Clinical Anatomy

Dr. Ernest April

Director

Office: P&S 10-420
Phone: Ext. 5-5631
Email: ewa1@columbia.edu

Dr. Angela Lignelli-Dipple

Radiology
 
Office: MHB3-111
Phone: ext. 5-2511
Email: al270@columbia.edu

We define Clinical Anatomy as that which pertains specifically to the practice of contemporary medicine. An essential pre clinical subject, Clinical Anatomy enables student physicians to acquire the fund of anatomic knowledge necessary for the practice of medicine and the knowledgeable discussion of findings or problems with consulting colleagues. Lectures introduce each laboratory topic, explain conceptual relationships between structure and function, and emphasize important subtleties between the normal and aberrant. The dissection laboratory affords a different and stimulating learning experience. Here small-group preceptor discussions focus the laboratory experience and provide informative interactions with faculty. Appropriate computer-assisted tutorials, developed by our faculty, enhance learning as well as facilitate review. Weekly correlation clinics or radiographic anatomy sessions exemplify anatomic application in the practice of medicine. We emphasize understanding, not memorization.  By course end, student physicians are able to analyze, synthesize and apply clinically relevant anatomical information - goals and skills essential for physical examination as well as proper diagnosis, appropriate therapy and accurate prognosis in patient care.

Clinical Practice I

Dr. Delphine Taylor

Course Director

Office: P&S 3-401
Phone: Ext. 5-0344
Email: dst4@columbia.edu

Dr. Michael J. Devlin

Associate Course Director

Office: 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 116
Phone: (212) 543-5748
Email: mjd5@columbia.edu

The goal of Clinical Practice is to introduce students to the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to translate scientific knowledge into the clinical care of individual patients, and to guide students in their own life transition into the role of the physician. The course includes clinical clerkships, lectures and small groups.

In the first semester, students acquire basic knowledge and skills in medical interviewing, and practice these skills on actors playing patients. In the second semester students learn how to approach the medical literature with a basic understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students also learn about health policy and economics, focusing on what impact the system has on patient access to care and the ability to provide effective care. Lastly, students learn about health promotion and disease prevention, and practice skills in counseling for behavior change. Special lectures devoted to cultural competence and the ethical dimensions of medical care are scheduled throughout the year. Small group sessions provide opportunities to integrate the didactic parts of the curriculum with clinical experiences in clerkships, and also serve as a forum for exploring issues relating to professional development and medical ethics.

Human Development

Dr. Cathy Mendelsohn

Course Director

Office: BB 1502 or 1514,
Phone: Ext. 5-1591, 5-7941
Email: clm20@columbia.edu

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the principles of human embryology, from conception to birth. This should provide a basis for understanding human anatomy, genes that regulate developmental processes and the molecular basis of birth defects. Topics will include the formation of the basic body plan, the origin and division of body cavities, the role of the placenta, early organogenesis, the maturation of organ and sensory systems, and an introduction to molecular mechanisms that orchestrate development.

Neural Science

 

Dr. Daniel Goldberg

Course Director
Office: PH 7 West
Phone: Ext. 5-1673
Email: djg5@columbia.edu

You will learn the fundamentals of neural science: structures, pathways and mechanisms subserving sensory, motor and higher cognitive functions, how information is transmitted along and between neurons, and symptomatology and etiology of neurological and behavioral disorders. These basics will be enriched with recent information derived from cellular and molecular biological approaches so as to give you an appreciation of the extraordinary potential being developed for the understanding and treatment of disorders of the nervous system and of the techniques by which this potential will be realized. Instruction is by a mix of basic science and clinical lectures, anatomy labs, and research demonstrations.

 

Psychiatric Medicine I

Dr. Janis Cutler

Course Director
Office: PI 1st Floor, 1303-E
Phone: 543-5552, 543-5556
Email: cutlerj@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu

Dr. Kelli Harding

Assistant Course Director
Office:  PI, 1st Floor, 1303-D
Phone:  543-6801
Email:  kjh2104@columbia.edu

The course consists of lectures and small groups for discussion and interviewing patients. The goals of the course are for students to understand the concepts of depression and psychosis and the psychiatric syndromes that affect mood and thought, including Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

Science Basic to the Practice of Medicine and Dentistry

Pictured Left to right: Dr. Marc Dickstein, Dr. Michael Gershon and Dr. Patrice Spitalnik

Dr. Marc Dickstein, Course Director

Office: BB 15-1516
Phone: Ext. 5-1857
Email: mld2@columbia.edu

Dr. Michael Gershon, Course Director

Office: P&S 12-513
Phone: Ext. x5-3447
Email: mdg4@columbia.edu

Dr. Patrice Spitalnik

Section Head, Histology
Office: P&S 14-426
Phone: Ext. x2-2911
Email: pfs2101@columbia.edu

Science Basic to the Practice of Medicine provides students with an understanding of fundamental molecular and cellular biology and systems physiology. The course is divided into the following sections:

• Tissues of the body
• Cardiovascular system
• Pulmonary and Renal systems
• GI system
• Metabolism
• Endocrine and Reproductive systems.

In each of these blocks, the knowledge of the structure and function of cells will form the basis for understanding the structure and function of the systems of the body. Emphasis is placed on using this knowledge and understanding to solve clinical and scientific problems.

The course is comprised of a series of core lectures, histology labs, and small group sessions. Lectures explain and highlight important concepts and principles, put material into clinical and historical contexts, and provide a sense of the direction in which a field is moving. Histology labs provide an opportunity for students to learn how the structure of cells, tissues, and organs enable these structures to fulfill their particular functions. Professor’s Rounds, Journal Club, Workshops, and the Case-Based Learning Series represent opportunities for students and faculty to interact in a relatively small groups during which time critical thinking is stressed and application of the core material to either clinical medicine or basic science research are stressed.