Neurology Clerkship

Welcome

It is estimated that 10-15% of patients seen by family practitioners have neurologic symptoms. Many of these patients present with symptoms of pain, dizziness, forgetfulness, numbness, weakness and difficulty speaking or comprehending as their primary compliant, or as a portion of their history. In addition to a full medical evaluation, accurate assessment of these neurologic complaints will be of increasing importance to our current health care environment. Therefore, nearly all physicians require a good understanding of the general principles of clinical neurology. The most suitable setting in which to lay the foundation for that understanding is a neurology clerkship in the clinical phase of medical school.

Goals

To learn the principles and skills underlying the recognition and management of neurologic diseases that a general practitioner is most likely to encounter in practice, with special emphasis on the neurologic emergencies.

Objectives:

Demonstrate competence in presenting and documenting a neurologic history and physical examination.
Demonstrate competence in conducting a complete neurological examination.
Recognize neurological symptoms and localize lesions.
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of neurosciences to the understanding of the mechanisms of neurological disease and their treatment.
Generate neurological differential diagnoses.
Develop experience in funduscopic examinations.
Recognize neurological emergencies and the need for immediate patient management.
Exhibit independent and self-directed learning.
Display professionalism by adhering to dress code, being punctual, and contributing to an atmosphere conducive to learning.

The full list of graduation objectives may be viewed through the Student Handbook.