I. Basic Sciences
A. Anatomy
The study of body structure from gross to microscopic levels, providing the spatial framework for understanding physical examination, imaging, and surgical approaches. Includes developmental aspects that explain congenital anomalies.
Gross Anatomy
- Complete musculoskeletal system
- Cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous systems
- Spatial relationships between organs
- Surface anatomy landmarks
Neuroanatomy
- Brain structures, cranial nerves, spinal cord
- Autonomic nervous system
- Vascular supply
- Functional pathways
Histology
- Tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscle, neural)
- Microscopic organ structure
- Cellular organization patterns
Embryology
- Germ layer development
- Organogenesis
- Congenital malformations
- Developmental timelines
Learn More:
- TeachMeAnatomy - Comprehensive anatomy resource.
- Visible Body - Learn Anatomy - 3D anatomy models and articles.
- University of Michigan Anatomy Atlas - Medical school resources.
B. Biochemistry
The study of chemical processes within living organisms, focusing on molecular pathways that maintain homeostasis and can be disrupted in disease. Provides the foundation for understanding metabolism, nutrition, and pharmacological mechanisms.
Metabolism
- Glycolysis, TCA cycle, electron transport chain
- Gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism
- Fatty acid oxidation, ketogenesis
- Amino acid metabolism
Enzyme Kinetics
- Michaelis-Menten kinetics
- Inhibition patterns
- Allosteric regulation
Nutrition
- Macronutrients, micronutrients
- Metabolic requirements
- Deficiency disorders
Molecular Biology
- DNA replication, transcription, translation
- Post-translational modifications
Cell Signaling
- Receptor types
- Second messenger systems
- Signal transduction pathways
Learn More:
- Khan Academy - Biochemistry - Free introductory videos.
- The Medical Biochemistry Page - Detailed biochemistry pathways.
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (Excerpts on NCBI) - Classic textbook concepts.
C. Physiology
The study of normal organ system function and regulatory mechanisms that maintain the body's internal environment. Provides the basis for understanding pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions across all medical specialties.
Cardiovascular
- Cardiac cycle, ECG interpretation
- Blood pressure regulation
- Hemodynamics, microcirculation
Respiratory
- Ventilation mechanics
- Gas exchange
- Acid-base balance
- Control of respiration
Renal
- Glomerular filtration
- Tubular reabsorption/secretion
- Acid-base regulation
- Water/electrolyte balance
Gastrointestinal
- Motility, secretion, digestion, absorption
- Liver function
Endocrine
- Hormone synthesis, regulation
- Receptor mechanisms
- Feedback systems
Reproductive
- Gametogenesis, menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy physiology, parturition, lactation
Neurophysiology
- Action potentials, synaptic transmission
- Sensory/motor integration
- Higher functions
Learn More:
- American Physiological Society - Student Resources - Career and learning resources.
- CV Physiology - Cardiovascular physiology concepts.
- Khan Academy - Human Anatomy & Physiology - Overview of systems.
D. Pathology
The study of disease processes and their structural and functional manifestations. Bridges basic sciences with clinical medicine by explaining the mechanisms underlying symptoms, physical findings, and laboratory abnormalities.
General Pathology
- Cellular adaptation, injury, death
- Inflammation, repair/regeneration
- Hemodynamic disorders
- Genetic disorders
- Neoplasia
Systemic Pathology
- Specific pathological changes by organ system
Histopathology
- Microscopic disease pattern recognition
Pathophysiology
- Mechanisms of disease development and progression
Laboratory Medicine
- Interpretation of pathological specimens and laboratory values
Learn More:
- Pathology Outlines - Textbook and topic outlines.
- WebPath: The Internet Pathology Laboratory - Images and tutorials.
- Pathology YouTube Channels (e.g., Pathoma, Goljan) - Video lectures (search specific channels).
E. Pharmacology
The study of drug actions, clinical applications, and adverse effects. Provides the scientific basis for therapeutic decision-making, including drug selection, dosing, monitoring, and managing drug interactions and toxicities.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
- Drug half-lives
Pharmacodynamics
- Receptor theory
- Dose-response relationships
- Therapeutic index
Drug Classes
- Complete knowledge of all major medication classes
- Mechanisms, indications, adverse effects
Antimicrobials
- Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antiparasitics
- Mechanisms, resistance patterns
Toxicology
- Poison mechanisms, antidotes, treatment protocols
Pharmacogenomics
- Genetic variations affecting drug response
Learn More:
- Pharmacology Education Project (ASPET) - Educational resources.
- RxList - Drug information database.
- Drugs.com - Pharmacology Guide - Drug actions and interactions.
F. Microbiology
The study of microorganisms and their interactions with human hosts. Provides the foundation for understanding infectious disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Bacteriology
- Classification, structure, pathogenesis
- Virulence factors of medically relevant bacteria
Virology
- Viral structure, replication cycles
- Pathogenesis, latency mechanisms
Mycology
- Fungal classification, pathogenic mechanisms
- Invasive vs. superficial infections
Parasitology
- Life cycles, transmission, pathogenesis
- Protozoa, helminths, ectoparasites
Diagnostic Microbiology
- Culture techniques, staining methods
- Molecular diagnostics
Infection Control
- Sterilization, disinfection, isolation protocols
- Outbreak management
Learn More:
- Microbiology Society - Education - Resources for learning microbiology.
- CDC MicrobeNet - Reference lab and outbreak information.
- Khan Academy - Microbiology - Introductory videos.
G. Immunology
The study of immune system components and functions in health and disease. Explains host defense mechanisms, immunological disorders, and provides the basis for understanding vaccinology, transplantation, and immunotherapies.
Innate Immunity
- Physical barriers, cellular components
- Complement, inflammation
Adaptive Immunity
- B-cell/T-cell development
- Antigen presentation, antibody production
Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Types I-IV mechanisms and clinical manifestations
Autoimmunity
- Tolerance mechanisms
- Autoimmune disease pathogenesis
Immunodeficiency
- Primary and secondary disorders
- Clinical presentations
Transplantation Immunology
- HLA system, graft rejection mechanisms
- Immunosuppression
Tumor Immunology
- Immune surveillance, escape mechanisms
- Immunotherapy principles
Learn More:
- British Society for Immunology - Bitesized Immunology - Key concepts.
- NIAID - Immune System Overview - NIH resources.
- Coursera - Immunology Courses - Online courses from universities.
H. Genetics
The study of inheritance and genetic variation in health and disease. Provides the foundation for understanding hereditary disorders, genetic risk assessment, and the emerging field of precision medicine.
Mendelian Inheritance
- Dominant, recessive, X-linked patterns
- Pedigree analysis
Cytogenetics
- Chromosome structure, abnormalities
- Karyotyping
Molecular Genetics
- Gene structure, regulation, mutations
- Polymorphisms
Clinical Genetics
- Genetic disorder recognition
- Counseling principles
Population Genetics
- Gene frequencies
- Hardy-Weinberg principle
Genomics
- Genome organization
- Applications in medicine
Learn More:
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Consumer-friendly genetics information.
- National Human Genome Research Institute - Education - NHGRI resources.
- OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) - Catalog of human genes and genetic disorders.
II. Clinical Sciences
A. Internal Medicine
Comprehensive care of adult patients, focusing on complex diagnostic reasoning and management of acute and chronic conditions. Encompasses multiple subspecialties addressing specific organ systems and disease processes.
Cardiology
- Ischemic heart disease, heart failure
- Arrhythmias, valvular disease
- Cardiomyopathies, pericardial disease
Pulmonology
- Obstructive/restrictive lung diseases
- Pneumonias, pulmonary vascular disease
- Pleural disorders
Gastroenterology
- Esophageal, stomach, intestinal disorders
- Pancreatic, hepatobiliary disorders
Nephrology
- Glomerular diseases, tubulointerstitial disorders
- Renal failure, dialysis principles
Endocrinology
- Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid disorders
- Adrenal, pancreatic disorders
- Metabolic syndrome
Hematology
- Anemias, hemoglobinopathies
- Leukemias, lymphomas
- Coagulation disorders
Oncology
- Cancer biology, staging systems
- Treatment modalities
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
Rheumatology
- Autoimmune arthritides
- Connective tissue diseases
- Vasculitides
Infectious Disease
- Systematic approach to infections by system
- Organism-specific diseases
- Infections in immunocompromised hosts
Critical Care
- Shock, respiratory failure
- Multi-organ dysfunction
- ICU management
Learn More:
- American College of Physicians (ACP) - Student Resources - Internal medicine resources.
- Merck Manual Professional Version - Comprehensive medical reference.
- UpToDate (requires subscription) - Evidence-based clinical resource.
B. Surgery
The discipline focused on operative interventions, perioperative care, and surgical pathology. Teaches assessment of surgical candidates, operative principles, and postoperative management including complication recognition.
General Surgery
- Acute abdomen, hernias
- Bowel obstruction
- Surgical oncology
Preoperative Assessment
- Risk stratification, optimization
- Informed consent
Operative Principles
- Sterile technique, instrumentation
- Wound closure, hemostasis
Postoperative Care
- Pain management, wound care
- Complication recognition
Trauma Surgery
- Primary/secondary surveys
- Damage control principles
Transplant Surgery
- Donor selection, organ preservation
- Rejection management
Surgical Specialties
- Basics of cardiothoracic, vascular, neurosurgery, plastic surgery
Learn More:
- American College of Surgeons (ACS) - Medical Student Resources - Surgical education.
- Touch Surgery - Surgical simulation app.
- SurgeryU (YouTube) - Surgical videos and education.
C. Obstetrics/Gynecology
Care of female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Integrates medical and surgical approaches to women's health across the lifespan, from adolescence through post-menopausal years.
Gynecology
- Menstrual disorders, pelvic pain
- STIs, gynecologic oncology
Reproductive Endocrinology
- Infertility evaluation/treatment
- Contraception, menopause
Obstetrics
- Prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy
- Labor/delivery, postpartum care
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Pregnancy complications
- Fetal assessment, teratology
Gynecologic Surgery
- Procedures, complications
- Postoperative management
Learn More:
- ACOG - Medical Student Resources - OB/GYN education.
- GLOWM (Global Library of Women's Medicine) - Free online textbook.
- Innovations in OBGYN Education - Podcasts and resources.
D. Pediatrics
Medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Focuses on developmental aspects of disease, preventive care, and conditions unique to this population, acknowledging the role of family systems in pediatric care.
Neonatology
- Transition to extrauterine life
- Prematurity, congenital disorders
Growth & Development
- Developmental milestones
- Growth parameters, deviations
Pediatric Diseases
- Age-specific presentations of conditions
Adolescent Medicine
- Puberty, behavioral issues
- Transition to adult care
Genetic Disorders
- Recognition, management of pediatric genetic syndromes
Immunizations
- Schedules, contraindications, adverse effects
Child Abuse
- Recognition, reporting requirements, management
Learn More:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Learning Center - Pediatric resources.
- PedsCases - Pediatric cases and podcasts.
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne - Clinical Practice Guidelines - Pediatric guidelines.
E. Psychiatry
Diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health, emphasizing the mind-body connection in health and disease.
Diagnostic Criteria
- DSM classification system
Mood Disorders
- Major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia
Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized anxiety, panic, phobias
- OCD, PTSD
Psychotic Disorders
- Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder
- Delusional disorders
Substance Use Disorders
- Addiction mechanisms
- Withdrawal syndromes, treatment
Personality Disorders
- Cluster types, management approaches
Psychopharmacology
- Mechanisms, indications, side effects
Psychotherapy
- Basic principles of therapeutic approaches
Emergency Psychiatry
- Suicidality, homicidality
- Acute psychosis management
Learn More:
- American Psychiatric Association (APA) - Medical Students - Psychiatry resources.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Mental health information.
- PsychDB - Psychiatry clinical resources.
F. Neurology
Diagnosis and management of disorders of the nervous system. Applies precise neuroanatomical principles to localize lesions and understand the pathophysiology of neurological dysfunction.
Cerebrovascular Disorders
- Stroke types, TIAs, hemorrhages
Movement Disorders
- Parkinson's, essential tremor
- Dystonias, ataxias
Seizure Disorders
- Classification, evaluation, management
Demyelinating Disorders
- Multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome
Headache Syndromes
- Migraine, tension, cluster
- Secondary causes
Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, ALS
Peripheral Neuropathies
- Diabetic, inflammatory, toxic, hereditary
Neuro-oncology
- Primary CNS tumors, metastases
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
Neurodiagnostics
- EEG, EMG, evoked potentials
- Lumbar puncture interpretation
Learn More:
- American Academy of Neurology (AAN) - Student Resources - Neurology education.
- Neuroanatomy Online (UT Houston) - Digital neuroanatomy resources.
- Neuroexam.com - Neurological exam tutorials.
G. Emergency Medicine
Acute care of undifferentiated patients with urgent and emergent conditions. Teaches rapid assessment, prioritization, stabilization, and disposition of patients with time-sensitive disorders.
Resuscitation
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Airway management
Trauma Management
- Assessment protocols
- Stabilization techniques
Medical Emergencies
- Acute management of life-threatening conditions
Toxicological Emergencies
- Recognition, decontamination, antidotes
Environmental Emergencies
- Heat/cold injuries, drowning, altitude sickness
Disaster Medicine
- Mass casualty triage
- Disaster response
Procedural Skills
- Emergency procedures (thoracentesis, paracentesis, etc.)
Learn More:
- ACEP - Medical Student Resources - Emergency medicine learning.
- Academic Life in Emergency Medicine (ALiEM) - EM educational blog and resources.
- EM in 5 - Quick EM video summaries.
H. Specialty Areas
Additional medical and surgical specialties that address specific organ systems or patient populations. Provides introductory exposure to specialized diagnostic techniques and therapeutic modalities.
Radiology
- Radiographic principles, radiation safety
- Plain film, CT, MRI, ultrasound interpretation basics
- Nuclear medicine, interventional procedures
Dermatology
- Skin lesion morphology
- Common dermatoses
- Infectious dermatology
- Skin cancers
Ophthalmology
- Eye examination
- Common disorders, ocular emergencies
Otolaryngology
- Ear/nose/throat examination
- Common disorders
Orthopedics
- Musculoskeletal examination
- Fractures, joint disorders
Urology
- Genitourinary evaluation
- Common disorders, urological emergencies
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Functional assessment
- Rehabilitation principles
Palliative Care
- Pain management
- End-of-life care, symptom control
Learn More (Examples):
- RadiologyInfo.org - Patient information on radiology procedures.
- American Academy of Dermatology - Public Resources - Dermatology information.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Eye Health - Ophthalmology resources.
III. Clinical Skills
A. Patient Assessment Skills
The fundamental techniques of measuring and evaluating vital physiological parameters. Establishes baseline data for clinical decision-making and enables detection of critical changes in patient status.
Vital Signs Measurement
- Manual blood pressure with various cuff sizes
- Pulse rate/rhythm/character assessment
- Respiratory rate/pattern evaluation
- Temperature measurement
- Pain assessment
Learn More:
- Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (NCBI Bookshelf) - Chapter on Vital Signs.
- Geeky Medics - Vital Signs - OSCE guides for vital signs.
- Measuring Blood Pressure (YouTube - American Heart Association) - Instructional video.
B. Physical Examination Techniques
Systematic methods of evaluating patients through direct observation and examination. Develops the ability to detect physical abnormalities and correlate findings with underlying pathophysiology.
Inspection Skills
- Systematic observation sequence
- Recognition of normal vs. abnormal findings
- Detection of subtle physical signs
Palpation Techniques
- Graduated pressure application
- Organ border delineation
- Lymph node examination
- Abdominal mass characterization
- Joint examination
- Pulse quality assessment
Percussion Methods
- Direct and indirect percussion
- Resonance pattern recognition
- Organ size estimation
- Fluid level detection
Auscultation
- Heart sound identification
- Murmur characterization
- Lung sound classification
- Bowel sound assessment
- Vascular bruit detection
Learn More:
- Stanford Medicine 25 - Physical exam techniques.
- Geeky Medics - OSCE Examination Guides - Step-by-step exam guides.
- Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination (YouTube snippets) - Videos demonstrating techniques.
C. Special Examination Techniques
Focused assessment methods for specific organ systems requiring specialized approaches. Develops precision in evaluating complex systems with unique examination requirements.
Neurological Examination
- Cranial nerve testing protocols
- Motor strength grading
- Sensory modality testing
- Reflex elicitation and grading
- Coordination testing
- Gait and station assessment
- Mental status examination
- Cognitive assessment tools
Ophthalmological Skills
- Visual acuity testing
- Visual field assessment
- Ophthalmoscopy technique
- Pupillary reflex testing
- Extraocular movement evaluation
ENT Examination
- Otoscopy technique
- Tuning fork tests
- Nasal examination
- Oral cavity/pharynx inspection
Musculoskeletal Assessment
- Joint range of motion measurement
- Special tests for specific joints
- Muscle strength testing
- Spine examination
- Gait analysis
Learn More:
- University of Iowa - Ophthalmology Tutorials - Eye exam techniques.
- Neuroexam.com - Detailed neurological examination guide.
- Physiopedia - Musculoskeletal Examination - MSK assessment.
D. Procedural Skills
Technical interventions performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Progresses from basic to advanced techniques, emphasizing patient safety, comfort, and procedural efficacy.
Basic Procedures
- Venipuncture
- IV cannulation
- Arterial blood sampling
- Injections (intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular)
- Wound management
Intermediate Procedures
- Suturing techniques
- Airway management
- Fluid sampling (lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, paracentesis)
- Catheterization (urinary, nasogastric)
- Incision and drainage
Advanced Procedural Skills
- Resuscitation techniques
- Regional anesthesia
- Obstetric procedures
- Surgical assisting
Learn More:
- NEJM - Videos in Clinical Medicine - Demonstrations of common procedures.
- Procedures Consult - Detailed procedural guides.
- Geeky Medics - OSCE Procedure Guides - Practical skill guides.
E. Diagnostic Skills
Abilities to select, perform, and interpret tests at the point of care and analyze laboratory and imaging data. Develops clinical reasoning that integrates diagnostic information with history and physical findings.
Bedside Diagnostics
- Point-of-care testing
- ECG recording and interpretation
- Bedside ultrasound
Laboratory Interpretation
- Complete blood count
- Blood chemistry
- Coagulation studies
- Urinalysis
- Microbiology specimens
Imaging Interpretation
- Chest X-ray
- Abdominal X-ray
- Fracture identification
- CT interpretation basics
- Basic ultrasonography
Learn More:
- GrepMed - Medical image and case search.
- Radiopaedia - Radiology cases and articles.
- ClinicalKey - Comprehensive search for guidelines and test interpretation.
F. Communication Skills
Methods of effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Crucial for establishing therapeutic relationships, gathering information, and coordinating care across settings.
Patient-Centered Communication
- Interview techniques
- Challenging scenarios
- Shared decision-making
Interprofessional Communication
- SBAR technique
- Handoff skills
- Team leadership
- Consultation requests
Learn More:
- VitalTalk - Resources for serious illness communication.
- AHRQ - Health Literacy Training - Patient communication strategies.
- DocCom Institute (YouTube) - Communication skills videos.
G. Documentation Skills
Techniques for accurately recording clinical information in various formats. Ensures continuity of care, facilitates communication among providers, and fulfills legal and regulatory requirements.
Clinical Documentation
- Problem-oriented records
- Procedure documentation
- Critical event documentation
- Discharge planning
Electronic Health Record Skills
- Order entry
- Documentation efficiency
- Data retrieval
Learn More:
- ACP - Clinical Documentation Resources - Guidance on medical records.
- CMS - SOAP Note Guidance (Example) - Basics of note writing.
- HealthIT.gov - EHR Basics - Information on EHRs.
IV. Disease Management
A. Diagnostic Approach
Systematic methods for establishing diagnoses using clinical reasoning, algorithms, and appropriate testing. Emphasizes cost-effective, evidence-based pathways that minimize harm while maximizing diagnostic accuracy.
Clinical Guidelines
- Evidence-based diagnostic algorithms
Laboratory Interpretation
- Normal ranges
- Significance of abnormalities
Imaging Selection
- Appropriate modality choice
- Cost-effectiveness
Advanced Diagnostics
- Specialized testing indications
Clinical Pathways
- Standardized diagnostic protocols
Learn More:
- Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) - Resources on diagnostic error and improvement.
- ClinicalReasoning.org - Cases and discussions on diagnostic reasoning.
- Choosing Wisely - Promotes conversations about unnecessary tests and procedures.
B. Treatment Planning
Decision-making processes for selecting and implementing therapeutic interventions. Balances efficacy, safety, cost, and patient factors when developing individualized treatment strategies.
Therapeutic Hierarchies
- First-line, second-line, salvage options
Pharmacotherapy
- Medication selection, dosing, monitoring
Procedural Interventions
- Indications, contraindications, timing
Non-pharmacological Therapies
- Physical, occupational, speech therapy
Lifestyle Modifications
- Diet, exercise, stress management
Complementary/Alternative Approaches
- Evidence-based integration
Learn More:
- AHRQ - Shared Decision Making Resources - Tools for patient-centered planning.
- UpToDate - Grading Recommendations (requires subscription) - Understanding evidence levels in treatment.
- National Guideline Clearinghouse (Archived) - Examples of clinical guidelines.
C. Disease Monitoring
Ongoing evaluation of disease progression and treatment effectiveness. Establishes protocols for adjustment of therapy based on clinical response, adverse effects, and changing patient circumstances.
Response Assessment
- Clinical, laboratory, imaging parameters
Treatment Modification
- Dose adjustments, regimen changes
Adverse Effect Management
- Recognition, prevention, treatment
Long-term Surveillance
- Post-treatment monitoring protocols
Prognostication
- Outcome prediction, survival estimation
Learn More:
- NCCN Guidelines (Oncology example) - Detailed monitoring post-treatment.
- CDC - Chronic Disease Management - Public health approaches to monitoring.
- NICE Guidelines (UK) - Evidence-based recommendations including monitoring.
D. Prevention
Strategies to avoid disease occurrence, progression, and complications. Spans primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions implemented at individual and population levels.
Primary Prevention
- Risk factor modification
- Immunizations
Secondary Prevention
- Screening recommendations by age/risk
Tertiary Prevention
- Complication prevention in established disease
Preventive Services
- USPSTF guidelines
- Age/gender-specific recommendations
Risk Assessment Tools
- Framingham, FRAX, etc.
Learn More:
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) - Screening and prevention guidelines.
- CDC Immunization Schedules - Vaccination guidelines.
- WHO - Preventive Health Care - Global perspectives on prevention.
V. Scientific/Evidence-Based Medicine
A. Biostatistics
The application of statistical methods to biological and medical data. Provides the foundation for interpreting research findings, understanding probability in diagnosis, and evaluating test performance.
Study Designs
- RCTs, cohort, case-control, cross-sectional
Statistical Tests
- t-tests, chi-square, ANOVA, regression analysis
Measures of Association
- Relative risk, odds ratio, hazard ratio
Diagnostic Test Evaluation
- Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, ROC curves
Sample Size Calculation
- Power analysis, effect size estimation
Statistical Significance
- p-values, confidence intervals, type I/II errors
Learn More:
- Khan Academy - Statistics & Probability - Fundamental concepts.
- Coursera - Biostatistics Courses (e.g., from Johns Hopkins) - Structured learning.
- BMJ - Statistics at Square One - Introductory textbook.
B. Epidemiology
The study of disease distribution and determinants in populations. Provides methods for investigating disease outbreaks, understanding risk factors, and developing preventive strategies.
Disease Frequency
- Prevalence, incidence, mortality rates
Study Types
- Descriptive, analytical, experimental
Causal Inference
- Bradford Hill criteria, confounding, effect modification
Screening Theory
- Lead-time bias, length bias, overdiagnosis
Outbreak Investigation
- Methods, containment strategies
Disease Surveillance
- Systems, reportable conditions
Learn More:
- CDC - Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice - Self-study course.
- WHO - Epidemiology - Global health context.
- Coursera - Epidemiology Courses - University-level courses.
C. Research Methodology
Principles and processes for conducting scientific investigations in medicine. Establishes the foundation for valid and reliable research that advances medical knowledge.
Study Protocol Development
- Research question formulation, design selection
Data Collection Methods
- Surveys, interviews, chart review
Sampling Techniques
- Random, stratified, convenience, snowball
Bias Recognition
- Selection, information, recall, observer biases
Confounding Control
- Matching, stratification, multivariate analysis
Research Ethics
- Helsinki Declaration, IRB processes
Learn More:
- Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) - Online Education - Ethics in research.
- CONSORT Statement - Guidelines for reporting randomized trials.
- STROBE Statement - Guidelines for reporting observational studies.
D. Evidence Appraisal
Skills for systematically evaluating the quality and applicability of research evidence. Enables discrimination between valid and flawed studies when making clinical decisions.
Literature Search Strategy
- Database use, search term construction
Critical Appraisal
- Validity assessment, results interpretation
Evidence Hierarchies
- Quality grading systems
Systematic Reviews
- Methodology, interpretation, limitations
Meta-analysis
- Statistical pooling concepts, forest plots
Evidence Implementation
- Translation to clinical practice
Learn More:
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) - Critical Appraisal Tools - Checklists and guides.
- CASP Checklists - Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools.
- GRADEpro GDT - Software for grading evidence quality.
VI. Healthcare Systems
A. Healthcare Delivery
Models and mechanisms for providing medical services across settings and populations. Explores the structures that determine how, where, and by whom care is delivered.
Care Models
- Primary, secondary, tertiary
- Acute vs. chronic
Healthcare Organizations
- Hospitals, clinics, integrated systems
Interprofessional Teams
- Roles, collaboration strategies
Care Coordination
- Transitions of care, handoffs
Population Health
- Community-based interventions
- Health disparities
Learn More:
- Commonwealth Fund - International Health Policy Center - Profiles of healthcare systems.
- AHRQ - Care Coordination - Resources on integrated care.
- WHO - Health Systems - Global perspective on delivery models.
B. Quality Improvement
Systematic approaches to enhancing healthcare processes and outcomes. Develops skills for measuring performance, identifying gaps, implementing changes, and evaluating results.
QI Methodologies
- PDSA cycles, Lean, Six Sigma
Patient Safety
- Error reporting, root cause analysis
Quality Measures
- Process, outcome, patient experience metrics
Healthcare Analytics
- Data utilization for improvement
Systems Thinking
- Complex adaptive systems principles
Learn More:
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) - Education - QI courses and resources.
- AHRQ Patient Safety Network (PSNet) - Patient safety information.
- American Society for Quality (ASQ) - Quality Tools - General QI tools.
C. Healthcare Economics
Financial aspects of medical care production, distribution, and consumption. Examines resource allocation decisions at individual, organizational, and societal levels.
Financing Models
- Fee-for-service, capitation, bundled payments
Cost-effectiveness Analysis
- QALY, ICER concepts
Resource Allocation
- Utilization management, stewardship
Health Insurance
- Public/private systems, coverage determination
Healthcare Policy
- Regulations, legislation basics
Learn More:
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) - Health Costs - Data and analysis on US healthcare spending.
- WHO - Health Financing - Global health economics.
- Coursera - Health Economics Courses - Online courses.
D. Ethics & Humanities
Moral principles and human dimensions of medical practice. Provides frameworks for addressing ethical dilemmas and understanding the social, cultural, and personal contexts of illness and care.
Ethical Principles
- Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice
Medical Ethics
- Informed consent, confidentiality, end-of-life issues
Legal Aspects
- Malpractice, standard of care, statutory requirements
Professionalism
- Attributes, behaviors, responsibilities
Medical Humanities
- Narrative medicine, cultural competence
Learn More:
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics (Georgetown) - Bioethics resources.
- AMA Code of Medical Ethics - Professional guidelines.
- NYU Langone Division of Medical Humanities - Exploring medicine through humanities.
VII. Additional Essential Topics
A. Global & Public Health
The health of populations domestically and internationally. Addresses social determinants of health, healthcare disparities, and strategies for improving health outcomes across diverse communities.
Global Disease Burden
- Distribution patterns
- Resource-stratified approaches
Public Health Practice
- Population health management
- Health promotion
Disaster Medicine & Crisis Response
- Disaster preparedness
- Emergency response systems
Learn More:
- WHO - Global Health Observatory - Data and statistics on global health.
- CDC - Center for Global Health - US efforts in global health.
- UN Sustainable Development Goals - Goal 3 (Health) - Global health targets.
B. End-of-Life & Palliative Care
Approaches to improving quality of life for patients with serious illness and supporting dying patients. Integrates symptom management with psychosocial and spiritual care in a patient-centered framework.
Symptom Management
- Pain assessment frameworks
- Non-pain symptom control
Psychosocial/Spiritual Support
- Existential distress management
- Family support systems
Advance Care Planning
- Values clarification processes
- Care preference discussion
Terminal Care
- Dying process physiology
- Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment
Learn More:
- Get Palliative Care - Patient and family resources from CAPC.
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) - Hospice and palliative care information.
- End-of-Life Palliative Education Resource Center (EPERC) - Educational resources.
C. Addiction Medicine
The diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders and related conditions. Addresses the neurobiological basis of addiction, assessment approaches, and evidence-based treatment modalities.
Screening/Assessment
- Validated instrument use
- Motivational interviewing techniques
Treatment Approaches
- Pharmacotherapy options
- Behavioral interventions
- Harm reduction strategies
- Recovery support systems
Learn More:
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) - Guidelines and resources.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - US government agency.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Research and information on drug abuse.
D. Professional Development
Skills and attitudes for career-long growth and effectiveness. Focuses on continuous learning, leadership, teaching abilities, and maintaining personal well-being throughout a medical career.
Lifelong Learning
- CME requirements
- Information management
Leadership
- Team management
- Change implementation
Teaching Skills
- Clinical teaching methods
- Feedback provision
Career Planning
- Practice types
- Contract considerations
Physician Wellness
- Burnout prevention
- Resilience building
Learn More:
- AMA - Advancing GME Competencies & Physician Well-Being - Resources for development.
- ACGME - Physician Well-Being - Resources for residents and fellows.
- American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) - Leadership development.