Electives
There are many opportunities for School of Medicine Phase 1 students to further their education by participating in exciting electives here at the TTUHSC School of Medicine.
Coordinator:
Coordinator for School of Medicine Phase 1 Electives: Maureen Eregie
Below are the descriptions of our Phase 1 electives. These electives are only available to students who are currently enrolled with the School of Medicine. Click on the + button on each section to expand and learn more about an elective.
Description: This course is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of addiction medicine
including the neurobiology of substance use disorders, process addictions, and current
treatment options. This course will emphasize a more holistic approach to addiction
medicine including both medication and counseling approaches to patient care. At the
end of this course, students will have a strong basis of the knowledge
and skills needed to work within an interprofessional team to care for patients with
substance use disorders and various comorbidities.
Course Number:
Application Open and Close Dates:
Elective Duration:
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Course Objectives:
1. Provide a strong overview of addiction medicine including the pertinent neurobiology,
trauma and
mental health, process addictions, and treatment.
2. Learn the different roles of an interprofessional team by hearing from different
healthcare
professionals and participating in case studies of patients with substance use disorders.
3. Provide opportunities to learn more about addiction medicine after course completion,
including
relationships with addiction medicine mentors, resources to expand knowledge, and
information about the
career of an addiction medicine specialist.
Course Director: Ebtesam Islam, MD
Description: Introduction into Clinical Anesthesia practice by shadowing anesthesia residents, attending physicians and CRNAs throughout their workday and focused discussion of important elements of anesthesia care.
Course Number: MSCI 6404
Application Open and Close Dates:
Fall Applications:
- Applications Open: July 26th
Applications Closes: September 13th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration:
- Summer: June through September
- Fall: October through February
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS2 curriculum. Must be OR Certified. Those interested in being a part of the elective will need to submit an application.
This course will be offered during the summer month June, August and September 2024 and also in fall 2024. Students will sign up for either period and complete the elective in the chosen time period. The summer elective will replace the former summer preceptorship. The format for all periods is identical and students will receive credit for either elective period.
Max Enrollment:
Summer: Maximum 10
Fall: Maximum 20
Goals:
Introduction into clinical anesthesia practice by shadowing anesthesia residents, attending physicians, CRNAs and CAAs throughout their workday and focused discussion of important elements of anesthesia care.
Objectives:
1. Describe the different aspects of preoperative anesthesia assessment: anesthesia specific H&P, anesthesia specific physical exam incl. airway exam, explanation of anesthesia plan and consent, establishing rapport with patient.
2. Describe different anesthesia methods: general anesthesia, sedation, neuroaxial anesthesia, regional anesthesia.
3. List medications commonly used for anesthesia induction and explain their purpose; explain induction steps for general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube.
4. Describe different methods to maintain anesthesia and maintain patient equilibrium under anesthesia, explain different intra-operative monitoring procedures and their purpose.
5. Discuss different methods and medications for postoperative pain control.
6. Explain common ventilator settings; list three common reason for ICU admission.
Course Director: Bettina Schmitz, MD
Description: Creative artistic expression has positive effects on many aspects of human life. It has been shown to promote better problem-solving capabilities, an increased capacity to learn new concepts, and more resound emotional coping mechanisms when confronting life’s stresses. The relationship between artistic engagement and patients’ health has also been well documented. Multiple studies strongly suggest that artistic engagement has a positive effect on health. For this reason, many health professionals have begun implementing creative exercises as a form of health-care into their practice. This course will help medical students to learn how the arts can help them develop both critical thinking and empathy to better understand their patients’ illness experiences, the medical team-patient relationships, physician self-care, and various other aspects of healthcare.
Course Number: MSCI 5417/MSCI 6417
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 3rd at 11:59pm
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment:
Up to 15 - 20 students
- Students will gain an appreciation for how art can be integrated into their medical
practice.
- Students will develop their artistic acumen and learn to use art as a coping mechanism
for the stresses of life as a medical student and physician.
- Students will create a work of art that will be presented in a show upon completion of the course.
Course Director: Betsy Jones, EdD
Description: This course, Budgeting for Better Health: Understanding Healthcare Treatment Costs, is designed to help future physicians develop a holistic perspective of a variety of patient perspectives. This course will cover the basic medical costs that are associated with various procedures, the role that insurance plays in medical costs, the impact of healthcare costs on patient health, and the contrast between healthcare facilities and patient care. Our goal is to inform medical students of the healthcare system that currently is in place, challenge them to evaluate the roles and responsibilities that financials have on patient health and develop problem-solving skills to reduce healthcare costs. Content will be delivered in person with faculty from several departments within the TTUHSC and from the community in a lecture-based format, with the ability to switch to a virtual modality. A pass/fail grade will be assigned to students based on completing the course requirements: meeting attendance, course surveys, and a final paper.
Course Number: MIDS 5435/MIDS 6435
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 6th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024-Spring 2025
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Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment:
40 Students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will need to submit an application.
At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand health insurance in the US, including the differences between Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance from both a patient and physician perspective.
2. Learn ways physicians can assist patients in accomplishing their healthcare goals within the patient’s budget.
3. Discuss how to improve healthcare cost disparities.
4. Educate future physicians on various diagnostic procedure costs and learn how to reduce total healthcare expenses.
5. Explore programs currently available that can assist patients with healthcare costs and access.
6. Discuss how income and healthcare disparities affect different patient populations.
7. Learn how medical costs can affect a patient’s overall health.
Course Material: The Price We Pay by Marty Makary (optional)
Course Director: Brent Magers, EdD
Description: Enrichment of the medical school curriculum and student experience through remote, educational experiences with a focus in Cardiology. The elective will introduce first- and second-year medical students to the diverse and competitive field of cardiology through online lectures and workshops. Online collaborative events with other student organizations will allow members to stay connected to a larger group of peers. Topics such as congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, ECG and chest auscultation will be presented at appropriate times during the year to supplement school lectures on these topics. An emphasis will be placed on improving HPI writing throughout the course. Student's HPI's will be critiqued after submission based on online modules of patient H&P's. Students will request Cerner access and complete a case study remotely on a patient. Case studies will be presented online amongst members. A pass/fail grade will be assigned at the end of the elective based on meeting attendance requirements and completion of HPI writing assignments and case study.
Course Number: MIDS 5422/MIDS 6422
Application Open and Close Dates:
Elective Duration:
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Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum. Maximum number of students who can take this elective is 20.
1. Recall the anatomy of the cardiovascular system, including anatomy of the heart and distribution of vascular system.
2. Relate principles of cardiovascular physiology and function to underlying structural anatomy.
3. Understand basic cardiac electrophysiology and recognize the most common electrical abnormalities on an electrocardiogram.
4. Understand principles of echocardiography and clinical applications.
5. Analyze patient case histories, report clinical findings, and synthesize a case study.
6. Improve HPI writing proficiency with bi-monthly interactive case studies.
Students will be granted access to PowerChart from the beginning of the course so they can complete a case report. Students will pick a case of their choosing, they will get to know the patient’s prior medical history, clinical presentation, laboratory tests and imaging, and management. They will then synthesize a case report for submission to present during Student Research Week. More information about how to synthesize the case report will be given during a separate lecture by the course coordinator.
Members will watch an online module once a month and turn in an HPI for grading. Officers will review HPI’s and offer comments for improvement. This portion of the course is meant to supplement DOCS training. A grade of pass/fail will be given for each submission. A total of 4 submissions will be made throughout the year: November, December, January, February.
Course Director: Mac Ansari, MD
Description: This course is designed by medical students for medical students to help prepare us during our pre-clinical years to anticipate the needs of patients with various life experiences. Students will attend informative lectures on clinical realities faced by different communities and then have the opportunity to practice clinical skills such as history taking, vitals, and physical exams with correlating standardized patient encounters.
Course Number: MIDS 5438/ MIDS 6438
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: October 22nd at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
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Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment:
15 - 30 Students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application , which will go under consideration by the course directors.
- Provide preclinical students opportunities to apply clinical knowledge to scenarios
with underserved patient populations through standardized patient encounters and clinical
skills workshops.
- Discuss the social determinants of health (SDOH) that impact patients’ daily lives
and apply that knowledge to clinical practice.
- Increase student preparedness for facing difficult social topics and health disparities
in clinical settings.
- Implement clinical simulations that complement ICM sessions but provide contact with
patients with a greater array of life experiences and barriers.
- Allow students to track their improvement/acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes
by using verbal and written standardized patient feedback and post encounter surveys.
- Cultivate physician-patient partnership with a feedback model that allows standardized
patients to give direct feedback and voice their compliments and concerns regarding
the students’ ability to establish rapport and address social determinants.
- Increase student utilization of open-communication skills alongside scientific and
clinical reasoning which can be used in both present and future practice.
- Encourage students to value curiosity, empathy, and respect in medical practice.
Course Director: Fiona Prabhu, MD
Description: This elective course will complement the curriculum for medical students by providing a nutritional interactive component so that they will learn valuable cooking skills, the benefits of certain foods and how to incorporate them into a meal, and how to educate patients about healthy habits. Students will also learn about different dietary restrictions associated with common diseases. The course will incorporate lectures accompanied by evening cooking classes and open discussions.
Course Number: MSCI 5409/MSCI 6409
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: August 12th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024: August through December of 2024
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum and GMS. Those interested in being a part of this elective must submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
Max Enrollment: 40 students total
Goal: Enhance students’ knowledge on medical nutrition therapy and food preparation in order to benefit their interactions with future patients.
Course Director: Nancy Beck, MD
Description: The Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Elective will educate first and second year medical students about one of the major routes in which patients enter the healthcare field, namely the emergency room. Students will gain knowledge about what the patient encounters, beginning with first responders, through each subsequent step prior to hospital admission, and thus have a better understanding of the comprehensive care that a patient receives before they present to the ED physician. This educational goal is invaluable to those who are interested in a future career as Emergency Medicine physicians.
Course Number: MIDS 5403/MIDS 6403
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: September 6th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 40 Students
Students are selected through an application process.
- Present an overview of the history, current status, and future outlook of Emergency
Medicine.
- Train students in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) techniques, including
but not limited to: managing the patient's airway, initiating IV access, interpreting
ECGs, and understanding emergency pharmacology.
- Train students in spinal injury and fracture management, including immobilization
and safe transport.
- Review important anatomical structures and understand locations for various types of injections.
Course Director: James Ko, MD
Description: This elective teaches preclinical medical students to incorporate fitness and nutrition education in healthcare through interactive lectures and community outreach events. Preventive medicine is crucial in every medical specialty because it increases patient autonomy, improves healthcare outcomes, and decreases medical costs. This elective will equip future physicians with the knowledge to apply preventive care in their practices.
Course Number: MIDS 5423/MIDS 6423
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: September 6th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 20 students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
1. Discuss incorporation of fitness and nutrition in preventative healthcare practices.
2. Be able to provide patient education regarding nutrition and fitness.
3. Discuss the emotional and psychological barriers to proper fitness and nutrition and recognize those signs in a patient.
4. Encourage medical students to incorporate positive fitness and nutrition practices into their own daily lives.
5. Increase awareness about the effect of varying socioeconomic statuses on availability proper nutrition and positive fitness practices.
6. Be familiar with varying therapeutic diets and carb counseling techniques
Course Directors: Nancy Beck, MD
Description: First and second year medical students enrolled in this elective will attend lectures educating about patient care and skills for serving at The Free Clinic and its current operating scheme, plan and implement a project for the clinic, as well as volunteer with the clinic on four assigned Wednesdays throughout the academic year. This course allows students to gain and apply clinical skills specifically targeting populations in need and provides a more in-depth knowledge for how to include treatment of marginalized populations in a career as a physician. The elective also offers learning experiences (e.g.,ultrasound and monospot filament test workshops)that enhance students’ skillsets and aid their efficiency as clinic volunteers. Furthermore, students in this elective will learn about aspects of patient care pertinent to the population of patients treated at The Free Clinic, specifically LGBTQ and mental health informed care.
Course Number: MIDS 5424/MIDS 6424
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: September 6th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 18 Students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
- Students will demonstrate commitment and consistency in volunteering with the TTUHSC
Free Clinic.
- Students will learn about the history of the clinic, its integration with other specialties,
professions, and community partners, and the many projects implemented during its
operation.
- Students will utilize the knowledge gained from workshops to enhance their utility
and efficiency when volunteering at clinic.
- Students will gain additional cultural and socioeconomic competency that will allow
them to serve populations in need.
- Students will have the opportunity to improve their clinical skills and gain direct
patient experience.
- Students will have the opportunity to plan and potentially implement a project for the benefit of The Free Clinic’s patient population.
Students must volunteer at The Free Clinic at Lubbock Impact for a total of at least 3 times.
Students must plan and and potentially implement a project either individually or in groups of 2 or 3. Students may choose from a given list or come up with their own idea, which must be approved by The Free Clinic Leadership Team.
Required Materials: Stethoscope, red name badge, laptop and charger, ear loop facemask
Course Directors: Fiona Prabhu, MD and Kelly Bennett, MD
Description: The medical field is rapidly changing. The goal of this elective is to familiarize students with today’s cutting-edge technology and with the prototypes of what we will be using tomorrow. We will be using lecture and hands-on activities to expose us to different innovations that span varied specialties and stimulate a discussion about what these changes mean for the healthcare field. We hope to promote interest in research and entrepreneurship as vectors to further advance the field. Also known as Technology in Medicine.
Course Number: MIDS 5405/MIDS 6405
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: September 20th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: Up to 30 students
Those interested in being a part of this elective must submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
1. Hands-on exposure to and developing proficiency with the technology of tomorrow.
2. Discussion of the changes in access, cost, and portability.
3. Bridge the gap between R+D and implementation of technology.
4. Develop physicians who are comfortable with both technology and changes in technology.
OR certification is required for both the da Vinci Robotic Surgery and the Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging Focus. Class wide OR certification begins in Spring, but OR access will be provided to those who have signed up for the da Vinci focus session in the Fall.
Course Director: Simon Williams, PhD
Description: This elective course is designed to educate students on the basic aspects of gender and sexual health for patients. These aspects include awareness of the social and behavioral determinants of health that are related to gender and sexual health, medical terminology/language involved during patient interactions, and treatment options and statistics associated with various smaller patient populations. The course follows resources and guidelines supported by the American Medical Association.
Course Number: MIDS 5437/ MIDS 6437
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: September 15th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine.
Max Enrollment: A total of 40 students
Students must submit and application, which will go under consideration by the course.
- Explain the social, behavioral, cultural, and medical risk/treatment factors that
are unique in gender and sexual health.
- Demonstrate the ability to take a patients’ complete history in a compassionate, competent,
and trauma-informed way.
- Summarize the primary barriers to healthcare different populations face regarding
gender and sexual health.
- Show how to incorporate these facets of comprehensive care into providing a safe, welcoming clinic environment to all patients, regardless of who they are.
Recommended Text:
Fenway Guide to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health, 2nd Edition, by Harvey
J. Makadon, MD, Kenneth H. Mayer, MD, Jennifer Potter, MD, Hilary Goldhammer, MS.
Required Supplies:
Stethoscope, Red name badge, Face masks and White Coat
Course Director: Kelly Bennett, MD
Description: In this course, Clinical Applications of Genetics, through lecture, discussion, workshops,
and lab tours learners will expand their knowledge of advances in medical and molecular
genetics, and begin to acquire skills in areas related to genetic counseling in clinical
settings. The ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic information and research
will be explored throughout the course.
Course Number: MIDS 5428/MIDS 6428
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: September 15th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 30 Students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
1. Describe current and future applications of genetic technology in the promotion of human health.
2. Describe how genetic information is used in clinical decision-making, counseling and research.
3. Define the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genetic information as they apply to health access, insurance and other aspects of the clinical environment.
4. Explore academic and business career opportunities in genetics.
To complete this elective, participants will need to:
- Attend 10/12 sessions
- Submit a final portfolio
Course Director: Simon Williams, PhD and Dr. Ericka Hendrix
Description: There is a growing interest among students in the healthcare professions in the field of global health. Faculty and students alike are seeking opportunities for global health experiences and developing future humanitarian involvement within their careers. The primary goal of this course is designed to introduce students to major topics in global health, but also tailor the knowledge to include theory and real-world practice. Students will discuss topics that range from poverty, socioeconomics, and policy to relevant health care issues associated with disease and nutrition. The overall view for this course is: “when it comes to global health, there is no ‘them’ only ‘us’ “. –Global Health Council.
Students who participate in this course will be expected to read a book that explores global trends and the need to rethink our approach to global health based on these trends. The book addresses instincts and perceptions which can hinder one’s ability to think critically and accurately about global health.
Course Number: MIDS 5404/MIDS 6404
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Application Opens: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Application Closes: August 30th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Those interested in being a part of this elective must submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
1. Explain the impact of global health on global public health.
2. Explore the role of poverty on global health
3. Describe the challenges associated with effective treatment of common global issues such as disease and malnutrition
4. Demonstrate possible solutions to global healthcare for long term improvement in global health status
5. Improve upon the knowledge base and desire for TTUHSC student to maintain global health/humanitarian focus in their future careers
Course Director: Simon Williams, PhD
Assistant Directors: Michelle Ensminger and Emma Woolard
Description: This elective aims to explore the intersection between climate change and human health, a growing issue. First and second year medical students will examine the various ways in which climate change impacts health, including the direct and indirect effects on physical and mental health. The course will emphasize the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals in mitigating and adapting to the health consequences of climate change. Through lectures, discussions, case studies, and guest speakers, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the health implications of climate change and gain insights into potential solutions to prepare for their roles as future physicians.
Course Number: MIDS 5434/MIDS 6434
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 13th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Minimum Enrollment: 10 students
Max Enrollment: 50 students
1. Understand the fundamental concepts of climate change and its impact on human health.
2. Identify and analyze the various direct and indirect health effects of climate
change, including infectious diseases, extreme weather events, air pollution, food
security, mental health, and chronic diseases.
3. Evaluate the social determinants of health and health disparities exacerbated by
climate change.
4. Evaluate the role of healthcare professionals in addressing the health effects
of climate change through prevention, mitigation, and adaptation strategies.
5. Apply acquired knowledge and skills to propose evidence-based solutions to mitigate
and adapt to the health effects of climate change.
Course Director: Betsy Jones, EdD
Description: This elective will educate interested medical, nursing, and health profession students about healthcare public policy in the US. This course will cover a broad range of topics, including medical malpractice, reimbursement and revenue systems, insurance practices, controversial policy topics, and how best to contact your local, state, and national representatives.
Course Number: MIDS 5411/MIDS 6411
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 6th 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
1. Expose TTUHSC students to various aspects of healthcare public policy and how it impacts local, state, and national interests.
2. Help students to better understand the history and breadth of healthcare policy.
3. Discuss the best routes of communication and contact with applicable public policy representatives.
4. Develop a basic understanding of topics such as: advocacy at the national, local, and state level, impact of policy on physician-patient relationships, medical malpractice, rural healthcare, medical student involvement in government relations.
Course Director: Cynthia Jumper, MD, MPH
Description: This elective course will complement the curriculum for medical students by providing a discussion based seminar series in raising awareness on the topic of human trafficking. This course will incorporate lectures from professionals that have firsthand experience in assisting victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Course Number: MIDS 5418/MIDS 6418
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 3rd at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 80 Students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
- Understand the terminology of sex trafficking
- Discuss the epidemiology data and statistics of human trafficking
- Understand current resources for victims and survivors, and the roles of first responders
- Understand the role of a medical student and physician when identifying a victim,
and the available options
- Incorporate volunteering opportunities at the Voice of Hope Organization
Access to high-speed internet connection is required to review the guidelines, websites, online journals, films, and relevant discussion topics. Access to Zoom is necessary for participation and attendance tracking.
Course Directors: Melinda Schalow, MD; Sarah Wakefield, MD
Description: This course is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts and methods of conducting research in basic science and clinical settings. This course will also include material over preparing and presenting scientific research. Students will be introduced to the concepts and methods of project development, literature search, and institutional review board (IRB) basics. Students will also be familiarized with statistical analysis tools, generation of a manuscript and poster presentation. Students will have the opportunity to attend poster presentations. At the end of this course, students will have the knowledge and tools to efficiently plan and present research.
Course Number: MIDS 5421/MIDS 6421
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: August 19th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
1. Conduct basic principles of research as defined in the course description
2. Create relationships with various research mentors from the TTUHSC faculty
3. Adequately transition into TTUHSC research events such as the Student Research Week and Summer Research Program
Location: Didactic Sessions will be held in-person and zoom (based on lecturer’s preference) for the entire 2024-2025 school year. Workshops will be held in-person, in rooms reserved on campus as needed.
Required Text: This will be a lecture-based course, and there will be no outside material required.
Course Director: Dr. Jannette Dufour
Description: This elective is intended to provide an introduction to Mandarin Chinese to help improve patient-provider relationships by equipping students with basic skills so they may initiate conversation with Mandarin-speaking patients. Students will be introduced to the Mandarin phonetic alphabet, major terms and phrases pertinent to a healthcare/patient encounter setting, and have the opportunity to practice conversation in the context of a patient interview using Mandarin Chinese.
Course Number: MIDS 5432/MIDS 6432
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: August 30th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 30 Students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application.
- Recognize, read, and pronounce Mandarin Chinese using the HanYu PinYin Phonetic Alphabet
(used to help Western Speakers recognize phonetics for Mandarin Chinese).
- Identify the 4 inflections and how they are used in Mandarin Chinese pronunciation.
- Recognize Mandarin Chinese terms for major bodily organs, systems, and common symptom
presentations.
- Equip students with speaking and listening skills to begin a conversation in Mandarin
Chinese to help foster provider-patient relationships.
- Provide students opportunities to practice basic conversation in Mandarin Chinese (utilizing listening and reading skills with HanYu PinYin).
Course Director: Leslie Shen, PhD
Description: This elective will educate first and second year medical students about the fundamentals of business in medicine, be it starting a private practice or working in a hospital. Students will be able to read and understand financial statements, do some simple financial calculations, and utilize common management techniques and concepts. In addition to fundamentals, students will learn practical applications such as electronic health records, billing and coding, and reimbursements. These educational goals are invaluable to anyone interested in a future career in medicine.
Course Number: MIDS 5407/MIDS 6407
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 20th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: Unlimited.
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application.
The goal of this elective is for medical students to gain exposure to business in medicine, without pursuing a M.B.A. Initially students will explore the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and management. Following these fundamental concepts, subsequent sessions will cover basic applications of business principles in the medical profession such as current healthcare systems, organizational management, and electronic documentation. This latter portion of the elective will focus on practical applications, enabling students to learn business applications for physicians working in both hospital and private practice settings.
This elective will be an integration of theory and practice by including both current business professors and healthcare professionals. This elective will provide both a service and learning opportunity that TTMMA can provide to TTUHSC-SOM. The faculty will cover the academic topics, whereas healthcare professionals will teach the business applications.
Course Director: Brent Magers, EdD
Description: This elective, Introduction to Obgyn, will educate first and second year medical students about the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Students will gain knowledge about the different subspecialties such as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and Gynecologic Oncology. Students will also practice basic clinical skills required in the field such as breast examinations, pelvic examinations, ultrasound and suturing under the guidance of a trained professional. These clinical skills will allow students to differentiate between normal and abnormal pathophysiology due to the emphasis on anatomical structures. Students will also gain an appreciation of women's healthcare. This educational goal is invaluable to those who are interested in a future career as OB/GYN physicians and proponents of women's healthcare.
Course Number: MIDS 5416/MIDS 6416
Application Open and Close Dates:
Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
Applications Closes: September 14th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 15-20 Students
Students are selected through an application process.
- Present an overview of the various subspecialties of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Train students in clinical skills, including but not limited to: breast examinations,
pelvic examinations, vaginal deliveries, suturing and understanding of anatomical
structures
- Train students in communicating their actions while performing exams and demonstrating professionalism
- Gain an appreciation for women's health and complexity of each patient
- Familiarize students with medical terminology related to the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Course Director: Charles Thompson, MD
Description: Second-year medial students enrolled in this elective, Open Door LBK - Free Clinic, will learn to be advocates for those experiencing homelessness and strive to uphold the Open Door mission statement: "To cultivate community, opportunity, and restoration with people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and sex trafficking." This course allows students to gain and apply clinical skills and knowledge specifically targeting populations that include individuals experiencing varying levels of homelessness. This course allows students the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the various disparities affecting individuals experiencing homelessness, and it is expected that these skills can be utilized for the betterment of our practice as physicians serving underserved communities in the future. Additionally, this course will strive to provide students with clinical skills such as history of present illness (HPI) gathering, presenting to attendings, point of care (POC) glucose measuring, and various other skills.
Course Number: MIDS 6429
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 1st at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
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At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Demonstrate an understanding of the various disparities and barriers to care affecting individuals experiencing homelessness.
2) Demonstrate an understanding of the various chronic and acute medical conditions that commonly affect individuals experiencing homelessness.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of various challenges faced in establishing and maintaining a free clinic.
4) Have many opportunities to engage first-hand in the longitudinal medical care of individuals experiencing homelessness in a free clinic setting.
Course Director: Felix Morales, MD
Description: This elective, Pre-Hospital Orthopedic Medicine Elective, is designed to educate first and second year medical students on the field of orthopedic medicine and the different specialties within it, such as pediatric orthopedics, sports medicine orthopedics and orthopedic trauma. Through a combination of lectures and discussions, students will have the opportunity to hear from attending physicians, associate professors and residents on the discipline of orthopedics and what it entails, not only as a successful orthopedist but a successful orthopedic applicant. Students will also practice basical clinical skills that are required in the field such as reading x-rays, MRIs, casting, stabilizing and setting fractures and suturing. The educational opportunities from this elective are a must for anyone who even thinks they might be interested in orthopedic medicine and want to know more about the field.
Course Number: MIDS 5431/MIDS 6431
Application Open and Close Dates:
Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
Applications Closes: September 4th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
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Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Minimum Enrollment: 8 Students
Max Enrollment: 15 Students
1. Present an overview of the field of Orthopedic Medicine and the subspecialties
within
2. Allow students opportunities to practice clinical skills such as reading MRIs,
x-rays, casting and suturing
3. Give students the opportunity to work on cases and prepare a differential diagnosis
and treatment plan with physician guidance
4. Allow opportunities for student/physician mentorship
5. Familiarize students with the aspects of medicine, terminology, equipment, treatments,
that are unique to Orthopedic Medicine
Course Director: Michel Diab, MD
Description: The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Elective will serve to introduce students to the various subspecialties within PM&R and their associated clinical skills. Students will be responsible for attending faculty-led lectures, skills labs, and conducting the appropriate clinical exam (MSK, Neuro, etc.) to apply these skills when shadowing in a clinic in the future, and to apply these skills when in the PM&R clinics, procedure suites and inpatient rehabilitation unit.
Course Number: MIDS 5433/MIDS 6433
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: August 25th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
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Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Minimum Enrollment: 5 Students
Max Enrollment: 15 Students
1. Understand the roles of the physiatrist and the interdisciplinary management of the disabled patient, including the role of the physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, rehabilitation nurse, dietician, clinical psychologist, social worker, therapeutic recreation specialist;
2. Demonstrate appropriate documentation and interpretation of patient history, including quality of life functions, physical exams, social, occupational and familial data; and improve physical examination skills, emphasizing chronic disability and musculoskeletal impairment;
3. The student should be able to explain the difference among disease, impairment, disability and handicap, and understand the basic concepts, terminology and model of rehabilitation medicine and highlight aspects of DEI work within the field.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with procedures commonly done in physiatry: peripheral
joint
injections, soft tissue injections, spinal injections, electromyography nerve conduction
studies, nerve blocks, botulinum toxin injections, intrathecal baclofen pump management
5. Recognize clinical problems commonly treated or managed by rehabilitation on an inpatient setting, and be familiar of major disabling conditions, such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury; and Recognize clinical problems in rehabilitation commonly addressed in the outpatient setting, such as arthritis, low back pain, MS, neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc
6. Identify the intersection between diversity, equity, and inclusion and the health disparities faced by persons with disabilities
Course Director: Cristina Sanders, MD
Description: This elective teaches preclinical medical students to incorporate preventive measures and patient education in healthcare through interactive lectures and community outreach events. Preventive medicine is crucial in every medical specialty because it increases patient autonomy, improves healthcare outcomes, and decreases medical costs. This elective will equip future physicians with the knowledge to apply preventive care in their practices.
Course Number: MIDS 5406/MIDS 6406
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 6th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
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Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Max Enrollment: 30 Students
Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
1. Discuss incorporation of preventive medicine in future healthcare practices.
2. Be able to provide patient education on preventive care like nutrition and fitness.
3. Describe risks involved in poor nutrition, lack of exercise, poor mental health, and immunocompromisation.
4. Increase community awareness about the importance of vaccinations.
5. Increase awareness about the effect of varying socioeconomic statuses on availability of healthcare.
Students must attend a specified number of extracurricular activities on top of the scheduled lectures in order to get credit for this elective. Extracurricular activities include:
- Attending a Group Fitness class at the TTU Rec Center
- Participating in an Intramural Sport with TTU
- Volunteering at a Community Event or with a student organization within TTUHSC or Lubbock
- Attending a Running Club session
- Creating cards and giving them to the Pediatrics Club with UMC Child Life (Kraft for Kids)
Course Director: Cassie Kruczek, PhD
Description: This elective is designed to introduce medical students to the emerging field of psychedelic medicine. Students will explore the history, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of various psychedelic substances, including ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. Through lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will learn about the latest research on the use of psychedelics for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The course will also cover important considerations for administering psychedelic therapies, including patient selection, preparation, and integration. Students will learn about the ethical and legal implications of psychedelic medicine, as well as the role of the healthcare providers in the growing field. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to engage in self-reflection and examine their own attitudes and biases towards psychedelic medicine. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and their role in modern medicine.
Course Number: MIDS 5436/MIDS 6436
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 4th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Minimum Enrollment: 5 Students
Max Enrollment: 30 Students
1. To understand the pharmacology of various psychedelic substances and their potential therapeutic uses. Students will be able to describe the mechanisms of action of ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, and explain how these substances may be used to treat mental health conditions.
2. To develop an awareness of the ethical and legal implications of psychedelic medicine. Students will be able to identify potential ethical and legal issues related to the use of psychedelics in therapy, and develop strategies for navigating these issues.
3. To understand the process of patient selection, preparation, and integration in psychedelic therapy. Students will be able to describe the process of screening, preparing, and supporting patients during psychedelic therapy, and identify potential risks and benefits of this process.
4. To reflect on personal attitudes and biases towards psychedelic medicine. Students will be able to recognize and reflect on their own attitudes and biases towards psychedelic medicine, and develop strategies for engaging with patients who may be interested in exploring psychedelic therapies.
Required Resources:
- Barrett, F. S., & Griffiths, R. R. (2017) Classic hallucinogens and mystical experiences: phenomenology and neural correlates. In Behavioral neurobiology of psychedelic drugs. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
- Rucker, J. J., Iliff, J. & Nutt, D. J. (2018). Psychiatry & the psychedelic drugs. Past, present & future. Neuropharmacology, 142, 200-218.
- Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2019) How do psychedelics work? Current opinion in psychiatry, 32(1), 16-21.
- Vollenweider, F. X., & Preller, K. H. (2020). Psychedelic drugs: neurobiology and potential for treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 1-14.
- Kirmayer, L. J. (2004). The cultural diversity of healing: meaning, metaphor and mechanism. British medical bulletin, 69(1), 33-48.
- Video: Pollen, Michael. Psychedelics and How to Change Your Mind. Bioneers. 2018.
Course Director: Natalie Scanlon, PhD
Description: The Resiliency Peer Program is in response to the Student Wellness Committee's identification of a significant need for educating our peers about topics in mental health and burnout prevention. The program is aimed at equipping medical students with tools to better manage stress and reduce burnout by forming a support system of medical students and faculty who are informed about techniques to support student wellness. In addition, the program focuses on the cultivation of evidence-based tools to allow medical students to manage stress so that rather than solely surviving, students can thrive in the challenges offered in medical school and beyond.
Course Number: MIDS 5419/MIDS 6419
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: October 29th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 Curriculum.
Goal: Our vision is for the Resiliency Peer program to develop as a unique, student-led
TTUHSC initiative that focuses on improving student wellbeing in the form of an elective
focused on
training and supporting pre-clinical MS1 and MS2 students at TTUHSC SOM.
The Resiliency Peers will be trained in a series of workshops featuring the Components for Enhancing Clinician Engagement and Reduction of Trauma, or “CECEERT,” a model for safeguarding against provider burnout.
CECEERT is a skills-based model that helps participants learn specific ways to emotionally connect and fully engage in their work on a daily basis, while protecting against risk factors for burnout. With the goal of helping people to recognize and manage difficult emotional states, the CECEERT model features five core domains with respective skill-sets that are tied together by the common thread of conscious oversight and mindfulness. These major domains are: experiential engagement, parasympathetic recovery, conscious narratives, decreasing ruminations, and reducing emotional labor.
Course Directors: Allison Perrin, PhD and Elisabeth Conser, MD
Description: This course will present opportunities to heighten understanding of rural health experiences and challenges. The purpose of the Rural Health Elective is to provide students an opportunity to explore and experience the practice of medicine in rural America. It also aims to raise interest in and awareness of the current state of rural healthcare both locally and nationally. Such an elective would aid in furthering TTUHSC SOM's mission to "meet the growing needs of a diverse and largely rural patient population" and "enhance the health care of communities in the (West Texas) region".
Course Number: MSCI 5408/MSCI 6408
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 10th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
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1. Explore the unique and challenging aspects of practicing in a rural setting
2. Become familiar with current policies, trends, and research findings that are relevant to rural healthcare
3. Connect with faculty members and physicians that share an interest in rural healthcare
4. Learn about internships, scholarships, and programs that are available for students interested in exploring and/or pursuing a future in rural medicine
5. Experience healthcare practices in a rural setting through shadowing/volunteering and reflecting upon those experiences with others (Note:The ability to shadow may be impacted by COVID-19, this opportunity will be re-evaluated as needed.)
Course Directors: Betsy Jones, EdD and Felix Morales, MD
Description: Fostering medical students’ interest in becoming more service-oriented is vital to delivering compassionate and comprehensive care to patients. Multiple studies have observed the link between serving community needs and being a practitioner that is able to understand the environments which factor in to the holistic review of a patient. The purpose of this elective is to provide both service opportunities and lectures from service-oriented physicians so that medical students will be able to have a clear goal on how to combine medicine with service.
Course Number: MIDS 5410/MIDS 6410
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: August 1st at 3:30pm
- Applications Closes: September 8th at 11:59pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum.
Those interested in being a part of this elective must submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
- Evaluate the importance of service in medicine.
- Compare various methods of incorporating service in a medical career, despite any
concentration or specialty that is pursued.
- Engage in volunteer opportunities in the Lubbock community.
- Reflect on core values/interests and decide on how to implement or express them through serving the community.
Course Director: Fiona Prabhu, MD
Description: Sling Health is a national organization with a branch here at TTUHSC that helps connect
students from different disciplines to engage in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our student organization offers a somewhat unique opportunity to collaborate with
students
from other Graduate programs as well as the Colleges of Business and Engineering on
a school
year-long medical project concluding with the opportunity to present your innovation
at
National Sling Demo Day.
Course Number: MSCI 5427/6427
Application Open and Close Dates:
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum. Maximum number of students who can take this elective is 40. Those interested in being a part of the elective will submit an application, which will go under consideration by the course directors.
1. Provide students with an understanding of the process in moving from an innovative
idea to development of a prototype
2. Provide students with a database of problems that need creative, student-driven,
solutions
3. Encourage physician mentor and student mentee relationships to facilitate organic
problem identification
4. Promote student leadership of teams as they navigate from and innovative idea to
a
viable product
5. Provide students with the resources necessary to develop and scale an innovative idea
6. Develop a culture of Biomedical innovation in Lubbock, Texas
Students are required to present their final projects and products formulated throughout the Sling Curriculum on Demo Day.
Course Directors: Simon Williams, PhD and Phil Sizer, PhD
Description: The Texas Tech Apprenticeship Program (TTAP) is a student-centered, longitudinal program designed to offer the learner intense exposure within a clinical field. Students will develop a curriculum proposal with a faculty mentor and execute the proposal over the course of the year following approval from the course director. Participation in TTAP will introduce students to the medical professional work environment and effectively contribute to the participant’s professional identity formation. TTAP will also allow students to put prepreinical education in context though actual interactions with patients and individual faculty mentors. It is hoped that this early clinical exposure will stimulate learning among students during the preprelinical years.
Course Number: MIDS 6409
Application Open and Close Dates:
Elective Duration: This program is longitudinal and should run from March of MS1 to December of MS2. Program may extend into MS3 and MS4 pending availability of faculty and approval from the TTAP Subcommittee.
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrolled with the School of Medicine.
1. Must be in good academic standing
2. Your Proposal must be approved by the program director
3. Program must be completed in one year
Goals and objectives are specific to the project being completed by the student. These
objectives must be laid out in the application.
Orientation Meeting: Late January, MS1 Year
Applications Due: Early March, MS1 Year
Program Begins: March, MS1 Year
Program Ends: December, MS2 Year
Video Presentation: Top 10 videos will be presented during P3 Week in the Spring of the MS2 Year
1. Mentor Identification. TAP is a clinical experience, and mentors must have a clinical faculty position at TTUHSC. You may not use mentors outside of the TTU system. We have compiled a list of faculty who have previously agreed to participate in TTAP. This does not guarantee they will participate again. Beyond that, students are encouraged to search through the faculty listing on the Internal Medicine site.
2. Construction of learning objectives using active verbs and Bloom's Taxonomy structure
3. Development of curriculum designed to achieve the learning objectives, including assessment methods (use Kern's Six Step Model for Curricular Development(see worksheet))
4. The TTAP experience is NOT a shadowing experience. The experience will result in the production of an educational product, in the form of a short video presentation. An educational product is needed to receive credit for the elective experience.
5. Development of a five-minute video presentation about the outcomes.
6. Presentation of the top 10 videos during P3 Week in the Spring of the MS2 Year
1. Educational experience enhancement
2. Networking in area of focus for a future career (it is not expected that the learner knows their career path)
3. Faculty connections that can result in recommendation letters, opportunities to attend meetings, etc.
4. Description of the program in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's Letter)
5. Students may utilize a portion of their TTAP program to satisfy the requirements of the Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) but this would require separated submission and approval of documentation through the MSSRP program coordinator and agreement of the faculty mentor.
TTAP is conceived as an individual experience. While more than one student may have the same TTAP project, the experience, goals and objectives, must be developed by the student and be unique.
This is a great opportunity to develop a curriculum that will help you achieve what you would like while completing this experience.
5 minutes is the ideal length for videos. The best projects manage to concisely sum up their experiences in about 5 minutes while keeping the presentations entertaining.
If your file is too big to attach to an email, consider uploading it to Box and sharing it with the coordinator. If this option doesn't work, students are also welcome to put their file on a flash drive and bring it to the coordinator in 2B425.
The mentor will direct student in designing the clinical activity. Students will be the one acting out those learning objectives, in a clinical environment, with supervision from the mentor.
Students will show their Mentors their proposed goals and objectives for their personalized TTAP experience. The mentor should give approval prior to the submission of their project.
Mentors should have only one student learner.
The link to request EMREMRcess for students is https://app4.ttuhsc.edu/EMRAccessRequest/.
Your mentor will need to complete a short application stating why you need access to EMREMR UMCUMCour mentor will have to go to the link and select TTAP as the reason for your needing Power Chart Access. It is a fairly simple process.
If you are unable to complete the program you may withdraw without negative consequences. There must be confirmation from the mentor that the termination of the program is mutually agreeable. This is called the No Fault Out-Clause.
Course Director: Jennifer Ward, MD
Description: Intro to Ultrasound is an increasingly important and useful technology in medicine. This elective, Intro to Ultrasound, will provide students with more opportunities to practice hands-on ultrasound skills and to review common pathologies on ultrasound.
Course Number: MSCI 5408/MSCI 6408
Application Open and Close Dates:
- Applications Open: September 2nd at 8:00am
- Applications Closes: September 17th at 7:00pm
Elective Duration: Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Click on the tabs below to view more information about this elective.
Enrollment in the School of Medicine MS1/MS2 curriculum. Maximum number of students who can take this elective is 41.
- Describe basic principles of physics of ultrasound (Physics)
- Describe how an ultrasound machine works (knobology): turn on/off, set up, and utilize
an ultrasound machine
- Describe indications of ultrasound in a clinical setting (Indications)
- Recognize common pathologies in various organs and systems (Pathologies)
- Perform ultrasound scans on various parts of the body (Skills)
- Perform basic required procedures with ultrasound (Skills)
If there is limitation of direct face-to-face interactions due to another COVID-19
pandemic, the hands-on practice will be replaced by demonstration of scanning by faculty
via Zoom or other virtual platforms until we return to normal classroom activities
on campus.
Course Director: Jongyeol Kim, MD
Inactive Electives
The following electives are currently inactive for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you are interested in any of these electives, please contact Maureen Eregie for information on the reactivation process.
Description: The Medical Ethics and Humanities Society will sponsor students who do not want to
commit to a four year certificate to take classes in Medical Humanities and Bioethics
on a class by class basis during MS1 and MS2 years.
This course will help medical students learn how Clinical Bioethics and Doctors In
Film can help them develop both critical thinking and empathy to better understand
their patients’ illness experiences, the medical team-patient relationships, physician
self-care, and various other aspects of healthcare.
Description:The Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (ICAM) elective will educate first and second year medical students about the importance of and methodology to incorporating Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into their medical practice.
At the end of the elective, students should demonstrate the knowledge regarding the need for ICAM education to address the increasing use of CAM by patients and the various benefits and risks of using different CAM modalities. We also expect certain self-care CAM approaches to be applied to healthy student living and promote student wellness.
Description: The doctor has been portrayed as a heroic figure from the earliest days of film.
Join us as we examine a selection of the ways the culture and history of medicine
have been portrayed over the past seventy-seven years. We will be giving particular
attention to the image of the doctor as a reflection of the changing notion of a “hero”
in medicine and American society.
Students will be introduced to the historical and cultural background of the film
period and participate in a discussion of the changing image of the hero against this
background of the films. The course will be presented by faculty with assistance from
students.
Description: "AI in Medicine" is a lecture-based course for first- and second-year medical students, designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into medical practice. Through expert-led lectures, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of AI in medicine, including its current state, potential, and limitations. The course will explore how AI can be leveraged to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and support clinical decision-making, while also considering the ethical considerations. Students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the impact of AI systems on patient care. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to
Description: This course, Intro to Neurology, exposes the student to basic principles of diagnosis and management of common neurologic conditions. Students learn skills in conducting neurologic exams, identifying signs and symptoms of neurologic disorders, and integrating signs and symptoms into syndromes. Students learn about basic neurologic disorders and neurologic complications of systemic conditions.
Description: At the beginning of Intro to Clinical Research, each MS2 student will be assigned to a nurse coordinator and will be increasingly involved in working with that coordinator on the studies they are running. An opportunity will be given for the students to choose between various ongoing studies, but this must be done early since they must have passed the CITI training program and have IRBIRBproval to participate in individual studies. Each student should be involved both with studies involving human subjects and those involving chart reviews. It would be anticipated that the students would receive authorship on any publication resulting from studies on which they are involved, provided that their participation is meaningful.
Early in the elective, there will be an emphasis on didactic material beginning with discussions about the regulations and ethical considerations related to research in humans, the background for these and the role played by the IRBIRBd an Office of Research Integrity. This will be followed by sessions on how to develop the proposal for a research project from conception of the idea through formulation of a hypothesis and specific aims, compiling the background, constructing the appropriate methods and analysis of results and, finally, a discussion of the potential significance. It will be expected that each student will develop a proposal/protocol during the elective with an ongoing active critique process.
Description: This course, Advancement in Patient Safety, will introduce the healthcare student to the concepts in promoting and providing patient safety. Archived videos and live content expert presentations will build a framework of knowledge that the student can then apply to vignettes involving a sentinel event. Completion of this course will prepare the student with the fundamental knowledge required for the interprofessional root cause analysis course (CLARION).
The goal of this course is to provide the all students of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Schools with the opportunity to practice the core competencies recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOMIOMThe IOMIOMcommended in a 2003 publication entitled "Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality" that five core competencies be integrated into health professions education: patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement and informatics. In this course students will work in interprofessional teams as they study the following concepts: root cause analysis, budget analysis, professional conduct and policies, team communication, legislative initiatives, information technology.