Course Description

The Cardiovascular and Hematological Systems (CVH) Block is designed to provide instruction in the basic and clinical sciences required for examination and treatment of disorders of the Hematology and Cardiovascular Systems. This Block will provide a comprehensive and in-depth study of these sciences, including non-oncologic hematology, cardiovascular electrophysiology and cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac function, peripheral vascular disease, cardiovascular risk factors — including lipid physiology and pathophysiology — valvular and coronary artery heart disease and blood pressure control. In addition to the above topics, aspects of pharmacology, imaging, bio-informatics, public health, diversity and psychosocial aspects of illness, ethics, and health care transformation will be presented.

Learning Objectives

Educational Program Objectives are a subset of more broadly defined physician competencies, which represent general domains of performance for which the profession and the public hold physicians accountable.

Upon completing the Cardiovascular-Hematology Block, students should be able to:

  • Develop fundamental knowledge of the normal hematological and cardiovascular systems, including function, anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry and hemodynamics.
  • Understand hematological and cardiovascular diseases and outline by pathology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentations, including bleeding and thrombotic disorders, congenital heart disease, valvular disease, myocardial disease, inflammatory processes, and infectious diseases.
  • Critically interpret clinical studies, specifically the complete blood count (CBC), the fasting lipid profile, and cardiac enzymes as well as the electrocardiogram for dysrhythmias and ischemia and identify the appropriate use of testing and imaging in the hematological and cardiovascular domains.
  • Discuss treatments for hematological and cardiovascular disorders, including transfusion therapies, non-pharmacological therapies, and preventative care.
  • Compare and contrast pharmaceutical drugs of the hematological and cardiovascular systems, including anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, anti-hypertensives, drugs which interact with the autonomic nervous system, and drugs with cardiovascular adverse effects, and distinguish by mechanisms of action, clinical effects, and adverse reactions.
  • Recognize the psychosocial impact of acute and chronic disease on patients and families and the various approaches to supporting patients and their families.
  • Evaluate and synthesize health related data utilizing problem-solving skills and active learning strategies.
  • Demonstrate awareness of and assess information in educational resources regarding issues of diversity, health equity, public health and disease prevention, clinical ethics, delivery of health care, and biotechnology as they apply to hematology and cardiovascular disease.
  • Analyze and integrate medical knowledge as it applies to effective patient care.