SAIUNIVERSITY

Basic Sciences Program

At SAISOM we believe that a solid foundation is essential. This foundation is laid in the Basic Sciences Program. Students are required to complete at least 140 credit hours of course work in five (5) semesters of 16 weeks. These semesters are numbered MD-1 through MD-5. This program is substantially more rigorous than other Caribbean programs because it integrates many European aspects of clinical exposure early in the program.

The Basic Sciences Program courses are presented lecture format combined with laboratory exposure to allow for visual reinforcement and development of analytical skills.

Because SAISOM requires students to pass the USMLE step 1 before proceeding with the Clinical Sciences Program, the strong preparation provided by Basic Sciences enforces the student’s chance of success and level of confidence.

If a course is cancelled or not offered in any particular semester, an appropriate course will be offered in substitution. Any cancelled course will be offered no later than the next academic year to insure continuity.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Faculty of Medicine (M.D. Program) consists of two main components: the Basic Sciences Program and the Clinical Sciences Program.

The Basic Sciences Program consists of five (5) semesters of 16 weeks each and is taught at the Suriname Campus. The Clinical Sciences Program consists of six (6) semesters of 12 weeks each which are taught at the St. Vincentius Hospital in Paramaribo, Suriname, or another affiliated hospital.

Our students must be driven and focused due to the fact that our curriculum is year-round with a minimum number of breaks. Our curriculum is derived mainly from the US, with certain European elements of studying medicine.

South American International University School of Medicine (SAISOM) promotes hands on experience and exposure to patient care throughout the MD program. The availability of the St. Vincentius Hospital adjacent to the Curacao Campus allows such integration to be possible. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge and skills creatively, whether it concerns the human body in health or disease. Both prevent disease, and the promotion of good health are considered important aspects in forming a well rounded physician.

	First Semester (MD-1)
MD-401	Gross Anatomy	12 Credits
MD-403	Embryology	4 Credits
MD-404	Histology	8 CREDITS
	Second Semester (MD-2)
MD-402	Biochemistry	8 Credits
MD-407	Genetics	6 CREDITS
MD-409	Physiology	10 Credits
	Third Semester (MD-3)
MD-406	Microbiology	10 Credits
MD-408	Neuroscience	10 Credits
MD-423	Epidemiology/Public Health	6 Credits
MD-425	Intro to Medical Practice	4 Credits
MD-428	Ethics & Jurisprudence	2 Credits
	Fourth Semester (MD-4)
MD-421	Pharmacology & Therapeutics	10 Credits
MD-422	Pathology I	10 Credits
MD-430	Physical Diagnosis	10 Credits
	IFifth Semester (MD-5)
MD-426	Clinical Pathology II	10 Credits
MD-427	Medical Psychology/Psychiatry	10 Credits
MD-430	Intro to Clinical Medicine	12 Credits

Course Descriptions

GROSS ANATOMY : (10 Credits)

Gross structure of organ systems of the human body. Formal lectures are used to guide the student in how to acquire the fundamental knowledge of the structure of the body and organ systems. The Following regions are explored: Head and Neck, Upper and Lower Extremities, Back, Thorax, Abdomen, Pelvis, and Perineum. The study of each region includes the integration of lectures, radiographs, clinical correlations and laboratory study of human cadaver specimens. Emphasis is placed on utilization of anatomical knowledge for physical examination of a patient later in their careers. During dissection, students work in teams learning not only the gross anatomy of the human body but also the clinical relationships between those structures as well as radiological correlations.

EMBRYOLOGY : (4 Credits)

Prenatal development. This course discusses principles of normal and abnormal embryonic and fetal development, organogenesis, and congenital malformations. Students are introduced to the molecular control of human development and subsequent congenital clinical applications.

BIOCHEMISTRY : (10 Credits)

Human molecular mechanisms of health and diseases The course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of: the chemical components of human body and their functions, the molecular architecture of eukaryotic cells and organelles, including membrane structure and dynamics; the principles of bioenergetics and enzyme catalysis; the chemical nature of biological macromolecules, their three-dimensional conformation, and the principles of molecular recognition; the metabolism of dietary and endogenous carbohydrate, lipid, and protein; the principles and major mechanisms of metabolic control and of molecular signaling by hormones; the tools used in biochemistry, and their potential applications to medical science.

INTRO TO MEDICAL PRACTICE :(4 Credits)

Introductory course to medical practice.

HISTOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY :(8 Credits)

Microscopic Structure and function of cells, tissues and organs. Formal lectures and student presentations explore the microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues and organs. The characteristics of the basic tissues of the body ( epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue ) are taught. Emphasis is on correlation of structures with function. Laboratory exercises include examination of normal tissues under microscopy.

PHYSIOLOGY : (10 Credits)

Basic human biological processes and their control. The major objective of this course is to enable the students to acquire a sound understanding of the mechanisms upon which life depends, through an integrated study of the body’s control systems. The somatic and visceral systems are discussed, not only as unique functional entities, but also as a single, interrelated system. Basic fundamental knowledge necessary for understanding the human body and the physiopathology of any associated diseases are also presented. Application and interpretation of physiological techniques to the assessment of health condition and diagnostics of diseases are remarked upon throughout the course. The course includes laboratory reinforced lecture material and interactive computer learning.

MEDICAL GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY : (8 Credits)

The use Molecular Biology as groundwork in the teaching of Medical Genetics. The objectives of the Molecular Biology section of the course are to create a basic understanding of the chemical and structural nature of biological macromolecules and the principles of molecular recognition; the control of cellular proliferation; the organization, replication and repair of the genome; gene expression; mutation; molecular genetics; and the techniques of molecular biology. It is emphasized how inherited genetic errors can cause both single gene and multi-factorial diseases and the consequences of this inheritance for individuals and populations and the significance for clinical practice of the molecular approach to medical science.

The objectives of Medical Genetics portion of this class have been adopted from the objectives established by the American Society of Human Genetics for Medical Students. These include an acquisition of general medical competencies, an understanding of the structure and function of genes and the general organization of the human genome, the principles of Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics as applied to disease, chromosomal abnormalities and cytogenetics in principle and practice, population genetics as applied to issues of human health and the use of genetics in medicine.

MICROBIOLOGY & IMMUNOLOGY : (10 Credits)

Infectious agent causing diseases: laboratory identification, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of diseases processes, and treatment strategies. Immunological response to foreign substances. Medical microbiology teaches the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention of infectious disease. The course begins with an introduction to the types of infectious agents and the principles of microbial physiology and genetics. All major bacteria, viruses, fungi and animal parasites are covered. Infectious disease is covered using both organism and systems approaches, with group discussions, student presentations, and basic laboratory work organized around specific case studies. Immunology is covered in depth including the immune response to infectious agents and disease resulting from both acquired and innate immune defects.

NEUROSCIENCE : (10 Credits)

Structure and function of the human brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. This course integrates both the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. The principles that underlie the anatomical structures of each system are correlated with its physiology and relevant clinical applications. Emphasis is placed on the function of the nervous system in health and sickness. Modern principles of neuronal circuits and synaptic transmission are also introduced.

Laboratory instruction includes detailed brain and spinal cord dissection. Students are also exposed to CT, MRI, and other neuro-imaging techniques. Furthermore students are trained in the art of performing of neurological examinations.

EPIDEMIOLOGY, BIOSTATISTICS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH : (6 Credits)

The study of disease trends in populations and analytical methods for assessing strategies impacting population based disease trends. Monitoring populations based on disease trends and methods for management of epidemics are explored. Basic statistical models used for evaluation and interpretation of data are introduced. Students are introduced to critical evaluation of peer based literature. The political, environmental and financial implications of preventive medicine and public health are discussed and analysed. Individual disease trends will be individually analysed with specific attention on those diseases which have the greatest impact on the population at the current time. Attention will focus on educational and instruction programmes currently utilized in the public health sector. Student will have an opportunity to utilize this knowledge through presentations and local programmes.

PATHOLOGY I : (10 Credits)

Patho-physiology of disease, with emphasis on mechanisms of disease. Students are familiarized with the vocabulary of disease through lectures, lab exercises and class presentations. A foundation in basic concepts preceded generalized application of principles to specific organ systems. Lecture discussions include the response of the cell, tissues, and organs to disease and injury; and other basic pathological processes, degeneration; and are supplemented by studying gross and microscopic specimens.

PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS : (10 Credits)

Comprehensive survey of pharmacologic agents used in medicine. An introduction to the basic principles of pharmacology and imparting understanding of drug action and interaction to ensure therapeutic success. Biologic responses, physiologic alterations, and correction of disorders/diseases are discussed for each class of drug. An integrated approach, involving systemic pathology and clinical medicine through the use of case studies, is employed.

PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS : (10 Credits)

History taking and physical examination techniques of patients. Interviewing, history taking and routine physical examination techniques are taught. Students will have extensive experience practicing interviewing and examining healthy patients to develop their skills. Interviewing, history taking and routine physical examination techniques are expanded upon. Students are introduced to the correlation of the basic sciences to disease processes. Students are introduced to patients with a pathological disease Student will learn how to conduct problem orientated histories and physicals as well as be introduced to special situation histories and physicals. Student will learn how to document these histories and physical in a manner consistent with current legal and ethical expectations.

PATHOLOGY II : (10 Credits)

Patho-physiology of disease, with emphasis on clinicopathological correlation. Fundamental concepts mastered in pathology I are applied to the organ systems. Course presentations include the etiology, pathogenesis, and morphologic changes in diseases according to organ systems. Lectures, laboratory exercises and student led class discussions examine typical presentations of major diseases in each organ system.

INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE : (11 Credits)

Clinical presentation of common disease.

Students are introduced to specific disease processes and the subsequent diagnostic and treatment techniques by specialist physicians in the relevant fields. These fields include but are not limited to, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, as well as many of the sub specialties of both medicine and surgery. Students will enhance their understanding of the correlation of basic sciences to these disease processes through exposure to patients in a clinical facility. During this time the student will be introduced to the practice of medicine in its entirety and learns valuable coping skills for their future as physicians.

MEDICAL ETHICS AND JURISPRUDENCE : (2 Credits)

Moral and legal concerns in medicine. The student is introduced to the complexities of the doctor – patient relationship, including the ethics of being a physician. Issues pertaining to confidentiality, informed consent, obstetric and pediatric ethics, and the questions of euthanasia are examined. Ethical analysis of moral reasoning is emphasized. Students are challenged to reflect on their personal values and moral obligations as physicians. Ethical analysis of moral reasoning is emphasized.

MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY : (10 Credits)

Principles of normal and abnormal behavior, with attention to biological, social, and cultural influences. Relationships between emotional and behavioral disturbances and brain dysfunction are emphasized. It is designed to develop the knowledge and insights required for a practicing physician’s understanding of the patient’s emotional responses to illness and stress. The basics of recognizing organic and functional psychological and behavioral disturbances are described. Sexual dysfunction, bereavement, and socio-pathological disorders receive detailed attention. The course studies psychiatric diagnostic categories ranging from childhood disorders through geriatric dementias. Different diagnosis and treatment strategies are discussed. Laboratory sessions cover the mental status exam, interviewing techniques for specific neuro-psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior.