MS4 Catalog

Clinical Gastroenterology

LOCATION: Berkeley Medical Center & Gastroenterology Clinic
PRECEPTOR: Dr. Yousaf Hadi & Dr. Vishal Gupta
DURATION: 2 or 4 weeks
OFFERED: Continuously
MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 1
STATUS: Elective

OBJECTIVES:

This clinical elective offers an immersive experience in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Students will participate in outpatient gastroenterology clinics, inpatient consultation services, and advanced endoscopic procedures, including ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound. The rotation emphasizes clinical reasoning, procedural understanding, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Students will also gain exposure to specialized diagnostic studies such as esophageal motility and gastric emptying tests, and may observe clinical trials and advanced therapeutic interventions.

Patient Care:

  • Develop and present differential diagnoses for common GI and hepatic conditions.
  • Formulate evidence-based management plans for patients with digestive disorders.
  • Participate in the care of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.

Medical Knowledge:

  • Understand the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of GI and liver diseases.
  • Learn indications, contraindications, and complications of endoscopic and biopsy procedures.
  • Interpret imaging and specialized diagnostic studies relevant to gastroenterology

Practice-Based Learning:

  • Reflect on clinical encounters to identify areas for improvement.
  • Utilize current literature and guidelines to inform patient care.
  • Engage in feedback sessions with preceptors to refine clinical skills.

Communication Skills:

  • Present patient cases clearly and concisely to attending physicians and fellows.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
  • Document clinical findings and plans accurately in the medical record

Professionalism:

  • Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and ethical behavior in all clinical settings.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality and respect cultural and individual diversity.
  • Accept and apply constructive feedback.

Systems-Based Practice: 

  • Understand the referral process from primary care to specialty GI services.
  • Recognize the role of multidisciplinary teams in managing complex GI conditions.
  • Appreciate cost-effectiveness and resource utilization in diagnostic and therapeutic decisions

METHODS TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES:

  • Outpatient Clinics: Students will evaluate new and follow-up patients under direct supervision.
  • Inpatient Consult Service: Students will assess consults, present findings, and follow patients throughout hospitalization.
  • Endoscopy Observation: Students will observe and discuss procedures such as colonoscopy, EGD, ERCP, and EUS.
  • Teaching Sessions: Participation in gastroenterology teaching rounds and didactics with internal medicine residents.
  • Imaging Review: Students will review CT, MRI, and radiographs with faculty and fellows.
  • Specialized Diagnostics: Exposure to esophageal motility studies, pH monitoring, and gastric emptying tests.
  • Daily Presentations: Students will present patients to faculty and participate in clinical discussions.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Formative Assessment:

  • Direct Observation: Faculty will provide real-time feedback on clinical reasoning, communication, and professionalism.
  • Case Presentations: Students will be evaluated on clarity, organization, and clinical accuracy.
  • Participation: Active engagement in rounds, clinics, and teaching sessions is expected.

Summative Assessment:

  • Clinical Performance Evaluation: Based on the WVU School of Medicine Clerkship Evaluation Form, including: Medical knowledge, Clinical skills, Communication, Professionalism, Initiative and engagement
  • Final Feedback: Provided by the preceptor(s) at the end of the rotation with a narrative summary and grade recommendation (Pass/Fail or Honors/Pass/Fail depending on institutional policy).

PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE ROTATION:

You must contact the Office of Student Services, Eastern Division, two weeks prior to beginning of rotation to determine where to report. Phone: (304) 596-6312.