Course Description

The Pulmonary/Renal/Acid-Base (PRAB) Block is designed to provide instruction in the basic and clinical sciences required for examination and treatment of disorders of the Pulmonary and Renal Systems. This Block provides a comprehensive and in-depth study of these sciences, including normal and abnormal pulmonary physiology, histology and embryology. Also included will be clinical and pathological aspects of obstructive, restrictive, interstitial and vascular pulmonary diseases as well as common infectious etiologies with the associated microbiology. Normal and abnormal renal physiology, including acid-base balance, will be covered. Common clinical abnormalities of the renal and genitourinary systems and the role of the kidney in the pathogenesis of hypertension are included. In addition to the above topics, aspects of pharmacology, imaging, public health, psychosocial aspects of illness, ethics, health equity issues 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.

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 Pulmonary/Renal/Acid-Base (PRAB) Block, students should be able to:

  • Apply foundational and pathophysiologic principles of pulmonary, renal, and acid–base systems to explain normal function and mechanisms of common disorders.
  • Analyze and synthesize health-related data and apply medical knowledge to solve clinical problems and support effective patient care.
  • Interpret and select appropriate diagnostic tests and reason deductively to arrive at prioritized differential diagnoses in collaboration with the health care team.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with the health care team through clear, accurate, timely, and respectful verbal, nonverbal, and written documentation.
  • Describe the psychosocial impacts of acute and chronic pulmonary and renal disease on patients and families and outline strategies to support them.
  • Develop and apply strategies for lifelong learning by locating, appraising, and synthesizing information from educational and evidence-based resources.
  • Demonstrate integrity, respect, and professionalism in all interactions with peers, colleagues, and patients.
  • Evaluate ethical, social, and structural factors—including social determinants of health and health inequities—and propose strategies to promote equitable, patient-centered care.