Didactic

Trimester 1	Trimester 2	Trimester 3
Human Anatomy I (3 credits)	Human Anatomy II (3 credits)	Human Anatomy III (3 credits)
Basic Science I (3 credits)	Basic Science II (2 credits)	Basic Science III (1 credits)
Patient Assessment I* (3 credits)	Patient Assessment II* (3 credits)	Patient Assessment III (3 credits)
Clinical Medicine I (6 credits)	Clinical Medicine II (6 credits)	Clinical Medicine III (6 credits)
Pharmacology I (3 credits)	Pharmacology II (3 credits)	Pharmacology III (3 credits)
Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care I (1 credit)	Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care II (1 credit)	Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care III (1 credit)
Practice, Policy and Ethics I (1 credit)	Practice, Policy and Ethics II (1 credit)	Practice, Policy and Ethics III (1 credit)
	Epidemiology and Methods I (1 credits)	Epidemiology and Methods II (2 credits)

*Foundations in Patient Care is a pre-clinical course that runs during the didactic year from August through March as part of the Patient Assessment I and II courses in the PA Program. This collaborative course includes first-year MD and PA students and allows students to learn with, from, and about each other as they work together to develop and practice history-taking, physical examination, oral presentation, and early clinical reasoning skills. Visit the Foundations of Patient Care webpage for more information.

The following courses comprise the didactic phase of the Yale Physician Associate Program. They are designed to build the foundation in basic and clinical sciences that underlies the study of medicine and PA practice.

Content Delivery: Didactic courses are primarily in person with occasional online sessions.

Human Anatomy I (3 credits)

Human Anatomy I is the first in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal human anatomy and its clinical application. The course focuses on the systematic and developmental anatomy of the thorax, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, emphasizing the spatial and functional relationships among anatomical structures. Students develop three-dimensional anatomical understanding and dissection skills through small-group, full-anatomy cadaver dissection supplemented by lectures, clinical case correlations, diagnostic imaging, and computer-based learning. Clinical applications reinforce the relationship between anatomy, physical examination, imaging, and disease processes.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Associate Program.

Human Anatomy II (3 credits)

Human Anatomy II is the second in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal human anatomy and its clinical application. The course focuses on the systematic and developmental anatomy of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including the extremities, vertebral column, spinal cord, brain, and head and neck, emphasizing the spatial and functional relationships among anatomical structures. Students develop three-dimensional anatomical understanding and dissection skills through small-group, full-anatomy cadaver dissection supplemented by lectures, clinical case correlations, diagnostic imaging, and computer-based learning. Clinical applications reinforce the relationship between anatomy, physical examination, imaging, and disease processes.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the prior semester of PA coursework or program permission.

Human Anatomy III (3 credits)

Human Anatomy III is the third in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal clinical anatomy and focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system. Through integrated study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, students examine the spinal cord, brainstem, cortical and subcortical structures, and sensory and motor systems. Lectures are complemented by cadaveric dissection, neuroanatomy laboratory experiences, diagnostic imaging, and clinically oriented case discussions that reinforce the relationship between nervous system structure, function, and disease.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester of PA course work or program permission.

Basic Science I (3 credits)

Basic Science I introduces foundational biomedical science concepts that support the study of health and disease throughout the didactic curriculum. Early course content emphasizes cellular physiology and homeostasis, general principles of pathology and immunology, microbiology, and clinical genetics. These foundations are subsequently integrated with the study of normal physiology and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease within selected organ systems. Course content is coordinated with Clinical Medicine to reinforce the relationship between underlying biological mechanisms and clinical disease.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Associate Program.

Basic Science II (2 credits)

Basic Science II builds upon foundational concepts introduced in Basic Science I through the integrated study of normal physiology and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease within organ systems and clinical disciplines. Relevant principles of pathology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, and other basic sciences are incorporated to support understanding of disease processes. Course content is coordinated with Clinical Medicine to reinforce the relationship between underlying biological mechanisms and clinical disease.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Basic Science I or program permission.

Basic Science III (1 credit)

Basic Science III builds upon concepts developed in Basic Science I and II through the integrated study of normal physiology and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease within organ systems and clinical disciplines. Relevant principles of pathology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, and other basic sciences are incorporated to support understanding of disease processes. Course content is coordinated with Clinical Medicine to reinforce the relationship between underlying biological mechanisms and clinical disease.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Basic Science II or program permission.

Patient Assessment I (3 credits)

Patient Assessment I is the first in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain, organize, document, and communicate a complete patient-centered medical history. Students develop interviewing skills, appropriate use of medical terminology, and written and oral communication skills for clinical practice. Through structured classroom instruction, standardized patient encounters, and clinical experiences, students practice obtaining complete and focused histories while establishing rapport and communicating effectively with diverse patient populations.

Patient Assessment I also includes Foundations in Patient Care (FPC), an interprofessional course designed to prepare first-year MD and PA students to function collaboratively in the clinical environment. Students learn with, from, and about one another while developing foundational skills in history taking, oral presentation, early clinical reasoning, patient-centered communication, and interprofessional collaboration.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Associate Program

Patient Assessment II (3 credits)

Patient Assessment II is the second in a series of courses designed to develop the clinical skills required to assess patients across the lifespan. Building upon the history-taking and communication skills developed in Patient Assessment I, students learn to perform and document a complete screening physical examination and focused examination maneuvers. Instruction emphasizes proper use of medical equipment, examination technique, identification of anatomic landmarks, recognition of normal findings, patient comfort and modesty, and selection of advanced physical examination maneuvers based on the clinical presentation. Students are also introduced to basic point-of-care ultrasound techniques and views.

Through Foundations in Patient Care (FPC) and clinical experiences, students continue to integrate history taking, physical examination, clinical communication, oral presentation, and early clinical reasoning while working collaboratively in the clinical environment.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Patient Assessment I or program permission.

Patient Assessment III (3 credits)

Patient Assessment III is the third in a series of courses designed to integrate and advance the clinical assessment skills developed in Patient Assessment I and II. Students apply patient-centered history-taking and physical examination skills to complete and focused patient encounters, with increasing emphasis on recognizing clinically relevant findings and developing clinical reasoning skills. Students learn to synthesize information from the history and physical examination, formulate and prioritize differential diagnoses, select appropriate diagnostic studies, and develop initial patient management plans. The course further develops written medical documentation and oral presentation skills and introduces additional clinical skills, including basic procedures, sensitive examinations, and point-of-care ultrasound.

Through clinical patient encounters, standardized patient experiences, simulation, and case-based clinical reasoning activities, students apply these skills in preparation for the clinical phase of their education.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Patient Assessment II or program permission.

Clinical Medicine I (6 credits)

Clinical Medicine I is the first in a series of courses providing an intensive study of human diseases and disorders. The course emphasizes epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, prognosis, and follow-up. Through lectures and case-based learning, students develop clinical reasoning skills by interpreting patient presentations and diagnostic studies, constructing differential diagnoses, and formulating evidence-based management plans.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Associate Program.

Clinical Medicine II (6 credits)

Clinical Medicine II is the second in a series of courses providing an intensive study of human diseases and disorders. The course emphasizes epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, prognosis, and follow-up. Through lectures and case-based learning, students develop clinical reasoning skills by interpreting patient presentations and diagnostic studies, constructing differential diagnoses, and formulating evidence-based management plans.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Clinical Medicine I or program permission.

Clinical Medicine III (6 credits)

Clinical Medicine III is the third in a series of courses providing an intensive study of human diseases and disorders. The course emphasizes epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, prognosis, and follow-up. Through lectures and case-based learning, students develop clinical reasoning skills by interpreting patient presentations and diagnostic studies, constructing differential diagnoses, and formulating evidence-based management plans.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Clinical Medicine II or program permission.

Epidemiology and Methods I (1 credit)

Epidemiology & Methods I is the first in a series of two courses designed to explore the intersection of public health and the practice of medicine. The primary methodologies used in the course are epidemiology and biostatistics, with a strong emphasis on developing analytic skills and critical thinking through small group workshops.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior semester PA course work or program permission

Epidemiology and Methods II (2 credits)

Epidemiology & Methods II is the second in a series of two courses designed to explore the intersection of public health and the practice of medicine. The primary methodologies used in the course are epidemiology and biostatistics, with a strong emphasis on developing analytic skills and critical thinking through small group workshops. The second half of the course will focus on preparing students for the Yale PA Capstone Project with topics including literature search techniques, bibliography creation, logistical considerations in case report development and literature synthesis.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Epidemiology and Methods I or program permission.

Pharmacology I (3 credits)

Pharmacology I is the first in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply pharmacologic principles to patient care. The course introduces foundational concepts in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug-receptor interactions, drug metabolism, therapeutic drug monitoring, and factors influencing individual responses to medications. Students then apply these principles to major classes of therapeutic agents, with emphasis on mechanisms of action, indications, adverse effects and toxicities, contraindications, drug interactions, safety and monitoring, and appropriate selection of pharmacologic therapy for common clinical conditions.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Associate Program.

Pharmacology II (3 credits)

Pharmacology II is the second in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to apply pharmacologic principles to patient care. Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Pharmacology I, students examine major classes of therapeutic agents across additional clinical domains. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms of action, indications, adverse effects and toxicities, contraindications, drug interactions, safety and monitoring, and the appropriate selection and management of pharmacologic therapy for common clinical conditions.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pharmacology I or Course Director approval.

Pharmacology III (3 credits)

Pharmacology III is the third in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to apply pharmacologic principles to patient care. Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Pharmacology I, students examine major classes of therapeutic agents across additional clinical domains. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms of action, indications, adverse effects and toxicities, contraindications, drug interactions, safety and monitoring, and the appropriate selection and management of pharmacologic therapy for common clinical conditions.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pharmacology II or Course Director approval.

Practice, Policy, and Ethics I (1 credit)

Practice, Policy and Ethics I introduces students to foundational concepts related to professional PA practice. Topics include structural competence, the history of the PA profession, PA regulatory bodies and professional organizations, interprofessional healthcare teams, professionalism and personal accountability, communication, and medical ethics. Through lectures, workshops, team-based activities, and reflection, students begin to apply these concepts to their roles as PA students and future healthcare professionals.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Associate Program.

Practice, Policy, and Ethics II (1 credit)

Practice, Policy and Ethics II builds upon foundational concepts introduced in PPE I and examines the healthcare systems and policies that shape clinical practice and patient care. Topics include health policy, public health, the U.S. healthcare system, Medicare and Medicaid, healthcare payment models, patient safety and prevention of medical errors, and bioethics and ethical policymaking. Students apply these concepts through analysis of current health policy, including consideration of stakeholder impact, health equity, access to care, cost, and ethical implications.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Practice, Policy and Ethics I or program permission.

Practice, Policy, and Ethics III (1 credit)

Practice, Policy and Ethics III builds upon the professional, policy, and ethical foundations developed in PPE I and II, with an emphasis on the application of bioethical principles to complex issues in healthcare. Topics include end-of-life care, brain death and organ donation, ethical policymaking, reproductive health, and adolescent autonomy. Through lectures, case-based discussions, and a bioethics debate, students analyze ethical and legal considerations, evaluate differing perspectives, and develop reasoned approaches to ethical dilemmas encountered in clinical practice.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Practice, Policy and Ethics II or program permission.

Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care I (1 credit)

Prevention, Population Health, and Patient-Centered Care I is the first in a series of courses addressing clinical prevention, population health, health promotion, and patient-centered care. Students develop skills in patient communication, education, counseling, and behavior change while examining factors that influence health and healthcare, including health literacy, social determinants of health, culture, beliefs, and behaviors. Evidence-based preventive guidelines and health promotion strategies are applied to topics including nutrition, tobacco use, weight management, and the care of diverse patient populations.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Associate Program.

Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care II (1 credit)

Prevention, Population Health, and Patient-Centered Care II is the second in a series of courses addressing clinical prevention, population health, health promotion, and patient-centered care. Building on concepts introduced in PPP I, students further develop skills in patient communication, counseling, and shared decision-making while applying evidence-based preventive recommendations to patient care. The course examines social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health and healthcare and applies principles of prevention and health promotion across a variety of clinical contexts.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Prevention, Population Health, and Patient-Centered Care I.

Prevention, Population Health and Patient-Centered Care III (1 credit)

Prevention, Population Health, and Patient-Centered Care III is the third in a series of courses addressing clinical prevention, population health, health promotion, and patient-centered care. Building on concepts and skills developed in PPP I and II, students apply evidence-based prevention, patient-centered communication, counseling, and behavior-change strategies to increasingly complex clinical and population health concerns. The course emphasizes the integration of patient values, behaviors, and social and cultural factors into preventive care and health promotion and further develops students’ professional identity, reflective practice, and understanding of clinician well-being.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Prevention, Population Health, and Patient-Centered Care II or Course Director approval.

As electives, these courses are optional for PA students. Students do not earn credit for participating in these electives.

Global Health Elective

This elective is intended for students in the allied health sciences to develop an understanding of and competence in the sociopolitical, economic and cultural aspects of global health. As the course involves both students and faculty from all of the health professional schools, its participatory and collaborative nature provides a rich environment for interdisciplinary dialogue.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Spanish for Health Care Professionals

This practical course is designed to improve participants' Spanish language and cultural skills to better understand and connect with patients. The course focuses on the language and cross-cultural communication skills that are most relevant for clinical practice.
Prerequisites: Admission in the Physician Associate Program.

Most first-year lectures are conducted in the PA Program classroom at 100 Church Street South and the Yale School of Medicine's Jane Ellen Hope Educational Building. Some didactic sessions are also held at Yale New Haven Hospital. The laboratory facilities in The Anlyan Center (TAC) at YSM are used in the anatomy, microbiology and surgical skills courses. The program utilizes the Clinical Skills Laboratory at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut for our standardized patient program. Physical examination rooms are available for use by PA and medical students in the Harkness basement.

In addition to a smaller dedicated library inside the PA Program's office, access to books and journals are available to all PA students through the world-renowned Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. Both library staff and professional librarians, provide such services as acquiring and organizing the collections, guiding students both in educational classes and individually, searching for information, lending materials, and obtaining from other libraries those items that the library does not own.

Covering clinical medicine and its specialties, the pre-clinical sciences, public health, nursing, dentistry, and related fields, the Cushing/Whitney Library's collections are among the country's largest in a medical center. Including rare source materials and supporting works in the historical collections. The collections also include manuscript volumes of the twelfth through sixteenth centuries, prints and drawings, paintings, art slides, and museum objects. The Medical Historical Library, a section of the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, was founded by Dr. Harvey Cushing, Dr. John Fulton, and Dr. Arnold C. Klebs, whose personal collections form its core.

Other campus libraries include the Sterling Memorial Library, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Marx Library, and Bass Library. All library facilities are available to the entire University community.

Private gym facilities for the medical campus and lockers exclusively for the use of the PA students are available in the Harkness dormitory basement.