ELECT EAHEC - Rural Primary Care

Application REQUIRED at least six weeks prior to start date of rotation block.

    Available on the web at www.ahec-lsuhsc-s.org

  NOTE: THIS ELECTIVE MAY NOT BE DROPPED WITHIN 1 MONTH OF THE STARTING DATE.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The student will have the opportunity to observe and participate in all aspects of the practice of primary care medicine in a variety of rural settings. Practices are broad in scope and may include introduction to medical specialties from a primary care perspective; depending on the site.  AHEC support may be possible.

SPECIFIC DUTIES OF SENIOR STUDENTS

Typical activities include initial work-up, management, and treatment of patients, hospital and nursing home rounds, observation and assisting during surgical procedures, and exposure to business aspects of the practice of medicine. All activities are under the direct supervision of the preceptor. Office and call schedule determined by preceptor.

Specific  Objectives:

Students will develop their skills as they obtain problem-pertinent medical history and physical exam findings relative

    to the common disorders encountered in primary care

Students will be able to compare primary care practice problem-solving in the community and on campus relative to

     the evaluation and management of common medical disorders

Students will be able to discuss documentation requirements in the community and compare them to requirements   

     at the campus.

Students will be able to discuss how the following relate to successful community clinical practice:

Time management, the doctor-patient relationship, office management and medical economics, medico-legal issues and risk reduction, the health care team and community resources, appropriate referral practices, and continued medical education.

Students will be able to compare the effects of social and cultural variables on the health of patients in the

     community and on campus.

Students will extend their knowledge of fundamental principles of medicine and specific disease entities through

     reading and other self-study learning modalities, enabling discussion of practical applications of that

     information.

Resources for Learning:

•      Participating Faculty: Course director, practicing local or AHEC Primary Care Physicians

•      Texts: As recommended by assigned preceptor.

•      Workshops: Periodic small group discussions.

•      Hands-on Experience: Supervised evaluation of patients in the community setting.

•      Computer Assisted Instruction: as needed

•      Directed Readings: As recommended by assigned preceptor.

•      Self-Directed Learning: focused review of topics directly related to contemporary clinical experiences and utilizing library and online resources.

•      Website: www.ahec-lsuhsc-s.org

Evaluations:

                  Students will receive a passing grade if they complete all required activities as presented above and demonstrate the

professional attributes essential to the practice of medicine. These professional attributes include but are not limited to:

Appropriate grooming, punctuality, attendance at all required activities unless appropriately excused, a respectful and caring approach to patients, adherence to stated and applied rules of conduct, and appropriate interactions with all faculty and staff.

Evaluation forms will be completed by the primary preceptor and submitted to the AHEC Program Office.

The course director/designee will oversee the submission of the final grade to the Registrar’s Office.

Students at risk of failing will be handled on a case-by-case basis. They will be notified personally and in writing of any concerns in a timely fashion and will be offered a reasonable opportunity to improve their performance.

The course director will ensure achievement of all objectives by all students primarily through participation in regular small

group discussions. The course director may develop and require students to complete self-study and evaluation forms when necessary to document achievement of course objectives.

*Placement for Visiting Students may be considered depending on Louisiana Resident status.

Standard Work Week:

40 Hours Per Week may vary dependent on preceptor’s schedule. Students are reminded that commitment to the rotation is expected when requesting assignment with a Community Physician.

 

Blocks 1 - 11

Pass/Fail