Phase I (16 Weeks)

GSPA 735-01 Structures of the Human Body (9 credits)
Structures of the Human Body is a course that teaches the gross structure and developmental sequences of the human body. Clinical correlations are made through periodic demonstrations and / or didactic lectures by clinicians. Didactic and clinically oriented lectures are supplemented by augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) learning platforms.

GSPA 736-01 Medical Physiology (3 credits)
The goal of this course is to introduce Physician Assistant students to basic concepts and principles that are essential to comprehending the fundamental mechanisms of human physiology at the cellular, tissue and organ levels and the requirements for the maintenance of homeostatic control. The emphasis of the course will be on normal physiological function, although the foundation will be laid for understanding the underlying principles of the etiology, management and prevention of human disease processes.

GSPA719-01 Medical Microbiology & Immunology (3 credits)
This course is designed to increase the basic science foundational strength of students enrolled in the Meharry College PA professional degree program. The overall goal of the course is to help students understand general microbiological, immunological and genetic principles which are fundamental to the study of clinical medicine. Content areas for microbiology will include medical bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology as they apply to infectious diseases in humans. Fundamental concepts of immunology and genetic principles will also be discussed.

GSPA 724-01 Medical Ethics (1 credit)
This course introduces PA students to the main concepts and practices in medical ethics. Four areas of medical ethics are examined: professional ethics, clinical ethics, medical research ethics, medical research ethics, and ethics in relation to selected aspects of medical law. In the area of professional ethics, emphasis will be placed on the ethical obligations of a professional practitioner to patients in clinical practice. In clinical ethics, current ethical issues in clinical practice will be reviewed. Additionally, students will be introduced to a structured approach for identifying, analyzing and resolving ethical issues in clinical medicine. The interaction of medical law and medical ethics will be examined particularly in relation to patient rights and protections in clinical practice, medical practice acts, professional liability and medical malpractice. The medical research ethics portion of the course will focus on applied medical ethics in clinical, research and community environments. Course activities include seminars, readings and clinical scenarios, students will develop applied problem-solving skills, and leadership skills in clinical and research ethics, as well as enhancing their ethical sensitivity to clinical encounters of all kinds.

GSPA 725-01 Physician Assistant Professional Issues (1 credit)
This course is designed to introduce students to the physician assistant profession through the use of lectures, selected readings, discussions and written assignments. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the PA on the health care team and the responsibilities of being a health care professional. Attention will be focused on professionalism. Information will be presented about the history of the profession, professional organizations, competency-based PA education, clinical practicing patterns, credentialing and certification process. Additional topics will include health care economics and future directions of the PA profession.