This course is designed for students who do not have a clinical background and will provide an insight into the clinical care process. For clinicians, it will provide a refresher on terminology and the complexity of clinical decision-making. This course will teach basic medical terminology and an introduction to diagnostic thinking, its complexities and uncertainties, and its iterative nature. Topics include eliciting an anamnesis, synthesizing history and physical examination, clinical decision-making and thresholds for ordering tests, diagnostic biases, utilization of medical evidence in the design of treatment plans, and challenges secondary to health information technology in a complex environment.
After completion, students will be able to successfully navigate the health care system and will be able to converse with clinicians, communicate effectively, and will understand the needs and requirements to deliver care.