Surgery PA

Hospitalist Track

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY:

In August 1991, Alderson-Broaddus College began offering a Postgraduate Master's Degree Program in Rural Primary Care for graduate physician assistants. The success of this program enabled the College to enter into an affiliation agreement in 1992 with West Virginia University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, to offer a program specialty in emergency medicine. In September 2000, the College added a Surgery Track to the Master's Degree Program and in 2004 the college added a Hospitalist track. All master's tracks provide graduate physician assistants the opportunity for advanced didactic and clinical training.

The format of the Surgery Track Master's Degree program requires the graduate physician assistant to be employed by a hospital department of surgery or private surgeon's practice while completing didactic courses on campus. On-campus requirements are met by attending classes one weekend per month, September through April, for two years. The didactic instruction and anatomy lab experience enables students to improve their understanding and knowledge base regarding surgery and related practice. Students also develop skills in research, management and teaching.

CURRICULUM:

The two-year program consists of thirty-seven semester credit hours and requires completion of two concurrent years of clinical work as a physician assistant associated with a hospital department of surgery or private surgeon's practice. Location of the clinical site is a shared responsibility of the student and the program. Most students are able to remain in their surgical setting and simply arrange to attend classes at A-B one time per month, September through April, for two years. The program combines classroom instruction and anatomy lab experience with the student's clinical work in surgery. This enables the student to combine the knowledge learned through didactic training with the clinical experience in the work setting. The program strives to provide students with the abilities and skills for increased independence as a mid-level provider.

Physician assistants interested in preparing for a career in surgery will benefit from the didactic and clinical training provided. Students will benefit from their advanced skills in pre-operative, post-operative, intra-operative and critical care training. Full-time employment in approved surgical setting is required while completing program requirements.

• Year One

Surgical Core Content I and Lab
Research
Teaching Techniques and Assessment
Surgical Core Content II and Lab
Advanced Pharmacology
Surgical Critical Care

• Year Two

Surgical Pathophysiology
Surgical Core Content III and Lab
Personnel and Management
Specialty Topics
Surgical Core Content IV and Lab
Emergency Medicine Procedures

ON-SITE REQUIREMENTS:

One weekend per month, Friday through Sunday, September through April at Alderson-Broaddus College. Friday classes typically start at noon and conclude at noon on Sunday.

UNIVERSITY/INSTITUTION AFFILIATIONS:

Alderson-Broaddus College is a private institution chartered under the laws of the State of West Virginia, affiliated with the West Virginia Baptist Convention and with the American Baptist Churches, USA. While the College is Baptist in heritage and relationship, it is not sectarian in outlook. Students are admitted on the basis of academic ability and moral character without regard to their color, class or creed. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council for Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the West Virginia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Association for Teacher Education, and the West Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. The Postgraduate programs, are members in good standing with the National Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs, Inc. (APPAP).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

The Surgery Track has a limited enrollment and early application is strongly encouraged. The two-year program requires full-time enrollment status. Students meeting the basic admission requirements will be selected on a competitive basis and notified on a rolling basis.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Medical Experience (considered but not required; new graduates accepted)
• Academic records
• Personal recommendations
• Career goals
• On-campus interview

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Baccalaureate and/or Master's degree which includes a general education component from an accredited college or university
• Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or board eligible status; new graduates eligible
• Three letters of recommendation
• Employment in an approved clinical setting (required prior to enrollment but not acceptance). Students are permitted to secure their own clinical site. The site may be in West Virginia or out-of-state. The Program will assist students in securing a site if requested.

CREDENTIALS AWARDED:

Master of Science degree in Medical Science with emphasis in Surgery.

ESTIMATED COSTS:

• Total tuition for the Surgery Track is $19, 906; $10,222 for Year 1 and $9,684 for Year 2.
• Salary and benefits are negotiated between the student and the employing hospital site. Typically students are paid a competitive salary. Students are responsible for securing their own clinical site, however program assistance is available if needed.
• Book costs are estimated at $1,000 for the entire program.
• Housing costs for the two-year program are estimated at $1,000.

FINANCIAL AID:

Federal loan assistance, regardless of income, is available to cover the total program costs, including travel, tuition, housing, textbooks, meals, etc. Program expenses may be tax deductible. The program qualifies for veterans benefits.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION:

Courses completed as part of the Surgery Track Master's degree program are eligible for AAPA Category II Continuing Medical Education credit or may be included as part of Pathway II for NCCPA re-certification. For more information on Pathway II, contact NCCPA at www.nccpa.net Students will receive category I CME for all life support courses completed as requirements in the program (i.e. ACLS).

INFORMATION:

For further information, contact Mr. William A. Childers Jr. MS, PA-C, Program Director (304) 457-6356; Fax: (304) 457-6308; or E-mail: childerswa@mail.ab.edu.
Web Site: http://www.ab.edu/postgraduate.html
College Information: www.ab.edu

NOTICE TO STUDENTS:

All prospective students are advised that the information provided in this Directory is subject to change. To confirm information, contact William A. Childers Jr. MS, PA-C (304) 457-6356.

CURRICULUM OUTLINE OVERVIEW:

The Department of Medical Science at Alderson-Broaddus College introduced the addition of a Hospitalist Track to the Master's Degree Program September 2003. The program is designed for experienced and new physician assistant graduates who are interested in advancing their knowledge, employability and career opportunities in hospital-based health care settings.

Didactic instruction at Alderson-Broaddus College is coupled with the student's clinical employment. Students will develop a detailed understanding of the scientific and clinical aspects of adult medicine in addition to application of these aspects to the provision of care in various inpatient settings, including general and special care wards, sub-acute care units, and general intensive care units. Physician assistants trained in this program will be prepared to work closely with physician hospitalist specialists who staff hospital intensive care units and medical inpatient wards.

The program also provides instruction and skill development in teaching and management techniques, enabling the postgraduate trained physician assistant to become a more valuable and productive member of the hospitalist team.

The two-year program consists of thirty-seven semester hours of instruction and the degree awarded is a Master of Science Degree in Medical Science with an emphasis in Hospital Medicine. The format of the program requires graduate physician assistants to be employed in an approved setting and attend classes at Alderson-Broaddus College one weekend per month, September through April, for two years.

Courses require extensive reading and project work between weekend visits to campus. Successful completion of program requirements will require strong independent learning skills and support for attendance from the student's clinical employer. Graduates will have increased career opportunities as a result of their advanced skills, patient management, teaching, research and administration.

Employment as a physician assistant is an important element during the course of graduate study in the hospitalist track. It provides a medium for students to utilize knowledge and skills that are being learned and developed in the classroom. Each student must secure employment in a hospital, clinic, or private practice for at least 50% of the time while actively enrolled as a student and taking courses. A "Certification of Employment" form will be provided to the student for the establishment of this approval. Employment sites will be approved individually and entrusted on their ability to provide the student with appropriate clinical experience and supervision.

CURRICULUM OUTLINE GOALS:

General goals of the Hospital Medicine Program are to provide the student:

1. An extensive knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease processes that lead to the need for acute inpatient adult medical care.
2. A broad understanding of the manifold treatment options available to the clinician for treating these conditions, and a cost-effective and evidence-based approach to quality medical care.
3. Analytic skills that will support clear and decisive treatment planning and at the same time enable the clinician to intelligently develop a differential diagnosis approach to quality medical care.
4. The ability to choose diagnostic tests that will effectively and efficiently lead to a definitive diagnosis and life-saving treatments.

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES FOR DIDACTIC AND CLINICAL COMPONENTS:

The student will:

1. Synthesize and interpret clinical data that will lead to quality inpatient and critical care for the patient.
2. Master the medical and clinical skills that are required to manage complex medical conditions.
3. Understand the appropriate utilization of technical, supportive and highly specialized consultants.
4. Possess an advanced understanding of pharmacologic principles and medication usage, including indications, contraindications, uses, misuses, risks and benefits.
5. Develop interpersonal skills necessary to function as a member of a team of professionals.
6. Master communication skills needed to impart medical knowledge and direction to other professionals and ancillary staff.
7. Understand the indications for, and interpretation of, data from invasive procedures necessary in the treatment of patients in an intensive care unit or medical ward.
8. Develop appropriate listening and speaking skills necessary to effectively and clearly communicate with patients and family members.
9. Have an understanding of the legal and ethical issues that confront health care providers on inpatient units.
10. Participate in discussions concerning life decisions, advance directives, surrogate decision making, management of terminal conditions, pain management, end of life care, brain death, treatment futility and organ donation.
11. Develop skills in patient teaching, consulting, research and personnel management.
12. Become proficient in evaluating medical literature, understanding peer review processes and appreciating the importance of evidence-based medicine and medical research.
13. Understand the administrative aspects of the hospital departments and committees that govern and support inpatient care services.
14. Understand the concept of continuous learning and how it applies to physician assistants, especially in critical care and hospital medicine.
15. Understand the ideas and practices of quality improvement, systems thinking and professional responsibility and accountability.
16. Appreciate the potential communication gaps inherent in a hospitalist practice model and how to utilize technology to address these issues.
17. Be able to fully appreciate and utilize computer-based advances in medical care, such as assistive diagnostic programs and computerized prescribing software.
18. Understand and be able to utilize Bayesian reasoning and decisional analysis in clinical practice settings.
19. Comprehend the development of, and use of, practice guidelines and clinical pathways as methods to ensure practice consistency and as a way to minimize undesirable practice variation.
20. Possess a working knowledge of the mechanisms of iatrogenesis and risks/benefits of hospitalization.
21. Assist the physician hospitalist in all aspects of inpatient adult care and complement the physician's patient care practice.

CURRICULUM OUTLINE AND COURSE DESCRIPTION

YEAR ONE

Fall Semester
(September - December, One weekend per month, Friday-Sunday)


Medical Science 811	Hospital Medicine I	6 credit hours
Medical Science 705	Research	4 credit hours

Spring Semester
(January - April, One weekend per month, Friday-Sunday)


Medical Science 821	Hospital Medicine II	6 credit hours
Medical Science 720	Hospital Medicine II	4 credit hours

YEAR ONE

Fall Semester
(September - December, One weekend per month, Friday-Sunday)


Medical Science 831	Hospital Medicine III	6 credit hours
Medical Science 740	Personnel and Management	3 credit hours

Spring Semester
(January - April, One weekend per month, Friday-Sunday)


Medical Science 841	Hospital Medicine IV	6 credit hours
Medical Science 870.01	Teaching Techniques and Assessment	2 credit hours
	Total Credit Hours	37 credit hours

MEDICAL SCIENCE 705

Research
4 credit hours

This course is required in the Master's Degree Program and prepares the graduate student to develop and write a research project, which could be considered for publication in a peer review journal. Students will learn the process and procedures for conducting a descriptive research project, including selection of a problem, statement of the problem, sub-problems, limitations of the study, delimitation, definition of terms, hypotheses, and significance of the problem. Students learn to develop a related view of literature, methods for conducting the study and investigating the research problem, development of appropriate survey instruments with appropriate written analysis of the results and findings of the study. Students completing the course will understand research methodology and evaluation of basic standards of medical research. Students will select a research topic, which will impact the delivery of health care in their particular hospital/clinical setting or community. Students will also learn how to evaluate and better understand medical research.

MEDICAL SCIENCE 720

Advanced Pharmacology
4 credit hours

This course has been designed and developed specifically to meet the requirements established by West Virginia legislation providing prescriptive authority for physician assistants and as an advanced pharmacology course required in the Master's Degree Program. Course material will be presented through a variety of lectures, patient simulations, case studies and reading assignments. Students will complete reading assignments between on-campus sessions as required by the Course Coordinator and/or Instructor. Upon completion of requirements, students will possess the most current information and skills regarding appropriate choices of pharmacologic treatment for a given patient medication, monitoring for medication efficacy and monitoring for, and management of, drug interactions and adverse medication events. Students will study clinical pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, cardiovascular medications, drug dosing in renal failure, adverse effects of drugs on the liver and kidney, allergy/immunology, endocrine/pulmonary, antibiotic review, respiratory infectious disease, immunizations, pain management, neurology, gastroenterology, asthma treatment, treatment of unstable angina, acute MI, acute ischemic stroke, diabetes, anxiety disorders, thyroid disorders, schizophrenia, gout, and other appropriate topics specifically designed for the physician assistant working in surgery.

MEDICAL SCIENCE 740

Office and Personnel Management
3 credit hours

This course is a requirement for students in the Emergency Medicine, Rural Primary Care and Surgery Tracks. A common core of administrative and management information will be presented to all students as well as track-specific information. Rural Primary Care Track students will study the Rural Health Clinic and Federally Qualified Health Center models and other administrative information common to rural hospital and clinical settings. Emergency Medicine and Surgery Track students will study in-depth management aspects common to hospital settings with specific information relating to the typical department of surgery and/or department of emergency medicine.

Examples of information covered in the course are administrative techniques of personnel and financial management, influence of managed care organizations, basics of cost-based reimbursement, legal and regulatory requirements of health organizations, including malpractice insurance, contractual relationships, and antitrust as it apples to providers, grant proposals (federal and private), OSHA/CLIA regulations, Equal Opportunity Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family Leave Act and their impact on staffing, understanding of the cost of medical practice, and recruitment, interviewing and contracting with prospective employees.

MEDICAL SCIENCE 870

Teaching Techniques and Assessment
2 semester hours

This course focuses on selected aspects of the learning process. Students are introduced to several methods for curriculum development and educational programming. Sample topics include:

1. Determining and writing learning outcomes and objectives.
2. Introduction to ISDN and instructional strategies.
3. Presentation methods and practice presentations.
4. Evaluation methods and practice writing test questions.
5. Use of media in presentations, including Microsoft Power Point and Excel.
6. Use of Internet computer applications for preparing presentations and teaching.
7. Web-based instructional programs, including distance learning applications.

MEDICAL SCIENCE 811

Hospital Medicine I & Lab
6 semester hours

This course is one of a four-course sequence designed to provide in-depth information on selected topics in hospital medicine, cardiology and consultative medicine. Reading assignments between on-campus weekends will include standard textbooks, Internet-based textbooks and journal articles. The topics covered will include: the various models of hospital care, hospital interfaces, clinical decision analysis, Bayesian-reasoning, diagnostic testing, formulation of differential diagnoses, cost-effectiveness, assessment and improvement of quality, practice guidelines, clinical pathways, standardized treatment planning, medical consultation methods, preoperative evaluation, postoperative care, cardiac diagnostics, angina, intermediate coronary syndromes, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, valvular heart disease, supraventricular dysrhythmias, ventricular dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, syncope, near syncope, bradycardias, pericardial diseases, hypertensive urgencies and emergencies, aortic diseases, peripheral vascular disease and venous thrombosis. In addition to independent readings, the course provides for didactic lectures, case studies and Socratic teaching methods.

MEDICAL SCIENCE 821

Hospital Medicine II & Lab
6 semester hours

This course is one of a four-course sequence that will provide the student with up-to-date detailed information on selected topics in gastroenterology, nephrology, and rheumatology. Reading assignments are completed between on-campus weekends and include standard texts, Internet-based information sources and peer-reviewed journal articles. The course also includes didactic lectures, problem-based learning sessions and Socratic learning exchanges. The course covers the following topics: overview of GI symptoms and syndromes, acute GI bleeding, esophageal diseases, peptic ulcers, mucosal disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases, acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic cirrhosis, biliary diseases, acute pancreatitis and complications, appendicitis, diverticulitis, ischemic bowel syndromes, ileus, GI obstruction, acute renal failure, dialysis management, renal stone disease and obstruction, acid base and electrolyte disorders, vasculitis, acute rheumatic diseases, acute arthritis and back pain.

MEDICAL SCIENCE 831

Hospital Medicine III & Lab
6 semester hours

This course is one of a four-course sequence intended to provide the student with detailed information on hospital care, pulmonary medicine, critical care, endocrinology and acute neurology and psychiatry. Between on-campus sessions, independent readings are completed and are complimented with didactic lectures, Socratic discussion sessions and case study scenarios. The following topics are covered in-depth: patient satisfaction, iatrogenesis, risks of hospitalization, nutritional care, ethical issues, informed consent, pain management, end-of-life care, acute respiratory failure, ventilator management, hypotension, shock syndromes, multiple organ system failure, sepsis, chronic obstructive lung disease, acute asthma, acute bronchitic syndromes, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pulmonary nodules, acute diabetic syndromes, diabetic ketoacidosis, nonketotic hyperosmolar conditions, acute presentations of thyroid disease, thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, stroke management, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage and inpatient depression.

MEDICAL SCIENCE 841

Hospital Medicine IV & Lab
6 semester hours

This course is one of a four-course sequence formatted to detailed and in-depth information on infectious diseases, hematology, oncology, toxicology and selected allergic syndromes. The topics covered include: overview of infectious diseases, HIV and complications, parenteral antimicrobials, antibiotic resistance, infections in immunocompromised patients, community acquired pneumonia, hospital acquired pneumonia, TB, urinary system infections, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, endocarditis, bacteremia, catheter-associated infections, overview of chemotherapy and its complications, transfusion care, oncology emergencies, leukemias, lymphomas, sickle cell disease, myeloproliferative disorders, hemorrhagic disorders, thrombotic disorders, acute allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid syndromes, drug dependence, drug overdose management, acute alcohol toxicity and alcohol withdrawal. Reading assignments are performed independently between on-campus weekends and are supplemented by Socratic teaching sessions, didactic lectures and case studies. Readings are from journals, standard texts and Internet-based resources.

UNIVERSITY AND INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

Alderson-Broaddus College is a private institution chartered under the laws of the State of West Virginia, affiliated with the West Virginia Baptist Convention and with the American Baptist Churches, USA. While the College is Baptist in heritage and relationship, it is not sectarian in outlook. Students are admitted on the basis of academic ability and moral character without regard to their color, class or creed. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council for Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the International Council for Education, the West Virginia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Association for Teacher Education, the Association of Christian Higher Education of the American Baptist Churches, USA, and the West Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. The Master's Degree programs are members in good standing with the National Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs, Inc. (APPAP).

The program also requires Clinical Site Approval forms to be filled out by each student. These forms are necessary to be sure their working environment will maximize their potential for learning and success in the program.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS AND TIMETABLE:

Admission to the two-year Hospitalist Track Postgraduate Program is a competitive process. The program seeks to admit applicants possessing strong academic and clinical skills as well as demonstrating an interest in hospital medicine. New and experienced applicants are welcome to apply and will be given every consideration for admission.

Admission is considered on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly recommended due to limited enrollment. Candidates are interviewed and notified of acceptance throughout the application period on a space-available basis.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university which includes a general education component.
• Employment at an approved site.
• Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or board eligible. New graduates are eligible for admission.
• Transcripts from all colleges and/or universities previously attended.
• Completion of three recommendation forms.
• An on-campus interview.
• Program start date is September of each year.

CREDENTIALS AWARDED:

Master of Science Degree in Medical Science with an emphasis in Hospital Medicine.

FEES/TUITION OR SALARY/STIPEND:

Total tuition for the Hospitalist Track is $19,906, $10,760 for Year 1 and $9,146 for Year 2. All tuition and program expenses are the responsibility of the student. Students are encouraged to pay their own tuition or to work with their employment site to develop a plan for providing tuition payment to the College.

BENEFITS (MEDICAL/DENTAL/LIFE INSURANCE/VACATION, ETC.:

Salary and benefits are negotiated between the student and the employing hospital site. Typically students are paid a competitive salary.

FINANCIAL AID including veterans benefits, if applicable:

The College operates a loan program for master's students through the Financial Aid Office. Loan assistance is available to pay for all program expenses, including travel, tuition, books, meals, etc., regardless of income. Students with outstanding loan indebtedness from previous education may be able to defer their loans while enrolled as a full-time graduate student. The program qualifies for veterans benefits. Program expenses may e tax deductible.

HOUSING:

Housing is available both on and off campus during each scheduled weekend session. Estimated costs for the two-year program are $1,000.

EXPENSES:

Book fees are estimated at $1,200 for the entire program.

INFORMATION:

For further information, contact Mr. William A. Childers Jr., Program Director (304) 456-6356; Fax: (304) 457-6308; E-mail: childerswa@mail.ab.edu. Web Site: http://www.ab.edu/postgraduate.html.
College Information: www.ab.edu