Block Description
REBLS (Reproduction, Endocrine, Behavioral Health/Behavioral disorders, and Life Span topics) is a nine-week block covering reproduction, sexuality, and endocrinology related to the gonadal, growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocortical, parathyroid, and thyroid axes. In addition, behavioral health and the biological basis of the major psychiatric disorders will be covered. The coverage for these systems will include the basics of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical characteristics. Normal physiology across the life span with particular attention to unique stages of the human lifespan, such as: pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and aging will be included. In addition, selected pathophysiological and pharmacological aspects relevant to unique stages of the human lifespan listed above will be covered.
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 Reproduction, Endocrine & Behavior Through the Lifespan (REBLS) Block, students should be able to:
- Explain key events in embryologic development of the reproductive and endocrine organs, including gametogenesis, fertilization, and implantation, and relate developmental alterations to congenital and genetic disorders.
- Interpret normal histology and describe pathological and neoplastic changes in the breast and reproductive and endocrine organs across the lifespan.
- Apply knowledge of reproductive and endocrine physiology to explain clinical presentations, differential diagnoses, and pathophysiology of common disorders, including infectious and neoplastic diseases.
- Explain mechanisms, indications, and adverse effects of pharmacologic and procedural treatments used in fertility management, contraception, and disorders of the reproductive and endocrine systems.
- Explain the physiological basis of sexual activity and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for sexual dysfunction. Consider clinical features of gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Explain the biological basis of common behavioral and psychiatric disorders and the mechanism of action and side effects of pharmacologic agents used to treat them.
- Explain physiological and psychological changes and common disorders across the life span—including pregnancy, infancy, adolescence, and aging—and apply appropriate diagnostic and pharmacologic principles.
- Describe the epidemiology of common disorders across the lifespan, including prevention strategies, vaccines, and recommended screening tests.