Minhua Wang, PhD, MS, MBBS

Across the Lifespan aims for medical students to acquire knowledge of human development through all stages of life, from conception to senescence, in a manner that will foster the acquisition of clinical reasoning skills and prepare them to enter the clerkships.

The course is divided into four life stages and integrates relevant sessions from longitudinal courses (anatomy) and threads (cell biology, embryology, genetics, pathology, diagnostic methods, pharmacology and diversity, equity, and inclusion). It starts with the uro-genital anatomy lectures, embryology, and reproduction physiology sessions so that students acquire the basic knowledge necessary to understand the material presented in each of the following life stages.

First life stage: Conception, Pregnancy and Birth. Students learn about the physiology of pregnancy, parturition and post-partum and are introduced to common disorders of this life stage. Second life stage: Child and Adolescent Growth and Development. Students learn the basic processes of growth and development from infancy through adolescence, and how the unfolding of these biological, cognitive, psychological, and social underpinnings inform medical practice. The critical role of the family and the community in achieving optimal outcomes is emphasized.

Third life stage: Reproductive Years and Middle Age. Students are introduced to the most common types of disorders of the uro-genital tract in a chronological fashion (from puberty to menopause/hypogonadism), using a symptom-based approach when appropriate. Some complications of early pregnancy are discussed, illustrating the continuity of events across the life cycle.

Fourth life stage: Aging. Students learn about the physiology of aging and the multiple, often complex, medical, social, economic, and psychological factors that impact cognitive, functional status and quality of life in older adults. The importance of interdisciplinary care is demonstrated.