Outpatient Care of Patients with Down Syndrome Across the Age Spectrum
ME 540M.3
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This course is intended to provide advanced medical students with an exposure to the care of patients with Down syndrome across the age spectrum. People with Down syndrome typically have a number of health needs that arise from their chromosomal condition, which alters the screening tests and milestones that must be considered in the course of a regular clinic visit. They can also present with an array of developmental and pathological issues that require special attention. A global and holistic approach to their care demands that the health practitioner involve family members, school and/or work peers, social networks, expert medical consultants, and allied health professionals in the shared goal of supporting them to achieve their full potential and enjoy the best quality of life. The student will attend clinic sessions for newborns/toddlers, children, and adolescents at Boston Children's Hospital; infants, children, young adults, and adults at the Massachusetts General Hospital Down Syndrome Program; older adults at Mclean Hospital, Aging and Developmental Disabilities Clinic and Tewksbury Hospital. The student will be provided with a Reader that includes best practices in the care of people with Down syndrome and will attend regularly scheduled conferences at the various clinical sites where the rotation will be held. The rotation is entirely outpatient-based, although the student will be welcome in attending an occasional inpatient consultation were it to arise during the course of the rotation. There is no overnight or weekend call. Participation in ongoing clinical research activities is available but not required. Evaluation will be based on clinical performance (70%) and a final project (30%).
Not Available for Cross Registration
Open to Domestic Visiting Students
Open to International Visiting Students
