I wish I'd had an online case-based, multimedia conceptual overview of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology when I went through medical school.
Truth gains more from the errors of those who think for themselves than from those who do not suffer themselves to think.
- John Stuart Mill
There is but a handful of medical disciplines in which understanding of basic physiology is critical to recognising the clinical manifestations of disease. Cardiology is a paramount example of such a symbiosis. This multimedia, interactive e-learning resource makes no apology for being less than all-inclusive. Rather, its major aim is to enable the learner to conceptualise an approach to the clinical diagnosis and management of cardiac patients based on sound principles of applied physiology. Contained herein are ten chapters – each offering a unique challenge to apply these principles in the setting of individual case scenarios covering a wide array of cardiac conditions.
The chapters should flow smoothly. Each begins with a brief story of the clinical presentation. A decision point is then reached - represented in the form of multiple options – directions, if you will, on how to proceed. Each of your responses, whether correct or not, is positively reinforced with feedback designed to illustrate how applied physiology facilitates the diagnosis and rationalises an approach to management - always mindful of the patient’s anticipated reaction, needs and preferences. Your clinical responsibility never wavers as your patient stumbles through a branching network of different circumstances, each posing a different set of options. The narrative is occasionally highlighted with animated images - a visual framework to help understand the mechanisms of disease processes and how they manifest clinically.
You should have fun.
Produced under the auspices of The Division of Cardiology, The Division of e-Learning Innovation, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University and The Population Health Research Institute Hamilton Health Sciences
This e-learning activity is a form of self-study using enduring materials (e-learning modules) as defined by the Maintenance of Proficiency (Mainpro+®) Program of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Self-study using e-learning modules is included under the Non-Certified Self-Learning credit category. Any non-certified activity is generally eligible for one non-certified credit per hour.
This e-learning activity is a form of self-study using enduring materials (e-learning modules) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Self-study using e-learning modules is included as an example of a Section 2 activity. Reviewing enduring materials is generally valued at 0.5 credit per topic. However, additional research/self-study using the e-learning can also be submitted as Personal Learning Projects (PLPs) where you will earn two (2) credits per hour.
We estimate that this activity should take 5 hours.