PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (PASC)

This one semester clinical anatomy unit prepares the student for clinical practice with an understanding of functional and applied anatomy stressing the normal surface landmarks and common clinical findings. Cadaver gross dissections and prosections, anatomical models, lectures, and electronic resources are utilized in this course.

Physiology is presented to the student to reinforce the importance of physiology and pathophysiology to the study of clinical medicine. The course is structured into units in an organ system approach, correlating the basic sciences with clinical applications.

This one semester course is an introduction to the genetic and molecular mechanisms of disease; biochemistry; microbiology.

This semester long course introduces the student to the art of acquiring a patient history and performing the physical examination. Instruction in interpersonal and communication skills resulting in effective acquiring of patient history and collaboration with a diverse population of patients, families, and other health professionals will be incorporated.

This two part course provides an introduction and more in depth understanding of the social, regulatory, ethical, and professional aspects of the PA profession.

This is the first of three didactic Clinical Medicine courses presented in the first year and will cover infectious diseases, cardiology including EKG, hematology/oncology, and pulmonology.

This course is the introductory course in a three semester pharmacotherapeutics curriculum. This first section will introduce the student to the basic principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, drug interactions, and adverse reactions.

This course provides instruction in the essentials of ordering, interpreting and performing diagnostic studies used in the screening, diagnosis, management and monitoring of disease.

The course will concentrate on the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of disease across the human life span; organized into an organ system approach.

The course will concentrate on therapeutic applications of drugs for various organ systems integrated with the clinical medicine units being taught during this semester.

Patient Assessment I & II are designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use the appropriate equipment, techniques, and medical terminology to document findings; develop a differential diagnosis and diagnostic work-up and suggest a treatment plan.

The essentials of ordering, interpreting and performing diagnostic studies used in the screening, diagnosis, management and monitoring of disease. Topics for this course are congruent with Clinical Medicine II.

This course is an introduction to psychiatric disorders and behavioral medicine. Presented in lecture and seminar format the major psychiatric disorders are studied.

This course is the first of two in the Division of Physician Assistant Studies Community Health Pathway. It prepares Physician Assistant students to lead change in under-resourced communities through advocacy, policy engagement, and interprofessional collaboration. Students examine social determinants of health, systemic barriers, and cultural and historical factors influencing healthcare access in North Carolina. Through case studies, policy analysis, and community-engaged learning, students evaluate clinical models and develop strategies to address health disparities. The course emphasizes public insurance programs, financial assistance systems, and community partnerships, equipping students to advocate for inclusive, patient-centered care and contribute to sustainable healthcare solutions.

This is the third of three didactic Clinical Medicine courses presented in the first year and will cover genito-urology, orthopedic, HEENT, pediatrics, geriatrics, and dermatology topics.

This course builds on the previous two courses and concentrates on the clinical pharmacotherapeutics.

Patient Assessment I & II are designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use the appropriate equipment, techniques, and medical terminology to document findings; develop a differential diagnosis and diagnostic work-up and suggest a treatment plan.

The essentials of ordering, interpreting and performing diagnostic studies used in the screening, diagnosis, management and monitoring of disease. Topics for this course are congruent with Clinical Medicine III.

This course is designed to orient the student to the fundamentals of surgical practice including basic clinical procedures, sterile procedure, anesthesia, suturing, and common office procedures.

This two-part course provides an introduction and more in-depth understanding of the social, regulatory, ethical, and professional aspects of the PA profession. In the second part of the course, students will be introduced to providing medical care to racial, ethnic, and socioeconomically diverse patients in a fluid and changing health care system.

This one semester course is an introduction to Evidence-based Medicine (EBM), and prepares the student for EBM II which culminates in the senior year capstone project. Evidence based-medicine provides tools to assist clinicians to make accurate diagnoses and select optimal treatment for their patients.

This course is the second of two courses in the Division of Physician Assistant Studies Community Health Pathway and requires successful completion of PASC 728. This course provides a framework for applying community health principles to the care of under-resourced populations in North Carolina. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive communication, trauma-informed care, and the development of evidence-based management plans tailored to diverse clinical settings unique to communities and residents of North Carolina. Students will analyze barriers to care, evaluate community and public health resources, and integrate social, financial, and systemic factors into comprehensive, patient-centered care plans.

This four-week clinical course provides students with the opportunity to learn, understand, and gain supervised experience in practicing principles of ambulatory care medicine in a Family Medicine setting. Students will have exposure to the spectrum of ambulatory practice, to include care of adults and geriatrics in routine preventive medicine and care of acute and chronic disease, as well as pediatrics.

This four-week clinical course provides students with the opportunity to learn, understand, and gain supervised experience in practicing principles of inpatient medicine. This rotations focus is for the student to learn the indications for admission to the hospital and the care of hospitalized patients. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 160 clinical hours (40 hours per week) in a clinical setting and anticipated 28 hours of studying, case documentation, and other course activities/requirements.

This rotation provides experience in the management of patients with surgical problems. The student will learn pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative patient care.

This rotation provides the student exposure to the care of neonates, infants, children and adolescents. The student will further refine the skills of history taking and physical examination specific to the pediatric population.

This course provides the student an opportunity to gain experience in common gynecological conditions. The student learns about screening for breast and gynecologic cancers, normal and abnormal menstrual patterns, infectious diseases, and family planning.

The student will be exposed to and participate in the care of patients with psychiatric illnesses and psychosocial disorders. The student will develop skills counseling patients, communicating with family members of patients living with these conditions, and managing common out-patient illnesses.

This second EBM course extends the content presented in EBM I allowing students exposure to clinical settings where EBM is a strong component. Students formulate a clinical question, research and assess the medical literature, and analyze the selected research studies for validity.

This rotation provides in-depth exposure to the illnesses and injuries that necessitate emergency care across the life continuum. Students will interview, evaluate, and examine patients presenting to the Emergency Department and present patients cared for to the precepting clinician. Emergency procedures and treatment will be guided by the clinical preceptor.

In addition to the above required core rotations the student is given the option of electing 2 rotations of their choice. For example subjects can include: Cardiology, ENT, ID, Trauma/Burns, Psychiatry, Orthopedics.

In addition to the above required core rotations the student is given the option of electing 2 rotations of their choice. For example subjects can include: Cardiology, ENT, ID, Trauma/Burns, Psychiatry, Orthopedics.

This four-week clinical course provides the UNC Chapel Hill MHSPAS physician assistant student with additional opportunities to learn, understand, and gain supervised experience in principles of Primary Care. This rotation may be completed in the following settings: outpatient family medicine, outpatient internal medicine, outpatient pediatrics, urgent care, correctional facility, public health department, or community health center.

This two-week clinical course provides students with the opportunity to learn, understand, and gain supervised experience in an area of special interest in but was unable to experience during other rotations. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 80 clinical hours on rotation (40 hours per week) in a clinical setting. In addition, students are expected to complete at least 14 hours (1 hour per day) studying, patient encounter logging and additional course activities/requirements.

This two-week clinical course provides students with the opportunity to learn, understand, and gain supervised experience in an area of special interest in but was unable to experience during other rotations. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 80 clinical hours on rotation (40 hours per week) in a clinical setting. In addition, students are expected to complete at least 14 hours (1 hour per day) studying, patient encounter logging and additional course activities/requirements.

This course will augment students clinical experiences by reinforcing acquisition of medical knowledge, supporting development of interpersonal communication skills, distinguishing traits that promote professional excellence, implementing improvements in practice performance by applying critically appraised medical literature, and recognizing the impact of systems-based processes on individual patient care. Topics will be presented in a sequence that prepares students to transition from student role to that of an autonomous member of a physician/physician assistant team.

This course is designed to augment students clinical experiences by reinforcing acquisition of medical knowledge, supporting development of interpersonal communication skills, distinguishing traits that promote professional excellence, implementing improvements in practice performance by applying critically appraised medical literature, and recognizing the impact of systems-based processes on individual patient care. Topics will be presented in a sequence that prepares students to transition from student role to that of an autonomous member of a physician/physician assistant team.

This course is designed to augment students clinical experiences by reinforcing acquisition of medical knowledge, supporting development of interpersonal communication skills, distinguishing traits that promote professional excellence, implementing improvements in practice performance by applying critically appraised medical literature, and recognizing the impact of systems-based processes on individual patient care. Topics will be presented in a sequence that prepares students to transition from student role to that of an autonomous member of a physician/physician assistant team.

This Independent Study course is a four-week course used when the student is engaged in educational activities relevant to the degree or program requirements. This may be structured remediation activities, additional clinical time, assessments, and/or self-study. This course must be approved by the PA Program Director.