Multisystem disease and advanced clinical reasoning for standardized preceptors
Thank you for serving as a preceptor for our Transition to Clerkship!
Multisystem disease and advanced clinical reasoning introduction
Case-Based Learning (CBL) in the Transition to Clerkship will be different in several ways from what you have experienced up to this point. This page, combined with the orientation session, will alert you to the changes so that you can have the best experience possible.
Multisystem disease and advanced clinical reasoning overview
What is Multisystem disease and advanced clinical reasoning? A course between pre-clerkship and clerkship with specific design principles When is it? March 30–June 26, 2026 March 30–April 24: On-campus weeks will focus on Transition to Clerkship + high-yield board prep sessions (NEW) April 27–June 26: Dedicated study time and Step 1 High-yield board prep sessionsThe […]
Pterygopalatine fossa
Optional reading Moore, Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 9th ed., Pterygopalatine fossa section through The bottom line: Pterygopalatine fossa. The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a small, bilateral bony space immediately behind the maxilla. Shaped like an inverted teardrop, it is about the size of a thumbnail. Bony borders Anterior: Posterior surface of maxilla. Posterior: Anterior surface of […]
Root of the neck
Optional reading Moore, Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 9th ed., Deep structures of neck section through Nerves in root of neck. The root of the neck (base of the neck, cervicothoracic region) is important because it is the region of continuity between the neck and thorax, and the neck and upper limbs. It can be somewhat confusing […]
Additional resources and references
Additional resources Tulane. https://tmedweb.tulane.edu/pharmwiki/doku.php/intro_to_antiarrhythmics Kim, C.J. et al. Antiarrhythmic drugs and anaesthesia: part 1. mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias. BJA Education, Volume 23, Issue 1, 8–16. https://www.bjaed.org/article/S2058-5349(22)00141-X/fulltext Kim, C.J. et al. Antiarrhythmic drugs and anaesthesia. Part 2: pharmacotherapy. BJA Education, Volume 23, Issue 2, 52–60. https://www.bjaed.org/article/S2058-5349(22)00147-0/fulltext TikTok with helpful memory aids: https://www.tiktok.com/@medschoolbro/video/7235035002306579718?lang=en References Antiarrhythmic Drugs. In: Stringer JL. eds. Basic […]
Self-assessment questions
Source The following self-assessment questions were adapted from: Antiarrhythmic Drugs. In: Kruidering-Hall M, Katzung BG, Tuan R, Vanderah TW. eds. Katzung’s Pharmacology Examination & Board Review, 14th Edition. McGraw Hill; 2024. Accessed January 10, 2026. Question 1 of 5 A 54-year-old airline pilot is admitted to the emergency department with chest pain and a rapid heart rhythm. The ECG […]
Comparing antiarrhythmic drugs
Antiarrhythmic impact on action potentials Image credit: Amboss. Class I–IV antiarrhythmics (Singh Vaughan–Williams classification) Class Subclass / Drugs Primary Mechanism AP Phase Target ECG Effects Class I (Na⁺ channel blockers) IA: Quinidine, Procainamide, Disopyramide Moderate Na⁺ block + K⁺ block → ↓ conduction, ↑ refractory period Phase 0 (↓ slope), Phase 3(prolong via K⁺ block) ↑ QRS, ↑ QT IB: Lidocaine, Mexiletine […]
Additional antiarrhythmics
So far, this module has covered high-yield antiarrhythmic medications by historical Singh Vaughan-Williams classification. There are other antiarrhythmics of note that will be covered now. Adenosine Adenosine binds to A1 adenosine receptors in the AV node (Gi‑coupled). Gi inhibits adenylyl cyclase → ↓ cAMP → reduced L‑type Ca²⁺ channel activity. This leads to: Slowed AV nodal conduction Increased […]
Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs
Class IV antiarrhythmics: Calcium channel blockers Drugs Verapamil Diltiazem Question Class IV antiarrhythmics are calcium channel blockers. Drugs from which other antiarrhythmics classes also reduce or blunt calcium’s effects? Select all that apply. Rationale Class II (beta‑blockers) antiarrhythmics do notblock Ca²⁺ channels directly, but reduce calcium influx by decreasing cAMP‑mediated activation of L‑type Ca²⁺ Amiodarone, a Class III […]