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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
MD Education Program

Endocrine, Reproductive, Musculoskeletal and Dermatologic (6 weeks)

The Endocrine, Reproductive, Musculoskeletal and Dermatologic course advances students’ knowledge of the physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of the endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal and dermatologic systems. This enables students to describe major diseases of those systems, including their signs and symptoms, histopathologic and clinical laboratory characteristics, and rationale for current therapeutic interventions. Students in this course also explore ethical and psychosocial issues related to wellness and illness within these four body systems.

Course Objectives

The following course objectives align with the IU School of Medicine MD Curriculum Competencies and Institutional Learning Objectives. This alignment enables faculty and students to understand how current student learning prepares them for the next stage in training and for their ongoing practice and maintenance of certification.

Explain the function of the endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal and dermatologic organs and tissues with emphasis on how their functions relate to their structure and how their activity is regulated across the lifespan.

Recognize major diseases of the endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal and dermatologic systems based on pathophysiologic mechanisms, genetic predispositions, and their interrelationships.

Describe how pathophysiologic mechanisms result in characteristic anatomic, histological, laboratory and clinical presentations of a particular disease.

Formulate a differential diagnosis based on the integration of clinical, biochemical, pathologic and radiographic data.

Explain the mechanism of action and potential side effects of drugs, devices, and interventions used to treat the diseases of the endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal and dermatologic systems based on knowledge of the pathophysiology.

Describe how psychosocial and behavioral interventions can be used to promote endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal and dermatologic health.

Describe the epidemiology of endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal and dermatologic system disorders

Identify personal and scientific knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal and dermatologic conditions, and investigate resources to address these deficiencies.

Apply foundational principles of medical ethics to identify and address ethical issues surrounding issues in medical therapy and research.

Analyze the economic and psychosocial impact of chronic musculoskeletal and skin disease on the individual and community.