Internal Medicine: A Problem Solving Approach with Dr Jill Maddison

• Introduction
• Timetable for Modules
• Content of Modules
• Reading List
• Technical Requirements for Online Study
• Register for this Course

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in the Internal Medicine: A Problem Solving Approach Distance Education Program.

The course topics will cover common clinical problems in small animal internal medicine. The emphasis will be on problem-solving and developing a rational, pathophysiologically-based approach to internal medicine. The Internal Medicine Distance Education program has been a very popular program since it began 13 years ago. This is due largely to the talented tutor who has prepared such a thorough program of study using a problem-solving approach. If you are interested in sitting the Examination in Medicine at the Australian College, then this is a wonderful preparation for you, as it covers all the major areas of interest and concern to the clinician. A number of students who have studied this course have gone on to achieve the Small Animal Medicine Chapter prize for the best exam paper. Assignments will consist of analysis of case studies provided by the tutor and clinical cases encountered in your own practice. The format for these reports will encourage problem-oriented thinking and logical assessment.

Key Benefits

By the end of this course you can expect to:

• broaden your knowledge base in small animal medicine
• gain a greater understanding and evaluation of diagnostic tests, enabling you to diagnose more accurately
• develop a clear and logical approach to difficult and complex cases
• improve your productivity through more expedient diagnoses
• improve the value of the service you provide to your clients
• gain confidence in your general approach to small animal medicine.

Methodology

• You will receive eight modules, delivered approximately monthly to your nominated address. These modules will contain most of the information required to complete the course. You may find it useful to consult the recommended reading list for any additional information that you require.
  
• Please note: All modules are sent to students via standard mail, or airmail when applicable. It is important for international students to be aware that the unsettled international climate means that mail can be held up for long periods of time at customs, or for other reasons. We can arrange to have material couriered to international students. If you would like further details on this option, please contact your course coordinator, Giselle Alegria on +61 2 9351 7979 or email: galegria@usyd.edu.au.
  
• You may also access and download the modules from the course home page on WebCT. Your login, password and clear instructions as how to proceed will be provided at the start of the course.
  
• The modules will contain notes, readings and other materials that you will work through. There will be regular assignments that must be completed and returned to the PGF by email. Your tutor will assess these assignments, provide valuable feedback and return them to you via email. There are no traditional examinations for this subject. It is mandatory that assignments are submitted via email and the majority of your interaction with the tutor will also be via email.
  
• It is anticipated that you will need to spend around 8-10 hours per week studying the course material. You must be able to dedicate this amount of time to get the most out of the program.
  
• There will be two live workshops held during the year in a location most suitable to all course participants. This will give you the opportunity to meet the tutor and other course participants and also to raise any questions that you have about the course content. These workshops are a valuable element of the course, however they are not compulsory.
  
• On completion of all eight modules, you will receive a certificate of completion from the Post Graduate Foundation that recognises your achievement.
  
• As a Member of the PGF you can access the key animal health databases, CAB Abstracts and MEDLINE, that may assist you throughout the year. Access is through the PGF website; www.pgf.edu.au. For further information about the databases, and to apply for a login and password to access them, please contact Rhondda Hollis on +61 2 9351 7979 or email r.hollis@usyd.edu.au.
  
• If, at any stage during the program, you have any difficulties or enquiries the Distance Education team are available to assist you Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30AM AND 4:30PM.

Timetable for Modules

Deadlines for Participant Modules

• Modules submitted by the due deadline will be assessed within two weeks unless participants are notified otherwise.
• Modules submitted within one month of the due deadline will be assessed within four weeks with the exception of modules 1 and 5 (see above). This is due to tutor travel commitments.
• Modules will not be assessed if submitted more than one month after the due deadline. Model answers will be supplied on request.
• Assessment of modules 3, 5 and 7 will involve self-assessment based on model answers.

Program Requirements for Participants:

1. Email
2. Word 97 or 2000 (not Word Perfect) - must be able to access 'track changes' tool - a demonstration will be given at the first workshop.
3. Assignments should be submitted as one file (not several separate files for each part of the assignment)
4. Include your name and email address at the top of every assignment
5. Macintosh users should save their files in rich test format (rtf)
6. Fax access
7. Always save your work and do not delete it even after it has been sent.
8. Wherever possible your assignments will be marked within two weeks of submission, occasionally in busy periods, within four weeks. If you have not received your marked assignment back within four weeks of submission please contact the PGF to ensure it was received - occasionally emails get lost (who knows where?)

Recommended Reading

Textbook (Essential)
Small Animal Internal Medicine (Eds. Nelson and Couto), 2nd OR 3rd Edition

Recommended Reference Sources
Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine - 5th Edition (Ed. Ettinger)

Current Veterinary Therapy XI, XII, XIII (Ed. Kirk RW and/or Bonagura J)

Small Animal Clinical Pharmacology (Eds. Maddison JE, Page SW and Church DB)

Recommended Journals (not essential but useful if have access to them)
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association

Journal of Small Animal Practice

Australian Veterinary Practitioner

Technical requirements for online study WebCT is a software program developed in Canada which provides a platform and a set of web course teaching tools for online learning. As an introduction to the online learning environment The Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science is using this platform to give you access to your course online. This medium will allow you to access your course and participate in online discussions with other participants and your tutor via a computer, a modem and a web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer.

To optimise your use of WebCT for online learning we recommend the following specifications: http://www.pgf.edu.au/disted/index.cfm#technical

• Read your Online Course Requirements?
  
  
• Read the General Information page?
  
  
• Read the How Much Does it Cost page?
  
  
• Become an Associate Member of the Post Graduate Foundation?