This course is not currently offered, please contact the school or faculty of your program.

Course description

This course will include a 2 week residential orientation and 1 week face-to-face clinical skills and professional issues workshops later in the semester. The course will also include additional web-based learning and online discussion groups. This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop interviewing and physical examination skills. Focus will be placed on developing the patient-practitioner relationship and understanding the patient's perspective of illness. As well, emphasis will be on thorough medical record keeping, approach to the differential diagnosis, and case presentation. The application of the principles of pathophysiology taught in Principles of Primary Care Medicine 1, which should be taken concurrently, will also be emphasized. Web-based material including exemplary demonstrations of clinical skills will be available. Students will then be observed interviewing simulated patients and examining colleagues. They will be coached in clinical skills workshops. Assessment of student performance includes an observed history and focused physical examination. This course also explores professional issues, including: psychosocial sensitivity, patient safety, medical ethics, health care policy & reform, legal issues, interdisciplinary care, & cultural diversity. Students will develop the skills & knowledge necessary to effectively & sensitively communicate with diverse patient & health professional populations, as well as gain an in-depth understanding of the role of physician assistants in the Australian health care system.