Critical Care - Syllabus
Critical Care - Syllabus
Completion requirements
**Course Information**
* Course Title: Critical Care Medicine
* Course Code: MED 521
* Credit Hours: 3.0
* Prerequisites: Internal Medicine Residency Training or equivalent
* Instructor:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD, PhD
+ Email: [jsmith@medschool.edu](mailto:jsmith@medschool.edu)
+ Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 PM
**Course Description**
Critical Care Medicine is a comprehensive course designed to provide medical students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to manage critically ill patients in various settings. The course will cover the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of common critical care conditions, including sepsis, multiorgan failure, trauma, and cardiopulmonary arrest.
This course is intended for medical students who are preparing for the STEP3 exam or those interested in pursuing a career in critical care medicine. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case presentations, and problem-solving exercises, students will develop a deep understanding of the complex interactions between patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare systems.
The course is relevant to medical practice because it addresses the growing need for skilled critical care clinicians who can provide high-quality, patient-centered care in intensive care units (ICUs) and other critical care settings. By mastering critical care concepts and skills, students will be better equipped to evaluate and manage complex cases, make informed decisions, and improve patient outcomes.
**Learning Objectives**
* Understand the pathophysiology of common critical care conditions, including sepsis, multiorgan failure, trauma, and cardiopulmonary arrest (Bloom's Taxonomy: Understand)
* Apply critical thinking skills to diagnose and manage critically ill patients (Bloom's Taxonomy: Apply)
* Analyze the role of healthcare providers in shaping patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives (Bloom's Taxonomy: Analyze)
* Evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions, including pharmacotherapies, mechanical ventilation, and fluid management strategies (Bloom's Taxonomy: Evaluate)
Specific learning objectives:
1. Describe the pathophysiology of sepsis and multiorgan failure (LO 1.1)
2. Apply a systematic approach to diagnosing and managing critically ill patients (LO 1.2)
3. Identify and explain the benefits and limitations of different ventilatory strategies in ICU settings (LO 1.3)
4. Analyze the impact of healthcare provider behavior on patient outcomes, including communication, empathy, and cultural competence (LO 1.4)
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions for managing sepsis, including fluid management strategies and antimicrobial therapy (LO 1.5)
6. Apply knowledge of pharmacotherapies to manage critically ill patients, including analgesics, sedatives, and antibiotics (LO 1.6)
7. Describe the role of advanced life support skills in critical care medicine, including cardiorespiratory resuscitation and mechanical ventilation (LO 1.7)
8. Analyze the impact of quality improvement initiatives on patient outcomes and healthcare system performance (LO 1.8)
9. Evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies for managing critically ill patients with complex medical conditions, such as trauma and cardiopulmonary arrest (LO 1.9)
10. Apply knowledge of critical care medicine to make informed decisions in clinical practice settings (LO 1.10)
**Course Content Outline**
Week 1: Introduction to Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Overview of ICU admissions
+ Critical care team dynamics
+ Communication and teamwork strategies
* Estimated hours: 6-8 hours
Week 2: Sepsis and Multiorgan Failure
* Subtopics:
+ Pathophysiology and diagnosis
+ Management strategies, including fluid management and antimicrobial therapy
+ Quality improvement initiatives for sepsis prevention and treatment
* Estimated hours: 12-15 hours
Week 3: Trauma and Cardiorespiratory Arrest
* Subtopics:
+ Pathophysiology and diagnosis
+ Advanced life support skills, including cardiorespiratory resuscitation and mechanical ventilation
+ Strategies for managing critically ill patients with complex medical conditions
* Estimated hours: 12-15 hours
Week 4: Ventilatory Management in ICU Settings
* Subtopics:
+ Types of ventilatory strategies (mechanical, permissive, and spontaneous)
+ Ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention and management
+ Strategies for optimizing patient outcomes through ventilatory management
* Estimated hours: 8-10 hours
Week 5: Pharmacotherapies in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Analgesics and sedatives
+ Antibiotics and antimicrobial therapy
+ Other pharmacotherapies, including antiarrhythmic agents and anticoagulants
* Estimated hours: 8-10 hours
Week 6: Quality Improvement Initiatives in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Strategies for improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice
+ Tools and resources for quality improvement initiatives
+ Case studies of successful quality improvement projects
* Estimated hours: 6-8 hours
Week 7: Advanced Life Support Skills in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Cardiorespiratory resuscitation
+ Mechanical ventilation
+ Other advanced life support skills, including perfusion and cardiovascular management
* Estimated hours: 10-12 hours
Week 8: Case Studies in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Complex medical conditions, including sepsis, trauma, and cardiopulmonary arrest
+ Strategies for managing critically ill patients with complex medical conditions
+ Quality improvement initiatives for improving patient outcomes
* Estimated hours: 12-15 hours
Week 9: Review and Practice Exams
* Subtopics:
+ Review of critical care concepts and skills
+ Practice exams and case studies
* Estimated hours: 10-12 hours
Week 10: Final Exam and Course Wrap-Up
* Subtopics:
+ Comprehensive final exam
+ Course wrap-up and evaluation
* Estimated hours: 8-10 hours
**Required Readings & Resources**
Textbooks:
* "Critical Care Medicine" by Dr. Allen S. Lichtman, MD, PhD
* "Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" by Dr. John B. Aulick, MD, PhD
Journal Articles:
* "Sepsis: A Review of the Literature"
* "Trauma and Cardiorespiratory Arrest: A Systematic Review"
Online Resources:
* Critical Care Medicine Society (CCMS) website
* American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCCM) website
Reference Materials:
* "Critical Care Medicine" by Dr. Allen S. Lichtman, MD, PhD
* "Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" by Dr. John B. Aulick, MD, PhD
**Assessment & Grading**
Grading Breakdown:
* Exams: 40%
+ Midterm exam (Week 4): 15%
+ Final exam (Week 10): 25%
* Assignments: 20%
+ Case studies and practice exams (Weeks 5-9)
* Participation: 20%
+ Class attendance and engagement
+ Active participation in class discussions and activities
* Quizzes and exams: 20%
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: Below 60%
**Course Schedule**
Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Critical Care Medicine, Sepsis and Multiorgan Failure
Weeks 3-4: Trauma and Cardiorespiratory Arrest, Ventilatory Management in ICU Settings
Weeks 5-6: Pharmacotherapies in Critical Care Medicine, Quality Improvement Initiatives in Critical Care Medicine
Weeks 7-8: Advanced Life Support Skills in Critical Care Medicine, Case Studies in Critical Care Medicine
Weeks 9-10: Review and Practice Exams, Final Exam
Important Dates:
* Midterm exam (Week 4): Friday, March 12th
* Final exam (Week 10): Monday, April 26th
**Course Policies**
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any instances of academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment or exam.
Late Submission Policy:
Assignments and exams submitted after the deadline will incur a penalty of 10% per day.
Accommodations:
Students with disabilities or special needs should contact Dr. Jane Smith, MD, PhD, at [jsmith@medschool.edu](mailto:jsmith@medschool.edu) to discuss accommodations.
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge that they have read and understood the course syllabus and policies.
* Course Title: Critical Care Medicine
* Course Code: MED 521
* Credit Hours: 3.0
* Prerequisites: Internal Medicine Residency Training or equivalent
* Instructor:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD, PhD
+ Email: [jsmith@medschool.edu](mailto:jsmith@medschool.edu)
+ Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 PM
**Course Description**
Critical Care Medicine is a comprehensive course designed to provide medical students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to manage critically ill patients in various settings. The course will cover the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of common critical care conditions, including sepsis, multiorgan failure, trauma, and cardiopulmonary arrest.
This course is intended for medical students who are preparing for the STEP3 exam or those interested in pursuing a career in critical care medicine. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case presentations, and problem-solving exercises, students will develop a deep understanding of the complex interactions between patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare systems.
The course is relevant to medical practice because it addresses the growing need for skilled critical care clinicians who can provide high-quality, patient-centered care in intensive care units (ICUs) and other critical care settings. By mastering critical care concepts and skills, students will be better equipped to evaluate and manage complex cases, make informed decisions, and improve patient outcomes.
**Learning Objectives**
* Understand the pathophysiology of common critical care conditions, including sepsis, multiorgan failure, trauma, and cardiopulmonary arrest (Bloom's Taxonomy: Understand)
* Apply critical thinking skills to diagnose and manage critically ill patients (Bloom's Taxonomy: Apply)
* Analyze the role of healthcare providers in shaping patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives (Bloom's Taxonomy: Analyze)
* Evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions, including pharmacotherapies, mechanical ventilation, and fluid management strategies (Bloom's Taxonomy: Evaluate)
Specific learning objectives:
1. Describe the pathophysiology of sepsis and multiorgan failure (LO 1.1)
2. Apply a systematic approach to diagnosing and managing critically ill patients (LO 1.2)
3. Identify and explain the benefits and limitations of different ventilatory strategies in ICU settings (LO 1.3)
4. Analyze the impact of healthcare provider behavior on patient outcomes, including communication, empathy, and cultural competence (LO 1.4)
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions for managing sepsis, including fluid management strategies and antimicrobial therapy (LO 1.5)
6. Apply knowledge of pharmacotherapies to manage critically ill patients, including analgesics, sedatives, and antibiotics (LO 1.6)
7. Describe the role of advanced life support skills in critical care medicine, including cardiorespiratory resuscitation and mechanical ventilation (LO 1.7)
8. Analyze the impact of quality improvement initiatives on patient outcomes and healthcare system performance (LO 1.8)
9. Evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies for managing critically ill patients with complex medical conditions, such as trauma and cardiopulmonary arrest (LO 1.9)
10. Apply knowledge of critical care medicine to make informed decisions in clinical practice settings (LO 1.10)
**Course Content Outline**
Week 1: Introduction to Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Overview of ICU admissions
+ Critical care team dynamics
+ Communication and teamwork strategies
* Estimated hours: 6-8 hours
Week 2: Sepsis and Multiorgan Failure
* Subtopics:
+ Pathophysiology and diagnosis
+ Management strategies, including fluid management and antimicrobial therapy
+ Quality improvement initiatives for sepsis prevention and treatment
* Estimated hours: 12-15 hours
Week 3: Trauma and Cardiorespiratory Arrest
* Subtopics:
+ Pathophysiology and diagnosis
+ Advanced life support skills, including cardiorespiratory resuscitation and mechanical ventilation
+ Strategies for managing critically ill patients with complex medical conditions
* Estimated hours: 12-15 hours
Week 4: Ventilatory Management in ICU Settings
* Subtopics:
+ Types of ventilatory strategies (mechanical, permissive, and spontaneous)
+ Ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention and management
+ Strategies for optimizing patient outcomes through ventilatory management
* Estimated hours: 8-10 hours
Week 5: Pharmacotherapies in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Analgesics and sedatives
+ Antibiotics and antimicrobial therapy
+ Other pharmacotherapies, including antiarrhythmic agents and anticoagulants
* Estimated hours: 8-10 hours
Week 6: Quality Improvement Initiatives in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Strategies for improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice
+ Tools and resources for quality improvement initiatives
+ Case studies of successful quality improvement projects
* Estimated hours: 6-8 hours
Week 7: Advanced Life Support Skills in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Cardiorespiratory resuscitation
+ Mechanical ventilation
+ Other advanced life support skills, including perfusion and cardiovascular management
* Estimated hours: 10-12 hours
Week 8: Case Studies in Critical Care Medicine
* Subtopics:
+ Complex medical conditions, including sepsis, trauma, and cardiopulmonary arrest
+ Strategies for managing critically ill patients with complex medical conditions
+ Quality improvement initiatives for improving patient outcomes
* Estimated hours: 12-15 hours
Week 9: Review and Practice Exams
* Subtopics:
+ Review of critical care concepts and skills
+ Practice exams and case studies
* Estimated hours: 10-12 hours
Week 10: Final Exam and Course Wrap-Up
* Subtopics:
+ Comprehensive final exam
+ Course wrap-up and evaluation
* Estimated hours: 8-10 hours
**Required Readings & Resources**
Textbooks:
* "Critical Care Medicine" by Dr. Allen S. Lichtman, MD, PhD
* "Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" by Dr. John B. Aulick, MD, PhD
Journal Articles:
* "Sepsis: A Review of the Literature"
* "Trauma and Cardiorespiratory Arrest: A Systematic Review"
Online Resources:
* Critical Care Medicine Society (CCMS) website
* American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCCM) website
Reference Materials:
* "Critical Care Medicine" by Dr. Allen S. Lichtman, MD, PhD
* "Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" by Dr. John B. Aulick, MD, PhD
**Assessment & Grading**
Grading Breakdown:
* Exams: 40%
+ Midterm exam (Week 4): 15%
+ Final exam (Week 10): 25%
* Assignments: 20%
+ Case studies and practice exams (Weeks 5-9)
* Participation: 20%
+ Class attendance and engagement
+ Active participation in class discussions and activities
* Quizzes and exams: 20%
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: Below 60%
**Course Schedule**
Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Critical Care Medicine, Sepsis and Multiorgan Failure
Weeks 3-4: Trauma and Cardiorespiratory Arrest, Ventilatory Management in ICU Settings
Weeks 5-6: Pharmacotherapies in Critical Care Medicine, Quality Improvement Initiatives in Critical Care Medicine
Weeks 7-8: Advanced Life Support Skills in Critical Care Medicine, Case Studies in Critical Care Medicine
Weeks 9-10: Review and Practice Exams, Final Exam
Important Dates:
* Midterm exam (Week 4): Friday, March 12th
* Final exam (Week 10): Monday, April 26th
**Course Policies**
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any instances of academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment or exam.
Late Submission Policy:
Assignments and exams submitted after the deadline will incur a penalty of 10% per day.
Accommodations:
Students with disabilities or special needs should contact Dr. Jane Smith, MD, PhD, at [jsmith@medschool.edu](mailto:jsmith@medschool.edu) to discuss accommodations.
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge that they have read and understood the course syllabus and policies.
Last modified: Sunday, 9 November 2025, 5:47 PM