Principles of Medicine

Full course description

During this course, students will gather basic knowledge on Anatomy, Physiology and Immunology where the interfaces are with regenerative medicine. Basic anatomical knowledge will be given on organs or anatomical structures, which are familiar to be able to heal/regenerate such as liver, fascia-tendon, bone, bone marrow, bowel and structures which are difficult to heal/regenerate such as heart, brain and cartilage. Basic physiological processes will be discussed like circulation, respiratory system, locomotor system, immune system and the digestive tract.

The emphasis will be on understanding of the physiological function of the body and its major organ systems targeted by principles like inflammation, regeneration and remodeling as described in the field of regenerative medicine. Therefore, the physiology of immunological processes, inflammation, foreign body response by both the innate and adaptive immune system to understand the limitations and complexity of regenerative medicine are included.

During the course the students will confront several patient cases where regenerative medicine is applied. During biweekly tutorials, students will elucidate the anatomical and physiological mechanisms involved in the cases where regenerative medicine is used in disease. In the tutorial group the students will discuss the problem described in the cases (7-step model). Students will formulate learning goals to be analyzed individually and to be presented in their next tutorial. Biweekly lectures will give more insights and background in the anatomy and physiology of the different organ systems. The use of regenerative medicine will be illustrated during these lectures, by examples of daily practice and from research. Practicals during this block will include anatomy lessons at the dissecting rooms and microscopy. Furthermore, students will visit the hospital for more interactive lectures to get some real-life experience with regenerative medicine.