Course Description
The Neurology Clerkship (3 weeks) integrates experience in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropathology, and neuroradiology. Clinical teaching with attendings and residents takes place in inpatient and ambulatory settings.
The objectives of the course are for students to be able to:
- perform a detailed and focused neurologic history and physical exam.
- describe the presentations, course, and treatment of common neurologic disorders.
- understand and use tests to localize and diagnose neurologic diseases.
- recognize and understand how to manage neurlogic emergencies.
Clinical sites include Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, UPMC Montefiore, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, Shadyside Neurology Center, and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
Clinical experiences are augmented by a focused classroom curriculum that includes lectures, small group discussions, and case presentations. During the formative standardized patient encounters students refine their skills in neurologic assessment and patient management. Students also attend neuropathology workshops, and have the option of attending neurosurgery operating-room sessions.
Educational Methods
- Inpatient patient-care activities
- Ambulatory patient-care activities
- WorkshopsMedical record review
- Structured readings
- Standardized patient encounters
- Lectures
- Diagnostic imaging workshops
Evaluation
The Neurology clerkship grade is based on clerkship-preceptor evaluation (50% of the Neurology final grade), the National Board of Medical Examiners subject exam score (30%), the Neurology Patient Exam (10%), the Medical Record Review (5%), and professionalism (5%).
Grading: The clerkship is graded Honors, High Satisfactory, Satisfactory, Low Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory.
Faculty Note
Clerkship Director Laurie Knepper, MD, is a recipient of the Clerkship preceptor of the Year Award. Clerkship faculty Drs. Paula Clemens, John Doyle, Robert Kaniecki, and Angela Lu are also recipients of the Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award.
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