This module based predominantly on an apprenticeship model in the clinical setting aims to develop students knowledge of common medical conditions and clinical presentations in the area of Surgery. The module builds on the foundation modules in Knowledge of Health & Illness 1 & 2 and Clinical & Anatomical Skills 1 & 2. In addition to the acquisition of new knowledge in a clinical setting students will apply their existing knowledge of health & disease to the solution of clinical problems. Though the emphasis in this module is on the clinical sciences, there will also be a continuing exposure to and integration with the basic sciences.

The Core Curriculum in Surgery is integrated over Years 3 and 4 and is 'outcome focused', being centred on 69 clinical conditions relevant to surgery that all students must be able to manage by the time of their graduation (see Appendix B). This list of conditions has been derived from two related 2003 publications: Objectives for the Qualifying Examination produced by the Medical Council of Canada and Anthology of Medical Conditions produced by the Australian Medical Council. There are a number of specific objectives for each of these 69 clinical surgical conditions and these span items of knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes. As clinical conditions often overlap a number of different clinical specialties, students will encounter many of the 69 surgical conditions not only during this 'junior cycle' in Surgery in Year 3 but elsewhere in their clinical training. In particular, there is a 'senior cycle' in Surgery & Related Specialties in Year 4. Revisiting curricular material during their placement in Surgery & Related Specialties allows for 'vertical integration' with students being able to elaborate on their earlier learning. The clinical placement in Surgery (Introductory Cycle) occurs in Year 3 and is of 9 weeks duration. Each student will spend the entire 9-week attachment with a single surgeon partaking in general surgical call with the focus for Yr 3 students being on the formation of a solid foundation in General Surgery While the strong emphasis will be on General Surgery ('core' educational opportunities) in Year 3, students will also get some ancillary exposure to one or more aspects of Sub-specialty Surgery ('elective' opportunities). General Surgery ('core' educational opportunities) Breast & Endocrine Surgery Upper & Lower Gastrointestinal Surgery Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic Surgery Vascular Surgery Subspecialty Surgery ('elective' educational opportunities) Colorectal & General Surgery Breast & Endocrine Surgery Vascular Surgery Peri-operative Medicine Urology Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery Head & Neck Surgery (ENT & MaxFax) Ophthalmology

Students must demonstrate competence in the diagnosis and management of a range of problems commonly encountered in Medicine. In all there are 131 such conditions (see appendix A). For each condition students will develop knowledge of common causes; incidence and prevalence; pathogenesis and pathophysiology; clinical features and characteristic findings from investigations; differential diagnoses; clinical course; management principles; prognosis and prevention. In the clinical attachments, students work with general practitioners and consultant physicians and surgeons in the clinical setting. They will participate in a range of clinical activities, attend tutorials, journal clubs and undertake self directed learning.

Students must: Demonstrate an appreciation of the behavioural sciences in relation to medicine Demonstrate those attitudes that are essential for ethical and professional behaviour Explain the importance of health promotion and disease prevention Demonstrate critical reasoning Be able to apply evidence to clinical decision making Examine and defend the role of the Doctor within the Health Service and society Demonstrate self-awareness and self-care, including the ability to function as a team member

In the clinical setting involving real patients students must demonstrate competence in a range of clinical skills relevant to the clinical discipline of Surgery. In particular students must Demonstrate proficiency in communicating with and taking a history from patients in the above discipline, from their relatives and from others where relevant. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating with other health professionals and relevant public servants e.g. Gardai, Coroner etc. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating as a patient advocate Demonstrate proficiency in undertaking a physical examination of patients Interpret results from history taking, physical examination and investigations Ascertain the correct diagnosis Formulate a management plan Record the clinical findings Perform basic resuscitation and basic life support for both adults and children Measure and record a range of physiological parameters Demonstrate proficiency in sampling bodily fluids Demonstrate proficiency in a range of clinical procedures including skin suturing, wound care and basic wound dressing

Students must demonstrate proficiency in communicating, examining, diagnosing & formulating a management plan in the real life clinical setting.

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