|  During the second year of the PA Program, students complete 10 rotations. These clinical experiences are composed of eight required and two elective
rotations, and a final senior seminar course. Two of these rotations are required to take place in
a medically underserved area. Students must successfully complete
the end of rotation exam at the conclusion of all required rotations as well as other clinical evaluations throughout the year.
Clinical year students will return to campus throughout the second
year to participate in Call Back days and evaluation exercises.
Clinical Year Schedule
Duke University has over 180 clinical sites located in the state of North Carolina. There are also several established rotations out of state including Virginia, Connecticut, Colorado and Michigan. Clinical Coordinators match each student with a schedule that best meets each student’s learning needs and get input from each student about their elective rotation preferences. Students should plan to be out of the local area for a minimum of two rotations. Housing for out-of-town rotations will be provided for students in required rotations.
Technology in the Clinical Year
Clinical year schedule and objectives can be accessed
via the web for all second year students. On each rotation students
are required to log all patient experiences on a personal digital
assistant (PDA). Web-based end of rotation exams are given at the
conclusion of each required rotation. Students will also be required
to complete evaluations of each clinical rotation site.
Required rotations are:
COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEDICINE
PHYASST 300. Primary Care. This rotation emphasizes the outpatient evaluation and treatment of conditions common at the primary care level and the appropriate health maintenance measures for different age groups. Many of the training sites provide care for underserved populations in rural North Carolina communities. 8 weeks, 8 credits. Staff
PHYASST 305. Evidence-Based Medicine II. During this month-long course during the clinical year, PA students complete an evidence-based review paper on a clinical question of interest. They present their findings to faculty and student colleagues. 3 credits. Coniglio, Menezes
PHYASST-310. Behavioral Medicine. The student is assigned to a psychiatric and/or behavioral clinical setting, either inpatient or outpatient. This rotation facilitates the acquisition of communication and behavioral modification skills which are useful in the primary care setting. 4 credits. Staff
PHYASST-390. Senior Seminar . In small group and lecture settings, students review clinical cases and common medical topics and procedures. A final written summative evaluation is part of this course, which also serves as preparation for the PA National Certifying Examination (PANCE). 2 credits. Dieter
MEDICINE
PHYASST-320. Inpatient Medicine. During this eight-week rotation, the student learns to apply basic medical knowledge to the problems and situations encountered on an inpatient service. By collecting a data base, formulating a complete problem list, and participating in daily rounds and in the management of patient problems, the student develops an awareness of the complexity of disease processes and differential diagnosis. 8 credits. Staff
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY
PHYASST-370. Obstetrics/Gynecology. The student learns about common gynecological problems, pregnancy, and delivery. Assisting at surgery may be a part of the rotation. The rotation emphasizes routine gynecological and prenatal care, clinical experience with cancer detection techniques, abnormal menstruation and bleeding, infections, and contraception counseling. 4 credits. Staff
PEDIATRICS
PHYASST-360. Pediatrics. In this rotation, the student is assigned to either an institutional setting or a community-based pediatric site. Special emphasis is placed on communication skills and relating sensitively to both children and parents. The student gains familiarity with normal growth and development, pediatric preventive medicine, and evaluation and management of common childhood illnesses. 4 credits. Staff
SURGERY
PHYASST-340. General Surgery. This rotation emphasizes preoperative evaluation and preparatory procedures, assisting at the operating table, and management of patients through the postoperative period to discharge. 4 credits. Staff
PHYASST-350. Emergency Medicine. This rotation emphasizes the evaluation and management of both medical and surgical problems of the ambulatory patient. Students gain experience in the initial evaluation of emergency room patients, perform problem-specific exams, and practice minor surgery skills. 4 credits. Staff Electives
A full spectrum of potential elective rotations
is available in medical, surgical, and pediatric specialties. Students
choose two electives, each four weeks in length, in areas of vocational
interest. As a complement to the clinical rotations, students
must complete courses in Basic Life Support (BLS) during the didactic
year and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) prior to beginning
the clinical year.
Visiting Students
Limited
opportunities for clinical year rotations are available to non-Duke
PA students. A complete application must be submitted at least 180
days in advance of a requested rotation. More information is available on the Visiting Students web page. |
