What does the COA Basic Science Course offer and how do I benefit? Here are some reasons for attending that you might want to consider.
Reason #1: Teaching
I am part way through my residency and am having trouble "putting it all together".
This course was designed just for you. The fundamental concept is to understand what really happens to the musculoskeletal system (mss) in health and in disease states. The link is clinical/radiological/pathological correlation. An essential tool for understanding is the microscopic slide; introductory material will allow you understand the cellular anatomy of the mss. As a clinician, or researcher, you may be empowered by understanding the musculoskeletal system (mss) at a cellular level. On day one, you will be exposed to normal growth and development, leading to an understanding of the life cycle of the mss. You will be shown how to link this cellular knowledge to the radiograph, which represents gross anatomy. Then, over the week you will be exposed to all of the categories of disease. You will come to understand that there is no unique pathology for each disorder, but rather a response by the mss that represents a normal mechanism already seen. Your ability to read a radiograph will be enhanced in that you will have reviewed the cellular processes that have led to any radiographic abnormality. You will thus have been given the opportunity to develop the background knowledge to allow you to explain how this abnormality developed. You will have the opportunity to develop appropriate differential diagnoses using this background. This understanding of clinical/radiologic/pathologic correlation represents a powerful basis for further learning throughout your career. While the course is not designed specifically to allow you to pass any one exam, understanding these concepts should allow you to perform better in the exam situation because you will have been exposed to the entire spectrum of the pathophysiology of mss disorders.
Reason #2: Tools
The relevant information is presented to you in a variety of ways:
- Personal study: you must prepare for the course as indicated at the website. There are 2 key papers to review on cellular physiology, and the growth plate. There is a series of videos that introduce you to the course. The first will "walk you" through reading the microscopic slide. The introductory lecture, which conceptually "sets up" the entire week, is divided up in a series of videos. This material outlines how the skeleton evolves from the 3-layered embryo to the adult skeleton, and finally senescence. You will be expected to familiarize yourself with these videos that outline the content for this first session. The session itself will involve active problem solving to allow you to assess your grasp of these fundamental concepts. Content throughout the rest of the week links to this introductory material.
- Core information is presented in didactic lectures; whenever possible, clinical relevance is established;
- Lecture material is linked to the website. This allow you access the content for personal study.
- The course content includes a digital atlas of pathology that is presented in a self taught format
- Clinical case seminars are presented daily. These sessions allow you to problem solve in a small group setting and present your solutions to the rest of the participants.
Reason #3: Testimonials
Comments from the course participants last fall included the following:
My overall impression of the course so far:
- "Perfectly organized, well prepared. Most comprehensive Basic Science course one can take. Warm atmosphere, sincere teachers and people generally. Thank you."
- "Outstanding course! Very well run and organized. ALL preceptors and lecturers were outstanding and make the course fun. THANKS!!!"