Integrated Respiratory System

The year-two MD Program curriculum at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison includes a course called Integrated Respiratory System.

Overarching Course Goals for Integrated Respiratory System

• Review and expand knowledge of the structure and function of the various parts of the respiratory system under normal and diseased conditions with emphasis on respiratory mechanics, gas exchange and control of ventilation
  
  
• Know the etiology and pathogenesis of important diseases affecting the lung parenchyma, airways, interstitium, blood vessels, pleura, chest wall and respiratory muscles, and respiratory control centers
  
  
• Understand and be able to recognize pathologic changes occurring in the lungs at the gross and histologic level in various diseases
  
  
• Know how to recognize and analyze patterns of change in pulmonary mechanics and arterial blood gases occurring in various lung diseases
  
  
• Know the principles of treatment of cancer with different modalities with special emphasis on lung cancer
  
  
• Understand hypersensitivity reactions in general and as they apply to asthma, allergic rhinitis, food and medication allergies. Know the pharmacologic basis for treatment of allergic diseases including asthma
  
  
• Integrate information from the history, physical exam, radiologic reports, and lab tests with the physiologic data and pathologic findings in important diseases affecting the lung parenchyma, airways, interstitium, blood vessels, pleura, chest wall and respiratory muscles, and respiratory control centers
  
  
• Understand the pathogenetic and pathophysiologic basis of the principles of treatment of important lung diseases and disorders