The core course in medical pharmacology is designed to provide the student with a basis for the clinical use of drugs. Current concepts of the sites and mechanism of action of the major classes of drugs are emphasized and are integrated with problem-solving workshops concerning their clinical use. Basic principles of drub absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination are central to understanding drug interactions and the toxicology of therapeutic agents and chemicals in the environment.

To be determined.

The objective of this elective is to provide the student the opportunity to experience basic medical research including experimental design, utilization of scientific literature and methods for evaluation and interpretation of experimental data.

Students will be expected to attend each of the scheduled lectures and presentations. In general, lectures will be scheduled for 6 hours per day, five days per week. The remainder of the scheduled time each day will be for self-study, literature analyses, and preparation for presentations. Each student is expected to make two presentations to the class.

A study of various pharmacological techniques employed in research. This will be accomplished by student rotation through various research laboratories in the Department of Pharmacology. Program designed to offer the student the opportunity to develop and appreciation of the correct techniques of experimental design and evaluation of experimental data. Students will be given the option of spending the entire period in full-time research within the laboratory of a member of the faculty working on a project of interest to them.

This course is directed toward integrating fundamental principles of clinical pharmacology with the clinical skills and knowledge gained during the third and fourth years of medical school. The overall objective is to provide a solid foundation for the rational and practical approach to the appropriate clinical use of medications. Specific topics will include, but not be limited to: Taking medication histories; Patient compliance; Interpretation of Drug Literature and Clinical Drug Trials; Over-the-counter Products; Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring; Drug Interactions; Drug-Induced Diseases; Effects of Underlying Diseases on Drug Therapy; and Geriatric Drug Therapy. In addition, the rational therapeutic approach to common specific diseases will be discussed (e.g., hypertension, CHF, hyperlipidemias, COPD, asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and headaches, infectious diseases, etc.). Discussions will be oriented to a primary care focus.