4 weeks
Course Director
Melissa M. Tavarez, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics
melissa.tavarez2@chp.edu
Associate Course Director
Tiffany Yang, MD
Director, Pediatric Education
Department of Pediatrics
yangts2@upmc.edu
Course Description
In this ILS, students will learn practical and cutting-edge clinical applications of basic science immunology topics including immunization development, inborn errors of immunity, and pathophysiologic manifestations of inflammation as it pertains to numerous pediatric disease states. This course will highlight ways in which an in-depth understanding of the immune system and mechanisms of inflammation enhances the practice of precision medicine, especially as it pertains to genetic testing and initiation of biologic and immunomodulatory therapies.
A central theme of the course will be an emphasis on the role of social and non-medical determinants of health on patient outcomes and equity. Students will engage with community partners who will provide panel-based forums on topics such as vaccine trustworthiness, obstacles and impediments associated with community vaccination efforts, and ways in which medical providers can provide support and direct patients and families to helpful resources in the community. Some small group sessions will also focus on the importance of holistic patient care when addressing concerns such as anxiety in the face of food allergy or ethical considerations in bone marrow transplantation.
Student activities will include small case-based group sessions in which students and facilitators will discuss the clinical applications of basic immunology topics, a standardized patient session focused on addressing vaccine refusal with patients and families, review of key literature studies, and a group synthetic project. The synthetic project will include an initial patient vignette provided during Week One followed by novel information presented to groups each week. Students will be expected to perform a relevant literature review and critical appraisal of studies, explain rationale for a proposed diagnostic plan, outline treatment options in patient-centered format, and address relevant issues of high-value care and social determinants of health.
Students will also rotate in Inborn Errors of Immunity Clinic at UPMC Children’s Hospital and spend at least one session with a genetic counselor.
Course Objectives
- The student will be able to actively link key basic immunologic concepts to the clinical applications of pediatric immunologic and inflammatory disease states.
- The student will be able to demonstrate how an in-depth understanding of the immune system and mechanisms of inflammation enhances the practice of precision medicine, especially as it pertains to genetic testing initiation of biologic and immunomodulatory therapies.
- The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of the science of vaccine development and the practical implications and hurdles associated with vaccination efforts, both at the bedside and at the broader community level.
- The student will be able to identify and connect patients with community partners and resources.
- The student will be able to examine both traditional and experimental treatment options and consider quality of life issues when evaluating patients with immunologic or inflammatory disease.
- The student will be able to critically appraise journal articles and present findings to their peers and patients.
Educational Methods
- Participation in clinical activities (Inborn Errors of Immunity Clinic and time with genetic counselors)
- Small group sessions
- Group project
- Case presentation, discussion, and role playing
- Lectures
- Discussion with community partner panelists
Students will attend approximately 2-3 half-days of patient care activities throughout their rotation. There are no on-call or weekend responsibilities. The course schedule spans five days each week and includes multiple half-day sessions per week with time allocated for self-directed learning. Weekly quizzes provide students with an opportunity to assess their learning throughout the course
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated as satisfactory/unsatisfactory on the basis of their participation in lectures and clinics and organization and presentation of their group synthetic project.