COSCA

CM101: Introduction to Clinical Medicine is a foundational course offered to first-year medical students at the University of Health Sciences. This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of clinical medicine, including patient interaction, medical ethics, and the development of clinical reasoning skills.

Course Overview

CM101 serves as an essential building block for medical students, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their subsequent clinical rotations. The course is structured to offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Objectives

The primary objectives of CM101 are:

• To familiarize students with the clinical environment and patient care settings.
• To develop effective communication skills with patients and healthcare professionals.
• To introduce the principles of medical ethics and professionalism.
• To cultivate clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Course Content

The course is divided into several modules, each focusing on different aspects of clinical medicine:

Module 1: Introduction to the Clinical Environment

• Overview of the healthcare system
• Roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals
• Introduction to patient care settings

Module 2: Communication Skills

• Effective communication with patients
• Building rapport and trust
• Handling difficult conversations

Module 3: Medical Ethics and Professionalism

• Principles of medical ethics
• Patient confidentiality and informed consent
• Professional behavior and responsibilities

Module 4: Clinical Reasoning

• Introduction to clinical problem-solving
• Case-based learning
• Developing differential diagnoses

Assessment

Students are assessed through a combination of written exams, practical assessments, and participation in class discussions. The final grade is based on:

• Midterm examination (30%)
• Final examination (40%)
• Practical assessments (20%)
• Class participation (10%)

Also see

• Clinical Medicine
• Medical Ethics
• Patient Communication
• Clinical Reasoning

References

• Smith, J. (2020). Introduction to Clinical Medicine. New York: Medical Press.
• Johnson, L. (2019). Medical Ethics: A Practical Guide. London: Health Publications.