Unit Code: IMD801

Unit Name: Internal Medicine I

Description: IMD801 is the foundational course and is largely intended to provide a base of knowledge and experience which will enable the candidate to progress to the three years of the MMED programme. However, it is also considered to be a qualification which, even if not followed by the full MMED programme, will enable graduates to practice Internal Medicine at a higher level of proficiency than would otherwise be the case. Internal Medicine is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and non-surgical management of diseases of the internal organs of the body in adults. Specialists in Internal Medicine are often referred to as physicians, and in addition to undertaking general clinical care of patients also often undertake diagnostic and therapeutic procedures which do not entail surgery and anaesthesia. Internal Medicine is often subdivided into various subspecialty fields, usually centred on the major organ systems. These include, for example, subspecialties such as Cardiology (diseases of the cardiovascular system), Gastroenterology (diseases of the liver and digestive system), Neurology (diseases of the brain and nervous system), and Nephrology (diseases of the kidneys).

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to: 1. Synthesise appropriate provisional diagnoses/problem list by integrating information obtained from comprehensive history and thorough examination of minimally complex medical conditions accounting for interactions and impacts of comorbid conditions. 2. Prioritize, organize and interpret investigations of minimally complex medical conditions. 3. Formulate management plans incorporating sound prescribing practices of minimally complex medical conditions in collaboration with patient, families or carers and the attending medical team. 4. Assess and manage the acutely and critically unwell medical patients at a level 3 clinical supervision. 5. Demonstrate effective use of verbal, non-verbal and written communication with patients, families, carers, colleagues and other health professionals. 6. Write summaries of patient care, brief medical reports and correspondences to coordinate patient care. 7. Demonstrate competency in performing the following procedural skills: lumbar puncture, pleural aspiration/biopsy, abdominal paracentesis, management of underwater seal, arterial puncture, joint aspirations and nasogastric (NG) tube insertion. 8. Demonstrate safe and ethical practice. 9. Show professional conduct, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in daily practice. 10. Apply evidence based practice. 11. Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to be a life- long learner. 12. Appraise one’s own practice with the intent of professional development.

Prerequisite: Minimum Entry Requirement.

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 120

Offered In: Semester 1,2