This course offers the pathological basis for the practice of medicine by presenting the etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of general disease processes and of specific diseases of organ systems, as well as the clinical results of disease. The course extends through the second year. Students may acquire information from several sources, using comprehensive learning objectives from each topic as a guide. Synthesis of this information is facilitated in case-based small-group discussions, guided by faculty and residents. Students employ computer-assisted independent study complemented by assigned textbook readings to prepare for case discussions. Self-study time is incorporated into the course schedule. Additional components of the course include lectures, demonstrations of autopsy and surgical specimens, study of glass slides, and attendance at autopsies.

The course in medical pharmacology is designed to offer students a sound background in pharmacology as a basic biomedical science; students thereby have the opportunity to prepare for the further study of therapeutics and clinical pharmacology. After a thorough introduction to the general principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, the pharmacological and toxicological properties of the major classes of drugs are discussed. Emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanisms of drug-induced modifications of physiological functions in man. Lectures are supplemented with clinical correlations on the rational use of drugs in the management of disease.