CCU/Cardiology - CARD 542–A

Prerequisites:

Internal Medicine Clerkship

Location:

St. Agnes Hospital

Description and Goals:

The student works with the three (3) Medical Residents and a dedicated teaching cardiologist assigned to the Coronary Care System. The CCS Resident rotates every fourth night; is in charge of all resuscitations in the hospital; evaluates patients for possible admission to the CCU; manages the acute care in Phase I where a computerized arrhythmia monitor is available, and temporary pacemakers and Swan Ganz catheters are available. Later, students may become involved in the rehabilitation phase in which the patient is prepared for possible cardiac catheterization and/or for cardiac surgery. Non invasive cardiac testing is available such as Echocardiography, Holter monitoring, Vectorcardiography and Phonocardiography. The whole spectrum of the care of the patient with coronary artery disease is covered, as well as heart disease in general. The CCU also has a Chest Pain Emergency Room for the early entry of patients into the system early in the course of their myocardial infarction. The C.P.E.R. serves as an early intervention center for anginal patients as well as for the use of Angioplasty in the early stage of a myocardial infraction. Students may also have the opportunity to become involved in the in house exercise program for high risk patients as well as with the P.A.C.E. Program at the Catonsville Community College. Additionally there is a pacemaker clinic, Home Care Nursing for follow up of the patients with congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, etc. Students become involved in the CPR programs and can become involved with the Speakers Bureau whose main objective is to educate the community about the Early Warning Signs of a heart attack.

Number of Students:

3

Time of Year Available:

Academic weeks 1-48

Hours:

Monday through Friday - Yes
Evenings - Optional
Weekends - No
Call - No

Faculty Responsible:

William A. Valente, M.D., FACP
Chairman, Department of Medicine
(410) 368-3120
Fax: (410) 368-3525
wvalente@stagnes.org  

Administrative Contact:

Suzanne Hesmar
(410) 368-3120
shesmar@stagnes.org  

Additional Information:

Free parking is available. Lodging is provided for night rotations. Each student is provided with a book of meal tickets free of charge.

Last Revision: April 11, 2013