Courses Internal Medicine Department

Endocrinology

The course in "ENDOCRINOLOGY" is compulsory for the studying at later years of study (senior courses) at the IHSM (6th semester, 3 year) and is one of the most important sections of internal diseases. In the initial training courses at the IHSM students received the necessary basic knowledge, namely, they took courses in anatomy and pathological anatomy, physiology and pathological physiology, pharmacology, propaedeutic therapy, the basics of medical communication and deontology. The possession of this knowledge allows to master clinical disciplines. One of the main and complex sections of internal diseases is endocrinology. Diseases of the endocrine system are one of the main causes of death among adults. Diabetes mellitus remains the main problem of modern medicine, leading to early disability and death of patients. Therefore, primary prevention, timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of the most common endocrine diseases is the main task of a general practitioner, therapist, and endocrinologist.

As part of this course, students gain knowledge and practical skills in the diagnostics, treatment and prevention of the most common diseases of the endocrine system, namely diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, adrenal diseases, neuroendocrine diseases, parathyroid gland pathologies. Particular attention will be paid to manageable risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus, primary and secondary prevention of early complications of this disease.

During practical classes, the student will acquire the skills of an algorithm for establishing a clinical diagnosis and treatment. The first stage is the establishment of an initial diagnosis on the basis of complaints, medical history, objective examination and drawing up of an examination plan. Based on the initial diagnosis and data from additional studies, conduct a differential diagnosis and establish a clinical diagnosis (stage 2) and prescribe treatment (stage 3). The course "endocrinology" includes in-depth knowledge of private pathologies of the endocrine system, modern knowledge of etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology and traditional and latest diagnostic and treatment methods. The student obtains the necessary knowledge in order to interpret additional diagnostic methods: assessment of hormonal levels, functional stress tests, self-monitoring skills for diabetes, scintigraphy for thyroid diseases. Knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis of endocrine gland diseases and especially the course of the disease in an individual allows for comprehensive treatment.

The student will acquire the ability to carry out etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy.

Particular attention will be paid to international guidelines for the treatment of diabetes, Graves disease, as well as for the rational and safe conduct of pharmacotherapy. The choice of personal drugs (P-drugs) for each patient requires in-depth knowledge of the clinical pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of sugar-lowering drugs, insulins, thyreostatics, hormone replacement therapy. Students gain knowledge about the possibilities of therapeutic and surgical treatments for these diseases. Knowledge of the nature of certain pathologies of the endocrine system are the basis of primary and secondary prevention of these diseases.

  • Total labor input: 4 credits (72 hours)
  • Classroom sessions: 40 hours
  • Student's independent work: 32 hours
  • Semester 6
  • Final control: exam