Faculty: Brian A. Smith, M.D. - Course Director

Institution: Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Duration: 4 weeks

Course Offered: Throughout academic year

Number of Students: Maximum 1 per rotation

Students Report To: Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
4 West Classroom, 8:00 a.m.

This elective will provide clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic problems related to the respiratory system, including but not limited to disease processes such as pneumonia, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, and sleep related breathing disorders.  The student will learn the interpretation of arterial blood gases, pulmonary function studies and radiographic studies.  The student will perform inpatient and outpatient consultative services under the supervision of the pulmonary attending.  The student will participate in procedures such as thoracentesis, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and transthoracic needle biopsies.  Attendance at other internal medicine conferences, ICU rounds and Wednesday pulmonary conference is encouraged.