AIB - Alberta Institute Biomedicine

Health systems science is a foundational platform and framework for the study and understanding of how care is delivered for patients and populations within systems of medical care, how health professionals work together to deliver that care, and how the health system can improve patient care and health care delivery. This course introduces core domains including health care structures and processes; health care policy, economics, and management; clinical informatics and health information technology; population and public health; artificial intelligence in medicine, value-based care; team-based care, health system design, improvement and systems thinking.

Building on content from earlier Health Systems Science courses, this course is a foundational platform and framework for the study and understanding of how care is delivered for patients and populations within systems of medical care, how health professionals work together to deliver that care, and how the health system can improve patient care and health care delivery. This course introduces core domains including health care structures and processes; health care policy, economics, and management; clinical informatics and health information technology; population and public health; artificial intelligence in medicine, value-based care; team-based care, health system design, improvement and systems thinking.

The Foundations of Medicine course serves as a foundation for future learning and practice. This course will focus on integrating basic principles of medical and biological sciences as the foundation for the practice of medicine.

Building on content from earlier Health Systems Science courses, this course is a foundational platform and framework for the study and understanding of how care is delivered for patients and populations within systems of medical care, how health professionals work together to deliver that care, and how the health system can improve patient care and health care delivery. This course introduces core domains including health care structures and processes; health care policy, economics, and management; clinical informatics and health information technology; population and public health; artificial intelligence in medicine, value-based care; team-based care, health system design, improvement and systems thinking.

The Cardiology course will serve as a foundation for future learning and practice. The goal is to provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of cardiology medicine. Topics to be covered include the basic structure and function of the cardiovascular system; clinical picture of ventricular or valvular diseases, electrical diseases of the heart, including an approach to ECG reading; coronary and aortic / peripheral arterial diseases; congenital heart diseases; and myocardial and pericardial disease. Students will also learn about the impact of cardiovascular disease on patients and society.

The Pulmonary course serves as a foundation for future learning and practice. The goal is to provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of pulmonary medicine. Students will also learn about the impact of pulmonary disease on patients and society.

The Renal course will serve as a foundation for future learning and practice. The goal is to provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of renal medicine. Topics to be covered include: Basic anatomy, physiology, embryology and pathology of the renal system; Acute and chronic renal failure; Pharmacology of the kidney; Diseases of the glomerulus; Tubulointerstitial disease; Renovascular disease; Common Pediatric Nephrology conditions; and Hereditary and cystic renal disease. Students will also learn about the impact of renal disease on patients and society.

The Endocrinology and Metabolism course will serve as a foundation for future learning and practice. Students will learn how the endocrine system integrates with the rest of the body. The course covers the different endocrine glands: how the hormones have profound effects on the cells and tissues of the body; and the feedback loops that are important in hormonal regulation. Students will have a chance to learn about basic endocrine anatomy, physiology, pathology and biochemistry, as well as clinical aspects of endocrine diseases. Students will also learn about the impact of endocrine disease on patients and society.

The Musculoskeletal System course provides students with a strong knowledge base in the fundamentals of musculoskeletal medicine and dermatology. The anatomy, embryology, histology and physiology of the musculoskeletal system and skin are studied. An approach to common and important conditions and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and skin are covered from the perspectives of rheumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, dermatology, plastic surgery, pediatrics and family medicine. Students will also learn about the impact of musculoskeletal and dermatological disease on patients and society.

The Psychiatry course provides students with foundational knowledge regarding mental health and illness. Students will learn how to describe why mental health is important and the cost to society of mental illness. They will also learn to describe the stigma of mental illness and its impact on patients, populations and physician health.

The Neurosciences and Organs of Special Senses course provides students with a foundation in the areas of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, ENT and Developmental Pediatrics. Throughout the course, students will learn the approach to a patient with a common symptoms or important problems; the elements of the neurological, eye, and head and neck exam, as well as perform a developmental assessment; to develop the ability to localize lesions, all while being able to recognize serious processes requiring urgent referral. Students will also learn the impact of neurological disease on patients and society.

The Gastroenterology and Nutrition Course will serve as a foundation for future learning and practice. The goal is to provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of gastroenterology. Topics to be covered include: the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract; gastrointestinal health and nutrition; common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; fundamentals of gastrointestinal disease management; and the impact of gastrointestinal disease on patients and society.

The Reproductive Medicine and Urology Course provides students with a strong knowledge base in the fundamentals of reproductive medicine and urology. Topics to be covered include: an overview of the anatomy, pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common gynecologic, obstetric (including genetic), urologic, and sexually transmitted illnesses. Students will also learn about the impact of reproductive health issues on patients and society.

The Integration course is designed to help students understand the principles of oncology, emergency medicine and anesthesia, the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to care and the impact of multisystem disease on patients and society.