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TRAINING PROGRAM IN PHYSIOLOGY

The Department of Physiology of the Tulane University School of Medicine has a major mission prepare graduate students for a career of teaching and research in medical physiology and related areas. We consider it vital that we contribute to the continuing supply of personnel disciplined in the unique demands of contemporary medical education and research in the life sciences.

Our goals are to develop scientist-teachers who are prepared to conduct independent, original research and to participate in the design and delivery of instruction in physiology specifically relevant to medical education. Our approach to achieving this goal involves:

1. selection of students with a wide range of backgrounds/interests,
   
2. provision of appropriate coursework in fundamental as well as pathophysiology,
   
3. careful attention to academic and research standards,
   
4. regular and frequent interaction of the graduate and medical student populations, and
   
5. provision of stimulating leadership by faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and research.

The primary effort of this program is directed toward training candidates for the doctorate in physiology. The department is also involved in training candidates for the M.S.-M.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. degrees. We believe that the latter phase of our program will significantly contribute to the elevation of academic and research standards in medicine. The goals of this program are:

1. to acquire a broad base of understanding of the principles of Physiology.
   
2. to develop the capacity to solve problems in physiology by logical experimentation.
   
3. to perfect habits of intellectual diligence and creativity.
   
4. to develop the area of oral and written scientific communication.
   
5. to gain experience in the teaching of Physiology.

Curriculum: Programs of Study

 
1. Program for the Ph.D.:
   
   The basic pattern of training in physiology conforms to the regulations of the Graduate School, with certain requirements superimposed by the department. The minimum requirements of the Graduate School include 48 hours of formal course work and a personal research program under individual faculty supervision, culminating in a dissertation.

   The program leading to the Ph.D. degree (see Appendix 1 and 2) is composed of both a "structured" and an "unstructured" portion. The "structured" portion consists of courses selected from the core curriculum in the basic medical sciences, augmented by courses designed specifically for graduate students. This portion of the program serves the dual functions of assuring an adequate understanding of medical training and providing fundamental instruction in physiology and related sciences. The "unstructured" portion consists of advanced graduate courses and research. It is designed to provide depth and sophistication of knowledge and technique in the area of individual interest to each student.

   lt should be emphasized that much of the training program is tailored to the individual interests and needs of each student. In particular, the time course for completion of the research program is not rigidly fixed and often requires somewhat more than the minimum four years often outlined. Nevertheless, it is beneficial for the student to aim for these target dates. Faculty evaluation of the student's progress is made at yearly intervals; necessary action, is taken at these times to correct any deficiencies and to re-evaluate the student's academic and research needs.

   During the first and second years of graduate training, the student should complete certain basic core courses (Appendix 2).

   To augment the basic curriculum a variety of medical electives and, advanced graduate courses is available throughout the entire training period. Again, selection of appropriate courses is made by the student, with approval of the major professor and faculty committee. Three advanced physiology electives are required for the Ph.D. program. The selection should be such as to provide breadth as well as depth of knowledge and experience.

   The research technique rotation encompassed in the course "Techniques in Physiology" consists of exposure of students to the research methodologies of three research laboratories in physiology and are often related to the student's major area of interest. This rotation is designed to provide increased breadth to the research abilities of students with previous research, or to introduce new researchers to basic concepts in research. Furthermore, this activity serves to introduce students to the departmental research activities as they begin to select a dissertation advisor. Usually four weeks will be spent in each of three laboratories during the course of the first year.

   The research seminar constitutes an important phase of the training program of this department. The seminar serves as a means of keeping abreast of current research. The parallel graduate student workshop provides an opportunity for the student to gain experience in preparing and presenting research reports. Each student is required to present at least one seminar during his first year of residence in this department and should present two seminars each year thereafter. The topic for presentation is selected by the student with the approval of the staff member in charge. Advanced students usually present the results of their own research program. The student is expected to master the subject thoroughly, to present it effectively and critically, and to be able to defend his presentation. Formal evaluation of the student's performance is made by all attending staff.

   It is essential to the realization of our goal that we provide the opportunity for our students to gain experience in teaching. Traditionally, such experience for graduate students has consisted largely of assisting in the medical student laboratory exercises and demonstrations. Advanced graduate students are encouraged to prepare and present lectures and to take part in tutorial sessions and group discussions in the courses offered by this department. Staff members evaluate the student's performance in these roles and offer advice and direction for improvement as needed.

2. Program for the M.S. :

   Only rarely does the department accept students as candidates for the M.S. degree alone. Programs of study leading to the conferral of this degree are provided for selected medical students seeking the M.D.-M.S. degree combination and occasionally for graduate students who have been conditionally accepted into our training program. This program differs from that leading to the Ph.D. degree only in a quantitative manner. The minimum requirement for formal coursework is reduced to 24 semester hours. Additionally, a less extensive individual research program leading to a thesis is required. There is no reduction in the required standards of academic and research achievement.

3. Other Training Programs:
   

   Providing graduate training and research electives for medical students and postgraduate training for postdoctoral fellows is considered to be a very important part of our program. We believe that this will be a productive source of future medical scientists. . Further, the presenile of these students and fellows offers an excellent opportunity for interaction of those in both clinical and research areas, with increased mutual understanding of the problems faced by each group. Such interaction should add substantially to the effectiveness of graduate students as medical educators in the future.