Medical Student Education

There has never been a more exciting time to study the brain and care for patients with neurologic diseases!

The greatest reward of teaching in medical school is the joy of sharing our interest and enthusiasm for neuroscience with intelligent, highly motivated students.  As classroom educators, our goal is to design a creative curriculum that engages students in active learning and directs them toward a lifelong path of self-directed learning.  As clinical teachers, we are committed to inspiring physicians in training to truly care for their patients, while applying for evidence-based, highest-quality medicine. It is extremely satisfying to witness the growth in our learners as they advance from knowledge to application and interpretation.

The foundation of Neurology is neuroscience and its implementation is strongly dependent on the bedside evaluation.  During your Neurology Clerkship, you will apply the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuropharmacology mastered in the Mind, Brain, and Behavior second-year neuroscience module.  

Your knowledge will allow you to interpret information obtained through a lens that is focused on the patient’s history and neurologic examination. You will practice interviewing and listening to patients to obtain details about their symptoms.  Based on the time of onset, duration of symptoms, the pattern of sensory complaints, distribution of weakness and description of any pain, you will formulate a hypothesis about the site of the lesion. Then, approaching the neurological exam like a master craftsman, you will use it to localize the lesion.

There’s really no secret to the exam, it’s a matter of being alert to asymmetry or other basic clues and then applying the findings to the patient’s complaints to solve the puzzle. Neurology is straightforward and makes sense. It’s fun because you can figure it out and feel confident.

While the goal for medical students is to master the major concepts of the core topics of General Neurology, students are exposed to a wide variety of subspecialization options in the field of Neurology.  Our Department includes faculty educators who subspecialize in clinical areas including:

Autonomic Disorders Neurocritical Care
Child Neurology Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy Neuromuscular Disorders
Headache Neuropsychology
Memory Disorders Sleep Medicine
Movement Disorders Stroke

Neurology is supported by leading-edge research and technology in imaging and diagnostic tests, improved treatments and supportive therapies.  It is a rapidly evolving specialty with almost daily advances. Neurologists are much in demand and will be needed in increasing numbers as the baby boomers age.  

Patients with headaches, weakness, seizures and other neurologic problems are commonly seen in every physician’s office. Whether you choose to enter this important field or not, the neurologic approach to a patient with neurologic symptoms is a valuable tool that will serve all physicians well.  We look forward to ensuring you have a strong neuroscience background and to helping you advance your skills in this important area of medicine.

Contact

Deborah Carver, M.D.

Director of Student Education, Neurology
Clerkship Director
Office: 210-450-0510
Email: carver@uthscsa.edu

Tammy Fowler

Academic Programs Coordinator
Neurology- Student Education
Office: 210-450-0502
Email: fowlert2@uthscsa.edu