Block Description

The Cardiovascular and Hematologic 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 for the cardiovascular system: cardiovascular development and histology, cardiovascular physiology, including electrophysiology and hemodynamics, cardiac pathology, pertinent cardiac microbiology and cardiovascular pharmacology. For the hematologic system, the block will provide a comprehensive and in-depth study of the blood and lymphoreticular system, including pertinent biochemistry, histology and histopathology, immunology, oncology, microbiology and pharmacology. In addition to the above topics, radiological imaging, transfusion medicine, stem cell transplantation, bioinformatics, public health and prevention, health equity and race-conscious medicine, psychosocial aspects of illness, and medical ethics, 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.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM-P) measures these outcomes both quantitatively (via USMLE style assessments) and qualitatively (via behavioral competency assessments).

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

  • Describe the normal structure and function of the hematologic and cardiovascular systems, including key anatomic, histologic, physiologic, and biochemical features.
  • Explain the pathophysiology, key clinical manifestations, and underlying pathology of major hematologic and cardiovascular diseases, including congenital, inflammatory, genetic, infectious, and thrombotic disorders.
  • Analyze host–pathogen interactions within the hematologic and cardiovascular systems and identify microbial pathogens based on epidemiology, key characteristics, and interpretation of diagnostic data; apply antimicrobial principles for prevention and treatment.
  • Explain the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying hematologic malignancies and apply principles of detection, diagnosis, and staging.
  • Interpret laboratory and imaging studies, including ECG and chest radiography, to support diagnosis and management of hematologic and cardiovascular conditions.
  • Compare therapeutic strategies for hematologic and cardiovascular disorders, including pharmacologic, cellular, and preventive interventions and blood-product transfusion.
  • Differentiate major pharmacologic agents affecting the hematologic and cardiovascular systems by mechanisms, indications, and adverse effects.
  • Describe the psychosocial impact of acute and chronic hematologic and cardiovascular diseases and demonstrate strategies for effective, empathetic communication with patients and families.
  • Evaluate the impact of diversity, equity, and social determinants on hematologic and cardiovascular health and apply ethical and public health principles in patient care and prevention.
    Integrate cardiovascular and hematologic mechanisms to explain systemic clinical presentations and interrelated pathologies.