The Basic Sciences program
takes place during 15-week terms on the island of Sint Eustatius.
Summer and winter breaks are short by U.S. standards, permitting
three academic terms in any given calendar year. Students
have the option of completing their 5th semester in the
United States, which further reduces students’ total time away from
their home country.
The Basic Sciences consists of training in multiple disciplines taught in a 5-term
format. Most courses are taught in double 45-minute blocks, 3-5 times
per week. Training in some disciplines typically span two terms.
For students needing extra preparation for the Basic Sciences program, the University
offers an extended program involving an extra 4-month term of
pre-basic sciences coursework (e.g., medical physics, chemistry in
medicine.) To optimize learning, the courses in the extra term are
taught in an integrated, clinically-relevant fashion.
Biochemistry
Structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and other
important biomolecules. Lectures cover important topics such as
structure-function relationships in molecular diseases, enzyme
characteristics and kinetics, bioenergetics, metabolism and metabolic
interrelationships of important biomolecules, the molecular basis of
metabolic diseases, the biochemistry of hormones and cell signaling,
and biochemical principles in nutrition. In lab activities, students
learn about basic tests and procedures used in general practice,
including pregnancy tests, urine reagent strips and tablets for the
detection of glucose and ketonic bodies, and glucometers for
monitoring diabetic patients.
Genetics
Basic genetics and its relevance to inherited disorders. This course
covers topics including the structure and function of genes, the general
organization of the human genome and the principles of Mendelian and
non-Mendelian genetics as applied to disease. Chromosomal
abnormalities, cytogenetics in principles and practice, population
genetics as applied to issues of human health and the use of genetics
in medicine are also covered. Also emphasized are principles of
molecular recognition, the control of cellular proliferation and the
organization, replication and repair of the genome. Gene expression,
mutation, molecular genetics and the techniques of molecular biology
are also covered.
Gross & Developmental Anatomy
Gross structure and development of organs and systems of the human body. The course is dedicated to teaching developmental aspects of major organ systems and integrating this with a discussion of gross anatomy of the human body. In addition to didactic lectures and cadaveric dissection, the learning of anatomy is enhanced with the help of small group discussions in the laboratory with computer software, study of X- rays, CT scans, MRIs and osteology. The emphasis of the course is on applied and clinical aspects of gross and developmental anatomy.
Histology
Microscopic structure and function of cells, tissues and organs. Formal lectures and student presentations explore the microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues and organs. Emphasis is on correlation of structure with function.
Physiology
Basic human biological processes. Both normal and abnormal
physiological states, as seen in both everyday life and in the
clinical setting, will be examined fully. Specifically, the
mechanical, biomedical, and regulatory processes of major organ
systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine,
gastrointestinal, and neural are covered. Clinical correlation is
stressed via case studies of patients with major organ system
dysfunction.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Physical Diagnosis
History-taking, physical exam techniques and clinical presentations
of common diseases. Training in this discipline prepares the student
for hospital clerkship in the transition from the Basic Sciences
program to the Clinical Education program. Interviewing,
history-taking, routine physical examinations skills and clinical
vocabulary are taught. Students will reinforce their skills through
hands-on exercise and learn to document their histories and physical
exams in a manner consistent with current recommended procedures. The
most common and basic aspects of clinical medicine are also covered,
including pulmonary diseases, cardiology, gastroenterology,
nephrology, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, and other general
clinical and surgical disorders in both adults and children. The
application of the Basic Sciences to the Clinical Sciences and the
pathophysiology of diseases are emphasized. As part of this
discipline, students participate in routine and emergency patient
care at the local hospital under the close supervision of an island
physician.
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Medical Ethics
Moral and legal concerns in medicine. Complex issues pertaining to
confidentiality, informed consent, mental competency,
obstetric/pediatric ethics, physician-assisted suicide and conflict
of interest situations are examined. Current laws, regulations and
judicial precedents governing ethical matters in medicine are
discussed in depth.
Medical Psychology
The biological and psychological bases of mental illness. Major
psychiatric disorders are covered with an emphasis on diagnostic
features, neurobiological correlates, and psychotherapeutic and
biological treatments. During practical role-play exercises, students
gain experience conducting mental status exams, interviewing for
specific neuropsychiatric disorders, and managing suicidal behavior.
Microbiology
Microorganisms causing infectious diseases. Classification,
laboratory identification, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations
of disease processes and treatment strategies. Major human diseases
of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and helminths are presented in
lectures. Laboratory experiences supplement didactic instruction.
Fundamental concepts of immunology are covered and integrated as
various diseases are discussed.
Neuroscience
Structure and function of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral
nervous system. Didactic sessions and laboratory dissections of the
human brain and spinal cord promote the clinically relevant
understanding of the functional and dysfunctional nervous system.
Through the integration of neuroanatomy, physiology, pharmacology,
and biochemistry, students will converse fluently in the language of
the nervous system. Emphasized are the clinical examination and the
correlation of findings with neuroimages.
Pathology
The study of basic reactions of cells, tissues and specialized organs
to abnormal stimuli that underlie all diseases. Didactic lectures
focus on describing various cellular, tissue, and organ responses to
pathologic stimuli and on explaining the gross and microscopical
changes of cell, tissues, and organs following injury. Emphasis is
placed on how these morphological changes correlate with clinical
features of the disease.
Pharmacology
An integration of anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry,
microbiology and pathology in the understanding of complex actions of
drugs on the living organism. The main focus of this course is to
provide future doctors with a basic understanding of the actions of
drugs in the treatment of patients. Basic principles of pharmacology
including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, drug
toxicity and drug-drug interactions will be presented together with
the principles of drug-receptor interactions. After basic concepts
are covered, the pharmacology of all major organ systems will be
explored, including the autonomic and central nervous systems and the
cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and blood systems. The
anti-microbial and cancer chemotherapeutic agents and the basic
principles of toxicology will also be covered.
Public Health
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine. Epidemiologic principles, measurements, investigations and research designs are discussed. Students gain experience in applying epidemiologic methods in clinical problem solving and decision making. Principles of biostatistics applied to medicine are covered. Students gain knowledge in the process of testing hypotheses and making inferences from various types of data. Disease trends in human population and methods of prevention are discussed. Public health systems and medical care organizations are reviewed. Students participate in community health care projects.
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USMLE Review Course
An overview and synthesis of materials covered in the Basic Sciences program
in preparation for the successful writing of USMLE Step 1. Presentations
will focus on systems and disciplines that are key to USMLE Step 1,
including Anatomy, Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, Immunology, Medical
Genetics, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physiology, etc.
Students will also have access to USMLE-type practice questions.
To enhance
the Review Course, faculty of the University of Sint Eustatius make
themselves available to address questions arising from the presentations or
practice questions. Course achievement is measured through a simulated USMLE
Step 1 examination, lasting approximately four hours in length. The
simulated USMLE Step 1 examination provides diagnostic feedback to permit
targeted formulation of remediation plans geared at addressing specific
areas of weakness. Grades for the Review Course are awarded on a pass-fail
basis.
Option for U.S.-Based 5th Semester
After completing the 1st through 4th term Basic Sciences semesters on Sint Eustatius,
students now have the choice of completing their 5th semester either on Sint Eustatius
or in the United States. In partnership with the University of Sint Eustatius, the 5th semester
in the U.S. is being hosted at Lincoln College in Normal, Illinois.
Lincoln College is a fully accredited and licensed institution, which commenced operations in 1863.
As on Sint Eustatius, the 5th semester at Lincoln
College includes the Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Physical
Diagnosis (ICMPD) course and the Review course for USMLE Step
I. At Lincoln College, students live in affordable housing on
campus and take classes in an amphitheatre style classroom. In
addition to classroom work, students participating in the U.S. 5th semester program are
sponsored for preceptor clinical training during weeks 6-9 of the semester.
For eligibility for the U.S.-based 5th semester, students must
enroll by established deadlines, be in good financial standing with
the University, and have the legal right to reside in the U.S. |
