as a student and physician, to integrate and apply the learned wellness skills into the students life; to make personal gains in professionalism, empathy, and interpersonal skills through active Service Learning, and to gain personal insight and coping through active reflection with Narrative Medicine. Service Learning will be done at selected sites throughout Houston, where students will be immersed in both the daily activities and programmatic planning of community service organizations. Students will develop skills to identify community needs relevant to an organization and work directly with employees to deliver the services offered. Students will be introduced to Wellness topics both didactically and through active learning gaining experience and knowledge in multiple wellness dimensions (Physical, Spiritual, Financial, Environmental, Emotional, Intellectual, and Social). The course will help tie together the various experiences in service learning and wellness, allowing the student to learn reflection as a means to wellness and insight. Students will complete the course with a mini-poster/spoken and written word program.
Credits: 0.5
Course Co-Directors: Anisha Turner, M.D. and Ricardo Nuila, M.D.
Patient Safety: MBPSA-MAIN
The goal of this course is to prepare learners with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the context, key principles and competencies associated with the discipline of patient safety in the delivery of healthcare services. Additionally, students will learn to recognize weaknesses in our medical system that can lead to patient safety events and will be empowered to promote a culture of safety in the clinical environment. The course concludes with an interprofessional patient safety event exercise.
Credits: 0.50
Course Director: Sara Andrabi, M.D.
Associate Course Director: Mona Khattab, M.B.B.Ch.
Practice of Medicine (POM) I: Essential Concepts: MBPM1-MAIN
The Practice of Medicine I course is designed to confer fundamental clinical skills – including history taking, physical examination, point-of-care ultrasound, clinical reasoning, and communication – while facilitating positive, professional identity formation. The course will introduce students to inpatient and outpatient clinical environments to practice hypothesis-driven data collection and enhance verbal and written communication. The course covers a range of systems and symptoms, including cardiac, respiratory, and hematologic conditions.
Credits: 3.75
Course Director: Shruti Varadarajan, M.D.
Associate Course Directors: Kamna Bansal, M.B., B.S. and Ana Crew, D.O.
Practice of Medicine (POM) II: Expanding Fundamentals: MBPM2-MAIN
The Practice of Medicine II course focuses on developing essential skills in history taking, physical examination, diagnostic schema formulation, and effective clinical documentation learned in POM I. The course covers various systems and symptoms, including musculoskeletal, dermatologic, abdominal, endocrine/reproductive, neurologic, mental health, HEENT, and chronic conditions. Students will learn to elicit more comprehensive histories, perform thorough examinations, recognize abnormal findings, and integrate multiple viewpoints into their strategies. Additionally, students will further develop clinical reasoning abilities and understand the importance of problem representation and summary statements in diagnosis. The course also emphasizes patient-centered care and effective documentation of clinical encounters in preparation for clinical experiences.
Credits: 5.50
Course Director: Shruti Varadarajan, M.D.
Associate Course Directors: Kamna Bansal, M.B., B.S. and Ana Crew, D.O.
Renal: MBRNL-MAIN
The goals of this course are to introduce clinical nephrology: specifically the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and management of abnormalities in electrolytes and acid base, glomerulonephritis, kidney histology, acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, in adults and children. The learner will learn how dialysis and transplantation have shaped public policy. The learner will utilize common clinical scenarios to facilitate the transition from classroom to bedside.
Credits: 1.75
Course Director: Bryan Tucker, D.O., M.S.
Associate Course Director: Alexandra Grand. M.D.
Respiratory: MBRSP-MAIN
The goal of this course is to provide the fundamentals for understanding the pathophysiology of common respiratory diseases. By the end of the course, students will be able to: correlate history, clinical exam findings, and diagnostic clinical testing/strategies in order to form a differential diagnosis for common respiratory diseases; evaluate pathological images to diagnose respiratory disorders; and summarize pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options for common respiratory disorders.
Credits: 1.75
Course Director: Dharani Narendra, M.B.B.S.
Associate Course Director: Helina Wakwaya, M.D.
Transition to Medicine (TTM): MBTTM-MAIN
The Transition to Medicine course is designed to prepare learners with introductory knowledge and skills to be successful in medical school and the practice of medicine.
Credits: 4.25
Course Director: Shruti Varadarajan, M.D.
Associate Course Directors: Robert McArthur, M.D. and Ana Crew, D.O.
