Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
A Required, Combined Neurology-Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clerkship Addresses Clinical and Health Systems
Caitrin M Curtis1, James E Eubanks, Stephen C Charles
1From the Office of Medical Education, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (CMC, SCC, LEL); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (JEE); Department of Pathology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (PJB); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (KMH); Division of Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, North Carolina (MM); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (JWN).
Abstract:
This study evaluated the impact of a 4-wk mandatory neurology-physical medicine and rehabilitation advanced-core clerkship for fourth-year medical students. The combined clerkship encouraged an interdisciplinary and function-based approach to the management of common neurologic, musculoskeletal, and pain complaints. Seventy-three fourth-year medical students participated in the rotation over 1 yr. A survey assessing knowledge and skill set topics was conducted before and after the clerkship. Qualitative feedback regarding the rotation was provided by the students and analyzed. Significant gaps in knowledge and skill sets were identified before the clerkship and successfully addressed by combined teaching modalities. These data demonstrate that an integrated neurology-physical medicine and rehabilitation clerkship can improve students' confidence in multiple domains. Integrating physical medicine and rehabilitation into core clerkships at other medical schools may provide an avenue to address curriculum gaps.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
01:05Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the...