Block Description

GIMDN instruction is an eight-week block covering the basics of the digestive and metabolic system anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry and clinical medicine. An additional three weeks of PPD are divided up into one-week segments and distributed between two three-week GIMDN sessions and one two-week GIMDN sessions.

The following GIMDN topics are listed by week:

  1. Gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology (digestive organs, specifically the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines), biochemistry (CHO metabolism), oral health.
  2. Gastrointestinal disorders and malignancies, including both gross and histopathology and pertinent radiological imaging.
  3. The GI microbiome, infectious diseases of the digestive tract and GI pharmacology.
  4. Gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic anatomy, histology, physiology, disease, neoplasms, and biochemistry (lipid metabolism).
  5. Liver anatomy, histology, physiology, and pathology, including hepatitis, cirrhosis and neoplasms, alcohol metabolism, and abnormal abdominal imaging.
  6. Insulin/glucagon actions/physiology and principles/pharmacology of diabetes mellitus.
  7. Biochemistry/Metabolism: Normal meta.
  8. Nutritional science: Macronutrients, calorie and energy metabolism, obesity, malnutrition and complex eating disorders.

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 Gastrointestinal, Metabolism, Diabetes and Nutrition Block (GIMDN), students should be able to:

  • Explain the normal structure and function of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems, including key molecular, genetic, biochemical, and physiologic processes that support digestion, metabolism, endocrine regulation, and homeostasis.
  • Explain the molecular, genetic, microbiologic, immunologic, and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying common and malignant gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and metabolic disorders, including associated abnormalities in laboratory and imaging findings.
  • Apply foundational biomedical and clinical knowledge to interpret diagnostic findings, develop and prioritize differential diagnoses, and support evidence-based prevention and management of gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and metabolic disorders in simulated or case-based settings, including the use of emerging diagnostic tools such as genomics.
  • Evaluate health systems, community context, genetics, lifestyle factors, adverse childhood experiences, and social determinants of health influence prevention, access, and outcomes related to gastrointestinal, eating, and metabolic disorders, and propose strategies to promote equitable, patient-centered care.
  • Demonstrate effective, respectful, and collaborative communication, teamwork, accountability, and professional integrity in clinical, academic, or simulated learning environments focused on gastrointestinal and metabolic disease.
  • Appraise personal learning needs related to gastrointestinal and metabolic health, locate and critically evaluate pharmacologic, nutritional, and scientific resources, and apply evidence-based strategies to foster continuous improvement, resilience, and professional growth within the discipline.