Medical Sub-specialtiesModule Details

Rationale 

The treatment of disease conditions using therapeutic interventions is a mainstay of medical care. An understanding of how the majority of diseases is treated is important in restoring the patient to a life of well-being. These principles of medicine are applied to the varied Medical Sub-Specialties of respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological, haematology and medical, oncology, rheumatology and emergency medicine.

This course aims to introduce the student to the principles of internal medicine in relation to medical sub-specialties. It also seeks to equip the student with the clinical skills necessary for obtaining relevant medical history, eliciting physical signs, and performing bedside procedures. Additionally, the course aims to instil the appropriate attitudes required for practicing clinical medicine, including professionalism, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary collaboration in patient management.

Learning Outcomes 

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Demonstrate an understanding of what is involved in medical sub-specialties.
(ii)   Obtain a history from the patient or relative regarding the presenting complaints.
(iii)  Conduct a physical examination as part of investigating the presenting complaint.
(iv)  Formulate a differential diagnosis for the presenting complaint within the medical sub-specialty context.
(v)   Select and interpret appropriate investigations to confirm the preliminary diagnosis.
(vi)  Develop a treatment and management plan for the patient to present to the responsible clinician.
(vii) Observe, assist, and perform relevant medical sub-specialty procedures where appropriate.