American Sign Language (ASL)
Robert Hage, MD, PhD, DLO, MBA
This one-credit selective is offered once a semester and will fall within the start/stop dates of the first term semester. Ten sessions are scheduled per semester. Students are expected to attend and actively participate twice a week in a one-hour session during which a teacher from the School for the Deaf will teach American Sign Language (ASL). Guest speakers will cover topics such as speech training, causes of deafness, prevention of deafness, and hearing aids. This will add to each session an element of theory and practical information related to deafness. Students are expected to practice their acquired sign language skills with each other between sessions and demonstrate some of their skills during each session. Video cassettes are available for viewing in the library. Visits to the School for the Deaf are recommended.
Anatomical Education—Dissection and Multimedia
Marios Loukas, MD, PhD
The key objective of this one-term, two credit-hour selective is furthering the development and enhancement of online and offline anatomical sciences education and dissection of multimedia materials. The primary goal is to expand the competency of students involved by allowing them to sharpen both their computing and their anatomy dissection skills. Participants may produce high-quality prosections and educational materials for any anatomical sciences course, including gross anatomy, histology, embryology, and undergraduate anatomy, or a combination thereof, and develop a multimedia presentation. The multimedia presentation includes 3D reconstructions, flash animations, cadaveric prosected animations, and so forth.
Applied Anatomy Using Ultrasound and Nerve Mapper
Donny Shanahan, PhD
Brian Curry, PhD
This selective improves the anatomical knowledge of students in the second term of the four-year medical program by using cadaveric material to revisit the basic anatomy, and then using an ultrasound machine to view the internal structure on live volunteers of vital areas such as the neck and femoral triangle, and a nerve mapper to show the position of nerves and vessels in the living body in areas such as the neck, cubital fossa, and femoral triangle. The course uses new technology to show students the position of vital structures and reinforces the relevance of clinical anatomy.
Applied Cell Biology and Histology
Jacques Gilloteaux, PhD
Using basic knowledge acquired in Cell Biology and Histology during the first term of the four-year medical program, selective students during their second term explore in more depth some of the topics related to medical applications in applied cell biology, histology of the human body, as well as applying advanced morphological and related ancillary techniques. The Applied Cell Biology and Histology selective will review six major areas of cell, tissue, and organ system investigations, as they can be relevant to reinforce cell biology and histology knowledge. Students are also introduced to principles of clinical histopathology. Students are given the opportunity to critically read publications in these topics to discuss and review the reports or presentations of morphological data acquired in view of understanding their clinical implications.
Bioethics Today
Cheryl Macpherson, PhD
The selective is designed for students with an interest in bioethics who want to further develop their knowledge and professional competencies. It deals with newsworthy concerns in medicine, public health, research, environment, and more. Fifteen contact hours can be spread over several semesters in Grenada. Five or more hours each term will be led by faculty, visiting professors, and students. Students in the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program are encouraged to enroll and options for written assignments, sonic foundry, and/or teleconferencing will be developed as needed. Students are required to lead one seminar or journal club discussion during their last year in Grenada. Most sessions are held at noon.
Clinical Professionalism in Sweden
Cheryl Macpherson, PhD
This intensive selective is held at Uppsala University in Sweden over two weeks. It provides an opportunity to develop professional competencies while learning about medicine, professionalism, and the Swedish health care system. Students interact with patients, doctors, and other medical students in clinical and classroom settings. Students participate in a briefing and de-briefing on campus before and after the Uppsala experience. Students must cover their own costs and arrangements for travel, accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses. Advice about accommodation will be provided.
Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS)
Aris Scott, RN/BSN, Med
During this advanced selective, students will enhance their skills in the treatment of adult victims of cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies. Students will learn current American Heart Association (AHA) algorithmic approaches to managing patients from both a cognitive and skills-based approach using didactic video presentations and small groups. This course emphasizes the importance of basic life support CPR to patient survival, the integration of effective basic life support with advanced cardiovascular life support interventions, and the importance of effective team interaction and communication during resuscitation. Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS) is based on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active, hands-on participation through learning stations where students will practice essential skills individually, as part of a team, and as team leader. Realistic simulations reinforce key concepts, such as proficiency in basic life support care, recognizing and initiating early management of periarrest conditions, managing cardiac arrest, identifying and treating ischemic chest pain and acute coronary syndromes, recognizing other life-threatening clinical situations (such as stroke) and providing initial care, ACLS algorithms, and effective resuscitation team dynamics. Students who successfully pass both the skills-based and written evaluation will be awarded AHA ACLS certification.
Clinical, Ethical, and Neuroscience Aspects of Pain
Katherine Yearwood, MBBS
Pain is an important symptom in medicine. However, until recently, pain management education has been minimal. The one-credit selective will introduce pain as a public health problem. It will cover the definition of pain, the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of pain, and psychological, sociological, and anthropological aspects of pain. The students will be taught to do pain histories and to assess pain and pain relief. There will be an introduction to treatment options and discussion of ethical issues related to pain management.
Community Health
Chamarthy Subbarao, BSc, MBBS
In this four-week one-credit selective, students attend three lectures about orientation of the course including health care systems in Grenada, history taking and communication skills. Students attend the clinics under guidance of a Medical Officer. They participate in taking history from patients and observe the examination of these patients followed by discussions with the attending physician. They are required to keep a log of their activities and submit one detailed case history. A one-credit version with less time commitment is offered during the school term.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Jacqueline Stanley, PhD
This is a one-credit pass/fail Complementary and Alternative Medicine selective that provides a comprehensive survey in various areas of complementary and alternative medicine. The primary goals and underlying methodologies of each of the complementary health care areas are addressed.
In addition, the strengths/weaknesses and the risk/cost of each area from patients’ and health care points of view are examined. An important aspect of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine selective is to have students understand how these health care areas can interact with and complement conventional medicine for optimal patient care. This selective relies heavily on visiting professors, as well as on local practitioners to deliver the material in a cohesive manner based on their own experiences in the various areas. The selective consists of three consecutive modules. Although each module is open to everyone, students who wish to receive credit on their transcript for this selective must register and attend three full modules. Each module consists of four lectures in the morning and two different afternoon workshops. Furthermore, registered students must pass a short quiz that will be given at the end of each day.
Forensics for First Responders
Peter Giesler and Fred Jordan, MD
This selective acquaints future physicians, veterinarians, and law enforcement personnel with the underlying principles and concepts of modern forensic procedure. Emphasis is on preservation of evidence, securing of crime scenes, and proper maintenance of chain-of-custody of evidence. Through lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises, students who successfully complete the course should be able to recognize a crime scene, take appropriate steps to secure the area, and preserve the integrity of the scene. Students learn about types of physical evidence that may be found, how it is obtained, and how it is analyzed. The course covers legal procedures in the forensic sciences and specific groups that are involved in the scientific analysis of legal evidence.
Gross Anatomy Special Dissection
Ewarld Marshall, MD
This one-term two-credit course will give participants the opportunity to undertake detailed, professional-quality dissections of the human body. The ultimate objective is to allow students to dissect specific regions and/or organs of the human body in order to create “museum quality” specimens for teaching purposes. In so doing, students will learn the various techniques involved in the preparation of cadaveric material for display and teaching. These include dry bone/ligamentous preps, plastic embedding, and various plastination procedures. Ultimately, the students’ overall knowledge of anatomy will be enhanced.
Integrated Approach of Basic Science Related to the Head and Neck Area
Robert Hage, MD, PhD, DLO, MBA
This one-credit selective is offered twice a year. Students will have two sessions per week for five weeks at the beginning of each semester. Visits to outside institutions are arranged during the semester according to preference and availability. Students will receive a total of five case studies by email, and are expected to attempt to solve the problems before these cases are presented on Monday afternoons. On Thursday afternoons there will be sessions covering maxillofacial surgery, radiology, examination technique, and demonstrations. Visits to the General Hospital operating room, Radiology Department, School for the Deaf, ENT Clinic, and special homes are opportunities for students to gain valuable experience. A CD or ZIP disk must be provided by students so that material related to the selective (clinical pictures, video clips, text) can be made available for home study.
International Health and Human Rights in Honduras
Angela Gomez, PhD
This is a one-credit selective that takes place in Honduras. As there are fundamental differences between health care provision in developed and underdeveloped countries, a recognition and understanding of some of these issues should help to build partnerships and support international health efforts. Human rights are essential to the full attainment of health. Most traditional medical curriculums do not address this subject. This selective is designed to give students a fuller comprehension of the global aspects surrounding health and human rights. This selective is designed to promote a better understanding of the broad determinants of individual and population health, which can be applied to issues in Honduras and regionally to other developed countries. The core of the selective will be facilitated in Honduras by our relationship with ASONOG (Asociación de Organismos No Gubernamentales, the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations), a nonprofit organization which works throughout Honduras. ASONOG was founded in 1988 and works on the coordinating of objectives strengthening primary health services, developing local capacities in the prevention of illnesses, and health promotion.
International Spanish Experience
Debbi Johnson, MA
The one-credit selective allows students to build and expand on medical Spanish language skills by participating in hands-on patient interaction in health care settings located in international settings. The course director assists with the identification and selection of a program that best meets student needs from a large variety of approved options available to them. All international programs have some degree of Spanish language immersion and practice opportunities throughout the selective. Settings will primarily focus on students applying those skills to patient interviews and basic medical care in clinics and hospital settings, participating in community health initiatives.
International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
Theresa McCann, PhD, MPH
Aris Scott, RN/BSN, MEd
This selective is offered at two levels: Advanced Level for students who are health care professionals; Basic Level for all other students. During this course, students will enhance their knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently and effectively manage patients who are affected by trauma. Students will learn current International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) algorithmic approaches to managing patients from both a cognitive and skills-based approach using didactic presentations, interactive skills stations, and case scenarios. The ITLS selective covers the skills necessary for rapid assessment, resuscitation, stabilization, and treatment or transportation of trauma patients. Emphasized are the evaluation steps, sequencing and techniques for resuscitation, and packaging a patient. Realistic simulations reinforce the key concepts, such as proficiency in basic life support care, basic and advanced airway, chest decompression and fluid resuscitation, spinal restriction and rapid extrication, short back board, helmet management, log roll and long back board, traction splints, and patient assessment and management. Students who successfully pass both the skills-based and written evaluation will be awarded ITLS certification.
Medical Response to Disasters
Theresa McCann, PhD, MPH
Aris Scott, RN/BSN, MEd
During this selective, students will enhance their knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently and effectively manage situations with multiple injured or ill persons in varied environments, such as natural and man-made disasters. This program is designed to give medical professionals the skills needed to identify and respond to major terrorist events including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, as well as to major natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. This program will cover the medical implications of these events and introduce current strategies for response. Realistic simulations reinforce key concepts, such as the use of personal protective equipment (Level D and Level C), recognition of and decontamination of patients affected by CBRN materials, and triage and incident command. Students who successfully pass both the skills-based and written evaluation will be awarded Basic Responder CBRN certification.
Medical Spanish for Health Care Professionals
Debbi Johnson, MA
This one-credit selective, which will meet once a week for the entire term, is designed primarily to meet the needs of medical students who anticipate contact with Spanish-speaking patients in their future. In the United States, particularly, it has become an absolute necessity for health care providers to have at least a minimal understanding of the Spanish language in order to reduce frustrations stemming from the lack of ability to communicate with the nation’s fastest-growing non-English speaking group. In addition to the significant lack of control that health care providers feel at not being in command of the language of their patients, the predicament of non-English-speaking patients in need of medical care is of crucial concern as well. The course, which will be offered at the University’s main campus, will provide students with a basic introduction to Spanish grammar and sentence structure, as well as an overview of vocabulary for specific medical purposes. Students will be expected to have had some exposure to Spanish-language instruction, as well as be in good academic standing in order for the more specialized medical instruction to be beneficial. The course will cover such topics as basic grammar skills, emergency medicine, a visit to the family practitioner, basic anatomy, and dealing with sensitive cultural issues.
Microbiology Selective
Ateef Qureshi, PhD, Joanna Rayner, PhD
The laboratory component of the Medical Microbiology (MICR 570) course is the minimum required for future physicians who intend to practice in developed countries with automated, professional laboratory support. Students planning to serve in developing nations will benefit from the extra laboratory experience that will be provided by this two-credit selective. Students who have an interest in infectious disease and diagnostic microbiology will also benefit from this selective. The objectives of the selective are to provide extensive practical hands-on laboratory-based experience and foster an appreciation of the safe handling of infectious materials and/or microorganisms. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and either General Microbiology (BIOL 401) or Medical Microbiology (MICR 570) (pre- or co-requisite), as well as the permission of both the course director and Dean of Students. A minimum of four to five students should register for the course to be offered.
Pediatric Life Support (PALS)
Aris Scott, RN/BSN, Med
During this advanced selective, students will enhance their knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently and effectively manage critically ill infants and children, resulting in improved outcomes. Students will learn current American Heart Association (AHA) algorithmic approaches to managing patients from both a cognitive and skills-based approach using didactic, video presentations, and small groups. This course emphasizes the importance of basic life support CPR to patient survival, the integration of effective basic life support with pediatric advanced life support interventions, and the importance of effective team interaction and communication during resuscitation. PALS is based on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active, hands-on participation through learning stations where students will practice essential skills individually, as part of a team, and as team leader. Realistic simulations reinforce the following key concepts: proficiency in basic life support care; recognizing and initiating early management of peri-arrest conditions, recognition and treatment of infants and children at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest, the systematic approach to pediatric assessment, effective respiratory management, defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion, intraosseous access and fluid bolus administration, providing initial care, PALS algorithms, and effective resuscitation team dynamics. Students who successfully pass both the skills-based and written evaluation will be awarded AHA PALS certification.
A Practical Experience in Tropical Medicine in Kenya
Calum Macpherson, PhD
This selective provides an introduction to tropical medicine, and its impact and means of control within the available health care and service settings in an East African cultural context. The course is a two-week field-based experience for students enrolled in the MD/MSc in tropical medicine, and the remaining places are available for Basic Sciences medical students from St. George’s University, with preference given to students in the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program. This experience offers direct observation of the epidemiology, public health, clinical, control, and economic impact of tropical diseases in a country where many such infections are endemic. Through interaction with Kenyan medical students who take the selective, AMREF staff, and visits to rural areas, students gain an understanding and appreciation of people and cultures in Kenya. Students will become familiar with tropical medicine as practiced in the region through a combination of lectures, site visits, seminars, case discussions, and ward rounds.
The Prague Experience in Medicine
Martin Stransky, MD
This popular two-credit selective takes place in Prague in the Czech Republic during the last three weeks of July. Students are introduced to three teaching hospitals and a private practice clinic with 25 physicians. The students gain exposure to both adult and pediatric settings, and participate in team discussions, teaching rounds, lectures, and direct patient interaction. The thinking process that clinicians use when examining patients is introduced and discussed. Students assess the medical, cultural, and economic forces impacting different medical systems. After this selective, students will have developed an increased awareness of the globalization of medicine, expanding their perspectives and knowledge bases in patient care.
Radiological Anatomy
Robert Hage, MD, PhD, DLO, MBA
This two-credit selective will give participants the opportunity to review the normal gross anatomical structure of the human body as seen in various radiological films such as x-ray film, MRIs, and CT scans. A major emphasis will be placed on the clinical application of gross anatomy as it relates to the various imaging methods. Ultimately, the students’ overall knowledge of clinical anatomy will be enhanced.
Regional Anatomical Dissection
Abhishek Yadav, MBBS
William Merbs, BS
This one-term, two-credit selective will give participants the opportunity to undertake four detailed regional dissections of the human body. These regions include head and neck; back and thorax; extremities; and abdomen, pelvis, and perineum. Each regional dissection will be limited to the appropriate area but need not be a complete dissection of all the structures within the topic area. The ultimate objectives are to give students the opportunity to dissect regions of the human body of particular interest to obtain a deeper understanding of the anatomy of selected areas and for detailed anatomical preparation to be created for future clinical aspirations.
Research Ethics
Cheryl Macpherson, PhD
This selective fosters professional development, strengthens ethical sensitivity and reasoning ability, and enhances knowledge and understanding of the complexities of existing research ethics guidelines. This course focuses on the role of human participants and the intersection of research with clinical practice and public health. Students participate in seminars and case discussions involving international guidelines, therapeutic misconception, use of stored tissues, and cultural and socioeconomic factors that bear on international research collaborations. The ethics of authorship and plagiarism are explored. The course expands upon the SGUSOM required curriculum, enabling students to gain substantial insight into research ethics. Students responded favorably to the initial offering of the course in 2007.
Surgery
Chamarthy Subbarao, BSc, MBBS
In this four-week, one-credit selective, students attend three lectures about history taking, communication skills, and the history and running of the Grenada Health Services. Students attend clinics and surgical operations under guidance of a surgeon. They participate in taking histories from patients and observe the examination of these patients followed by discussions with the attending surgeon. They observe the examinations and surgical operations in different specialties. They are required to keep a log of their activities and submit detailed case histories. A one-credit version with less time commitment is offered during the school term.
Thailand Medical Experience
Michael Weitzman, Theresa McCann, PhD, MPH
The one-credit Thailand Medical Experience selective provides an introduction to the practice of health care and service in a Southeast Asian cultural context. The selective is a two-week experience for Basic Sciences medical students during the summer, comprising a mixture of modern and traditional Thai medicine. It provides opportunities for students to observe alternative ways of practicing medicine within the Thai health care system and allows application of core knowledge to diverse modalities of care. Such an experience should increase cultural understanding of the similarities and differences between Western and Eastern health care delivery. Opportunities for interaction and discussion with medical faculty, medical students, and/or residents will be an important component of the selective. One week is spent at Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine and Siriraj Hospital, a modern facility in Bangkok. A second week is completed in a rural area learning Thai traditional massage.