Spine Institute of Arizona

MEDICAL SCHOOL 4TH YEAR CLINICAL ROTATION, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

SURG 815K Surgical & Non-Surgical Management of Spine Disorders
Paul R. Gause, M.D. - Edward J. Dohring, M.D. (Donna Lahey (602) 953-9500, spineinstituteofaz@msn.com)
Spine Institute of Arizona; 9735 N 90th Place; Scottsdale, AZ 85258
4 wks only, offered year round

GOALS: (1) A more thorough understanding of spine anatomy and pathology. (2) Learn the appropriate surgical and non-surgical treatment plans for patients with common spine diseases. (3) Exposure to the concept of comprehensive spine care provided by multiple physicians with different specialties.

FORMAT: The course is based on the concept of a preceptor and student. Students will rotate at various hospitals: Scottsdale Shea and Arrowhead (currently). The student will have one on one educational opportunities with the preceptor (supervising physician) on a daily basis during the entire rotation. The following is a sample of what the student may experience while on the rotation: perform and record history and physical examination on patients in clinic. Round on patients in the hospital and make entries in the medical record regarding the status, impression, and treatment plan of the patients. Attend appropriate conferences and departmental meetings for educational purposes when available including a weekly spine journal club with patient case presentations. Observe and participate in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and surgery as a member of the spine team. The student will scrub on surgical procedures if interested when approved by the patient and supervising physician. The student may perform procedures at the discretion of the supervising physician following suitable instruction and under the direction of the supervision physician, resident or fellow.

EVALUATION: Preceptors will evaluate students and students will evaluate preceptors at the end of the rotation through written evaluation forms. The students will be evaluated in 5 performance areas: ability to obtain appropriate history and physical, develop a differential diagnosis, describe treatment options and possible outcomes, surgical skills, and individual teamwork efforts. Students will evaluate the preceptors and rotation based on 5 criteria: preceptor teaching ability, preceptor availability, overall student experience in the clinic, overall student experience in the OR, and overall educational experience of the rotation.