Infectious Diseases

The focus of the elective experience is on the diagnosis and management of patients with infectious disease diagnosis. This includes the evaluation of patients on medical and surgical services with head and neck infections, central nervous system infections, endocarditis, blood stream infections, pulmonary and GI infections, skin, bone and joint infections, travel related infections and infections in the immunocompromised host. Additionally, this course introduces the student to topics such as antimicrobial spectrum, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention. Clinically relevant aspects of microbiology and immunology are also explored. 

Course Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of common infectious diseases such as: head and neck infections, central nervous system infections, endocarditis, blood stream infections, pulmonary and GI infections, skin, joint and bone infections, travel related infections as well as infections in the neutropenic host and in transplant patients on immunosuppressive therapy.
2. Identify the microbiologic testing methodology used to help diagnose common infectious diseases.
3. Recognize antimicrobial spectrum of coverage and the choice of antibiotics used to treat common infectious diseases.
4. Identify infectious diseases that require isolation procedures.
5. Describe principles of antimicrobial stewardship and responsible use of antibiotics in order to reduce risk of fostering further resistance in micro-organisms.

6. Identify preventive measures for reducing risk of infection such as vaccines and the correct use of preventive antibiotics.

   See syllabus for additional details.