Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases is a single quarter seminar -based course designed to introduce medical and graduate students to concepts of emerging infectious diseases. In our global environment deforestation, mass food production, frequent world travel, human and animal interaction, medical advances, and political upheaval, among many other factors, have contributed to the emergence of new and re-emergence of once contained infectious diseases.  This course will focus on factors associated with disease emergence and re-emergence and on ways to identify, study, and control these epidemics and outbreaks.

Instructors: Strathdee/Schooley


FPM 245. Essentials of Global Health (formerly Elements of International Medicine)
Syllabus - Winter 2008
Prerequisite: medical or graduate student; senior-level undergraduate students by special permission

The sociocultural, economic, and geo-political framework for the study and understanding of medical problems on a worldwide scale, and as basis for international health policy is presented. Using global patterns of disease, availability and needs for medical technology, and comparisons between diverse medical education and health care delivery systems abroad with those in the United States, students should be able to acquire an understanding of diverse determinants of disease and of relationships between socioeconomic development and health.

Instructor: Simon/Brouwer


FPM 260. Case Studies in Health Care Programs: Poor and Underserved Populations
Prerequisite: SOMI 202D or consent of instructor

The focus is on health care needs of, and programs for, low income and underserved populations. The purpose of this course is to select identified populations with special needs and analyze the factors influencing the incidence of disease and health problems as well as political and legislative measures related to the provision of care. Financial, social, political, and cultural factors will be examined as they affect access and health status.

Instructor: Brody


FPM 270A. Cultural Perceptions About Health and Disease (formerly Cultural and Ethnic Difference in Disease Prevention)
Prerequisite: Required course for JDP students in Global Health, medical student, graduate student, or consent of instructor.

The U.S. is characterized by significant ethnic and cultural diversity due to historic and ongoing immigration. The purpose of this course is to examine issues related to ethnic and cultural diversity and how culture may impact health beliefs, health status, and utilization of health services.  The course examines issues faced by health providers and researchers who work with diverse populations in domestic or international settings. We will also explore the concept of cultural competence and how it may be achieved. Relevant socio-cultural theories will also be addressed.

We will employ several strategies to accomplish these objectives including didactic studies, student-centered learning, and case studies. Students will prepare a final paper and present findings to colleagues and invited instructors.

Instructor: Ojeda


FPM 433. Cross-Cultural Clerkship
Prerequisite: fourth-year medical student; satisfactory completion of FPM 251 or 254 series or equivalent

Students work with native Spanish-speaking clinical preceptors for four-week clerkships in the preceptor's office or clinic. The clerkship is designed to build upon and expand the student's previous education in the Spanish language and in the concepts and problems of cross-cultural communications in clinical settings.

Instructor: Simon


FPM 244. San Quintin Field Course

In 1981, Tijuana’s Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (UABC) School of Medicine began a series of academic and research field trips to rural regions in Baja California and Sonora.  These trips are now an integral part of the academic curriculum for 2nd year medical students.  In 1998, the original faculty team expanded the agenda for these trips, and named the project VIIDAI:  Viaje Interinstitucional de Integracion, Docente, Asistencia y de Investigacion (Retreat for Educational Integration, Assistance and Investigation). More information...

Instructor: Garfein

Prerequisite: None.

The objective is to introduce first and second year medical students to the foundations of Oriental Medicine, including 5 element theory, 4 pillars, tongue and pulse diagnosis, the principles for external invasions, and very simple differential diagnosis. Adjunct therapies will include acu-moxa therapy, acupressure, cupping, gua-sha, and herbal medicine, with an emphasis on treating western medical conditions. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to reasonably discuss with their patients the possible applications and scope of acupuncture, and assess whether it may be beneficial. A combination of didactic information and case studies will be used to demonstrate the application of Oriental Medicine. Guest lectures by practitioners with specialties in pediatrics, obstetrics, and oncology may be included. An understanding of Oriental Medicine will help medical students to make informed and appropriate referrals to competent alternative practitioners if desired by their patients, and encourage further dialog with their patients as to other modalities that they may be using.

Instructor: Simon


FPM 241. Aging-Social and Health Policy Issues

Prerequisite: SOMI 202D or consent of instructor

This course will provide an introduction to the nature and problems of aging with emphasis on socio-economic and health status; determinants of priorities of social and health policies will be examined through analysis of the structure and organization of selected programs for the elderly. Field visits will constitute part of the course.

Instructors: Brody, Simon


FPM 251 A,B,C. Conversational Spanish for Medical Students-Beginning Level

Syllabus - Fall 2005

Prerequisite: second-year medical student

This course is designed to develop the ability to communicate and relate to Spanish-speaking patients. Special emphasis is given to developing interviewing skills to obtain a complete medical history in Spanish. Clinical experiences in Spanish-speaking communities are featured in order to practice interviewing skills while culturally immersed. This course is open to beginners with little or no background.

NOTE: Since the purpose of the whole course is to acquire oral proficiency, enrollment is required for all three consecutive quarters (full academic year). A certificate of accomplishment will be issued at the conclusion of the course.

Instructor: Simon


FPM 254 A,B,C. Conversational Spanish for Medical Students-Intermediate Level

Syllabus - Fall 2005

Prerequisite: three years of high school Spanish/one year of college Spanish, Family and Preventive Medicine 251 A,B,C or equivalent

This course is designed to develop and enhance the working knowledge of medical Spanish that will enable students to communicate and relate to Spanish-speaking patients. Special emphasis is given to develop interviewing skills to obtain a complete medical history and to perform physical examinations and procedures in Spanish. Clinical experiences in Spanish-speaking communities of San Diego are featured in order to practice interviewing skills while culturally immersed.

 NOTE: Since the purpose of the course is to acquire oral proficiency, enrollment is required for all three consecutive quarters unless proficiency is demonstrated earlier. The course is open in the spring quarter for selected intermediate/advanced students who may achieve proficiency in one quarter. Certificate of accomplishment/proficiency will be issued on completion of the course.