Degree of Basic Sciences Course Descriptions at University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine Antilles
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.
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.
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