Curriculum

The preclinical phase of instruction (74 credits) comprises intensive coursework in basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that students have mastered the foundational knowledge necessary to manage patients in the clinical phase of the program and as practicing PAs. The development of critical thinking and analytical skills is accomplished through the use of problem-based learning, clinical case studies, and small group sessions coupled with the traditional lecture-learner format.

Students will become familiar with the principles and practices of research design, literature review and evidence based medicine, and acquire the skills necessary to apply this information in a clinical setting. Service learning activities are offered throughout the preclinical year providing students with the opportunity to build relationships with the community and to support their professional development. A comprehensive clinical skills course provides hands-on education for a smooth transition between the preclinical and clinical years of the program. Program faculty and colleagues from throughout Stony Brook Medicine and the program's clinical affiliates teach all courses.

Several courses are taken in conjunction with students from other health disciplines in order to foster an appreciation of the value of the team approach to medical care.
 

The clinical phase of instruction is designed to allow students to integrate and apply information presented in the first year. The emphasis in all rotations is the evaluation and management of patient problems likely to occur in the primary care setting. These rotations occur at major teaching institutions, long term care facilities, private practices, and clinics in our region familiar with the PA role. Most of these settings also train medical students, residents, and fellows, and PA students are expected to perform at a level consistent with this type of training. Many of these sites employ our graduates and have been involved with the Stony Brook Physician Assistant Program since its inception nearly 50 years ago.

During the clinical phase of the program (50 credits), students rotate through 6 five- week rotations in the areas of internal medicine (inpatient), surgery, emergency medicine, women's health, family medicine (outpatient) and pediatrics, and 4 four- week rotations in psychiatry, geriatrics, orthopedics and an elective. In keeping with the program mission, many of the rotations are in areas that serve underserved populations. Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. Students return to campus every five weeks for end of rotation topic lectures, career preparation presentations, written and practical examinations.

Masters Project I, II, III are designed to foster a sense of clinical inquiry and carry the process of gathering and presenting evidence-based knowledge through each of its phases under the guidance of a small group of mentoring faculty. Professional and Clinical Skills Seminar I and II are also included in the clinical phase of the program.  This course includes the summative evaluation of students. 
 

• A Snapshot of Selected Clinical Affiliates