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

and patient assessment and management. Students
who successfully pass both the skills-based and written
evaluation will be awarded ITLS certification.
SCSK 518
Medical Response to Disasters
Theresa McCann, PhD, MPH
During this selective, students will enhance their
knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently and
effectively manage situations with multiple injured or
ill persons in varied environments, such as natural and
man-made disasters. This program is designed to give
medical professionals the skills needed to identify and
respond to major terrorist events including chemical,
biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, as
well as to major natural disasters such as earthquakes,
hurricanes, and tsunamis. This program will cover the
medical implications of these events and introduce current
strategies for response. Realistic simulations reinforce key
concepts, such as the use of personal protective equipment
(Level D and Level C), recognition of and decontamination
of patients affected by CBRN materials, and triage and
incident command. Students who successfully pass both
the skills-based and written evaluation will be awarded
Basic Responder CBRN certification.
SCSK 519
Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS)
Theresa McCann, PhD
During this advanced selective, students will enhance
their skills in the treatment of adult victims of cardiac
arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies. Students
will learn current American Heart Association (AHA)
algorithmic approaches to managing patients from both
a cognitive and skills-based approach using didactic
video presentations and small groups. This course
emphasizes the importance of basic life support CPR
to patient survival, the integration of effective basic
life support with advanced cardiovascular life support
interventions, and the importance of effective team
interaction and communication during resuscitation.
Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS) is based
on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active,
hands-on participation through learning stations where
students will practice essential skills individually, as part of
a team, and as team leader. Realistic simulations reinforce
key concepts, such as proficiency in basic life support care,
recognizing and initiating early management of periarrest
conditions, managing cardiac arrest, identifying and
treating ischemic chest pain and acute coronary syndromes,
recognizing other life-threatening clinical situations (such
as stroke and providing initial care, ACLS algorithms,
and effective resuscitation team dynamics. Students
who successfully pass both the skills-based and written
evaluation will be awarded AHA ACLS certification.
SCSK 520
Pediatric Life Support (PALS)
Theresa McCann, PhD, MPH
During this advanced selective, students will enhance
their knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently and
effectively manage critically ill infants and children,
resulting in improved outcomes. Students will learn current
American Heart Association (AHA) algorithmic approaches
to managing patients from both a cognitive and skillsbased
approach using didactic, video presentations, and
small groups. This course emphasizes the importance of
basic life support CPR to patient survival, the integration
of effective basic life support with pediatric advanced
life support interventions, and the importance of
effective team interaction and communication during
resuscitation. PALS is based on simulated clinical scenarios
that encourage active, hands-on participation through
learning stations where students will practice essential
skills individually, as part of a team, and as team leader.
Realistic simulations reinforce the following key concepts:
proficiency in basic life support care; recognizing and
initiating early management of peri-arrest conditions,
recognition and treatment of infants and children at risk
for cardiopulmonary arrest, the systematic approach to
pediatric assessment, effective respiratory management,
defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion, intraosseous
access and fluid bolus administration, providing initial care,
PALS algorithms, and effective resuscitation team dynamics.
Students who successfully pass both the skills-based and
written evaluation will be awarded AHA PALS certification.
SCSK 521
Thailand Medical Experience
Theresa McCann, PhD, MPH
Michael Weitzman
The one-credit Thailand Medical Experience selective
provides an introduction to the practice of health care and
service in a Southeast Asian cultural context. The selective
is a two-week experience for preclinical medical students
during the summer, comprising a mixture of modern and
School of Medicine
Course Descriptions
School of Medicine Catalog 2013–2014 | 69