In the second year, the basic and clinical sciences concerned with one particular organ system of the body are integrated in classroom instruction. This approach emphasizes the relevance of basic sciences to clinical practice. The osteopathic approach is continually emphasized by lecture and laboratory demonstration of manipulative techniques. A year long course in behavioral medicine and psychiatry is also provided.

Medical Microbiology and Immunology 1 & 2

(5 credit hours total) These courses build upon the Basic Science Foundations of Infection and Immunity course provided in the first year. Clinical microbiology and immunology are taught in a systems-based approach intended to provide the osteopathic medical student with insight into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of microbial-induced diseases of the human body. Individual groups of pathogens and the diseases that they cause are presented. How the immune system causes disease and how it can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool is also examined.

Pathology 1 & 2

(6 credit hours total) The objective of these courses is to provide a sound foundation for the understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, progression, and appearance of human disease processes. The courses describe these conditions from the molecular to the organismal levels. The first phase addresses the fundamental principles common to all disease processes, and continues to examine each major organ system in a logical and thorough fashion, with emphasis on the clinical manifestations of each disease condition. Cell injury and death, inflammation, repair and adaptive processes, hemodynamic alterations, neoplasia, chemical and physical injuries, and infectious disease processes are discussed in great detail. Laboratory sessions are designed as a student-directed “grand rounds”.

Pharmacology 1 & 2

(7 credit hours total) These courses consist of comprehensive lectures and clinical correlations which present general principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, followed by a systematic investigation into the pharmacological agents based on drug group classification. The major emphasis is on the clinically significant aspects of therapeutic effects, toxic effects, and the metabolism of drugs. Receptor concepts among various drug groups will be discussed. Upon completion of the course, students are expected to understand appropriate pharmacological treatment for disease processes involving the major systems.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 3 & 4

(4 credit hours total) These courses are a continuation of the development of the basic philosophy and principles of osteopathic health care. Emphasis is on the sequential development of palpatory diagnostic and therapeutic skills of osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Clinical Systems

(21 credit hours total) Each organ system is presented beginning with a review of the pertinent basic science concepts. Pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of diseases affecting each system are presented along with appropriate diagnostic and treatment modalities. Special topics unique to individual systems are also included, e.g., sports medicine, normal and abnormal pregnancy, labor and delivery, human sexuality, etc. Pathology, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Pharmacology course presentations are closely coordinated and integrated with Clinical Systems lectures. Each system is presented as a separately graded course. The systems are: ENT/Respiratory System Cardiovascular System Renal System Hematology/Oncology System Endocrine System Reproductive System Neurological System Gastrointestinal System Musculoskeletal System Dermatological System.

Primary Care Skills 1 & 2

(2 credit hours total) Primary Care Skills provides laboratories and small group experiences designed to teach practical clinical skills. Students gain practice in the development of patient history and physical skills, differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning, appropriate professional presentation and documentation, as well as specific procedures essential in primary care practice. Osteopathic principles are reinforced as appropriate to each system. The sessions are closely aligned with topics being presented in the lecture-based Clinical Systems course.

Laboratory Diagnostics

(1 credit hour) Students further develop their clinical problem solving skills via “hands-on” experience in common clinical laboratory techniques such as blood draws and urinalysis, and case scenarios in which students learn to organize and interpret laboratory data. This course complements the Pathology and Clinical Systems courses by focusing primarily on frequently encountered and illustrative human diseases and the typical laboratory reports that are obtained from patients with such conditions.

Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry 1 & 2

(4 credit hours total) These courses cover a variety of topics in basic behavioral medicine and psychiatry, including, but not limited to: the psychiatric interview; emotional reactions to illness; anxiety disorders; mood disorders; sexual disorders; child and adolescent development and psychopathology; suicide; violence, including domestic violence; personality disorders; somatoform and factitious disorders; legal and ethical issues; and addiction medicine.

Orientation to Clinical Rotations

(1 credit hour) This is the final course that students encounter before entering the clinical years. As such, the course is designed to present and review areas of immediate importance to the primary care physician, ranging from medico-legal considerations to emergency room care, routine office care, and subsequent care. It is also an introduction to the general routine of the clinic or hospital setting and the responsibilities and expectations of the medical student in those settings.\