MED 4580 Rheumatology Clinic & Consults
Through evaluation of patients primarily in the outpatient setting, students will develop skills in history-taking, musculoskeletal examination, interpreting laboratory results, and radiographic interpretation in order to establish a rationale to approach patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal complaints. Goals: At the end of this elective, senior students will be able create differential diagnoses of common rheumatic signs and symptoms, interpret common serologic and immunologic testing used to diagnose and treat rheumatic disease, develop management plans for their assigned patients, and ultimately develop a rational approach to caring for similar patients in the future (prior to referring patients to an internist or rheumatologist). Unique Objectives: Correctly interpret results of serologic and other laboratory tests and radiographic procedures to optimize care on their assigned patients. Develop a rationale use of available medications to treat pain and inflammation taking into account drug costs, patient demographics, underlying condition, and patient demographics. Attain fund of knowledge and skills to enable the students to work-up and provide initial care for patients with osteoarthritis, gout and other crystalline disorders, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, soft tissue disorders, and the spondyloarthropathies
Offered
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) - MD; Veteran Affairs Medical Center (DCVA) - Washington, D.C.; Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston (JBSA) - TX; Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (TCM) - WA