Curriculum

The didactic curriculum makes up one month of the 13-month program. Lectures, seminars, and laboratories have been designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of surgical disease processes.

Instruction will cover general surgery and subspecialty topics. Emphasis will be placed on the perioperative management of surgical patients, including fluids and electrolytes, hyperalimentation, acid/base balance, surgical emergencies, complications, and evaluation of specific organ systems.

In addition to classroom and laboratory instruction, the didactic curriculum will include weekly attending faculty rounds, Department of Surgery grand rounds, surgical case conferences and other conferences organized by the Department of Surgery or the PA surgical residency program.

The initial didactic curriculum will conclude with preparation for clinical rotations. Time is designated for rounding with the surgical team and becoming familiar with the routine of the surgical service before assuming clinical responsibilities.

During the 12-month clinical curriculum, physician assistant surgical residents (PASRs) will be assigned duties similar to those of first year (PGY-1) physician surgical residents.

Duties will include history and physical examinations, writing patient orders and progress notes in the hospital record, responding to and evaluating patient problems, making rounds, ordering diagnostic studies, assisting in the operating room, and performing invasive procedures with appropriate oversight by the supervising physician. Night call will be assigned on a rotating basis.

The PASR will be assigned first-call responsibilities with appropriate supervision and within the scope of his or her practice parameters. The PASR will obtain additional direction or assistance as needed.

As required by state law, all clinical activities of the PA resident will be supervised by the PA resident's supervising physician.