SCHOOL OF 2012-2013 - St. George's University

School of Medicine
Course Descriptions
SCSK 504
International Health and Human Rights in Honduras
TBD
This is a one-credit selective that takes place in Honduras.
As there are fundamental differences between health care
provision in developed and underdeveloped countries, a
recognition and understanding of some of these issues
should help to build partnerships and support international
health efforts. Human rights are essential to the full
attainment of health. Most traditional medical curriculums
do not address this subject. This selective is designed to
give students a fuller comprehension of the global aspects
surrounding health and human rights. This selective is
designed to promote a better understanding of the broad
determinants of individual and population health, which
can be applied to issues in Honduras and regionally to
other developed countries. The core of the selective will be
facilitated in Honduras by our relationship with ASONOG
(Asociación de Organismos No Gubernamentales, the
Association of Non-Governmental Organizations), a
nonprofit organization which works throughout Honduras.
ASONOG was founded in 1988 and works on the
coordinating of objectives strengthening primary health
services, developing local capacities in the prevention of
illnesses, and health promotion.
SCSK 505
Integrated Approach of Basic Science Related to the
Head and Neck Area
Robert Hage, MD, PhD, DLO, MBA
This one-credit selective is offered twice a year. Students
will have two sessions per week for five weeks at the
beginning of each semester. Visits to outside institutions
are arranged during the semester according to preference
and availability. Students will receive a total of five case
studies by email, and are expected to attempt to solve the
problems before these cases are presented on Monday
afternoons. On Thursday afternoons there will be sessions
covering maxillofacial surgery, radiology, examination
technique, and demonstrations. Visits to the General
Hospital operating room, radiology department, School for
the Deaf, ENT Clinic, and special homes are opportunities
for students to gain valuable experience. A CD must
be provided by students so that material related to the
selective (clinical pictures, video clips, text) can be made
available for home study.
SCSK 506
Integrative Medicine
Jacqueline Stanley, PhD
This is a one-credit pass/fail selective that introduces
students to a number of complementary therapies defined
by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the US National Institute
of Health (NIH). This selective relies heavily on visiting
professors, as well as on local practitioners to deliver
material in a cohesive manner based on their area of
expertise. The selective consists of eight lecture hours, two
quizzes, and 14 workshops to be completed in a minimum
of two terms, but a maximum of five terms. Although
the lectures are open to everyone, students who wish to
participate in the workshops, or receive credit on their
transcript must officially register for this selective.
SCSK 507
Regional Anatomical Dissection
Kathleen Bubb, MD
Benjamin Turner, MSc
This one-term, two-credit selective will give participants the
opportunity to undertake four detailed regional dissections
of the human body. These regions include head and neck;
back and thorax; extremities; and abdomen, pelvis, and
perineum. Each regional dissection will be limited to the
appropriate area but need not be a complete dissection
of all the structures within the topic area. The ultimate
objectives are to give students the opportunity to dissect
regions of the human body of particular interest to obtain
a deeper understanding of the anatomy of selected areas
and for detailed anatomical preparation to be created for
future clinical aspirations.
SCSK 508
Scientific Literature and Evidence Based Medicine
Walter Kolbinger, PhD
Joanna Rayner, PhD
This one-credit selective is offered to students in Term 2
or higher. Major components of the course are tutorials
and practical hands-on experience through small
group and online assignments. The course aims to have
the students understand the underlying principles of
evidence-based medicine and to enable them to actively
engage in searching for scientific literature, using tools
that are available to the general public, as well as specific
tools offered in the St. George’s University academic
environment. The practical components are aimed towards
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