Internal Diseases (Haematology, Oncology, Pneumonology, Rheumatology)
Study Course Implementer
Riga, Hipokrata Street 2
About Study Course
Objective
To obtain knowledge of haematological, oncological, pneumological and rheumatic diseases, which includes an understanding of their pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological diagnosis, differential diagnosis, possible complications, therapy, its safety and effectiveness.
To improve skills and competence to apply the acquired knowledge in work with the patient, creating a personalized care plan.
Integrate acquired knowledge, skills and competences in working with the public in the health aspect
Preliminary Knowledge
Anatomy, topographical anatomy, physiology and pathological physiology of organ systems. Knowledge of biology, biochemistry, epidemiology, microbiology, histology, genetics and immunology. Physical examination methods, radiological examination methods, functional examination methods, laboratory examination methods in the context of specific pathologies. Knowledge of the causes and causal relationships of changes in the findings of examination methods. Pharmacology of medicines used in haematology, oncology, pneumonology and rheumatology. Basic principles of medical communication.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describes epidemiology, main pathogenetical aspects and clinical symptoms of hematological, oncological, pneumological and rheumatic diseases.
Independent work • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
2.Describes typical laboratory and radiological findings in hematological, oncological, pneumological and rheumatic diseases.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Independent work
3.Lists the criteria for classification of haematological, oncological, pneumonological and rheumatic diseases or combinations of characteristic clinical symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings necessary for diagnosis and exclusion of differential diagnoses.
Independent work • Case studies • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
4.Formulates the diagnosis, activity or extent of the disease using the appropriate classification/nomenclature.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Independent work
5.Describes non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options for hematological, oncological, pneumological and rheumatic diseases, using internationally developed guidelines and recommendations.
Independent work • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
6.Lists the drugs used in the treatment of hematological, oncological, pneumological and rheumatic diseases and their safety aspects.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Discussions during class • Case studies • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Independent work
7.Lists the risk factors for haematological, oncological, pulmonary and rheumatic diseases and their prevention possibilities in the context of public health.
Independent work • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
Skills
1.Critically evaluates clinical symptoms, interprets the results of laboratory and radiological examinations and determines the diagnosis and differential diagnoses.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Independent work
2.Analyzes the activity of the disease, the structural damage and changes in functional capacity caused by the disease.
Independent work • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
3.Establishes a treatment plan for the diagnosed disease, as well as a plan for monitoring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Independent work
4.Explains the importance of the non-pharmacological approach to the prevention and treatment of the diagnosed disease.
Independent work • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
5.Educates the patient about the nature of the diagnosed disease, its manifestations, the aim of therapy (cure or remission), treatment options, consequences of non-treatment, monitoring of the safety of therapy, the importance of adherence to therapy in its effectiveness, having previously created a plan for the conversation.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Independent work
Competences
1.Rationally and purposefully develops a plan for examining the patient to establish a diagnosis, exclude differential diagnoses, assess the importance of comorbidities and their therapy, including by evaluating the benefits and risks of the procedures performed.
Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
2.Justifies the diagnosis in a structured and reasoned manner, excluding differential diagnoses.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies
3.Develops a personalized treatment plan for the diagnosed disease, assessing comorbidities, the medications used in their treatment, and a long-term plan for monitoring the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
Case studies • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson
4.Develops a personalized treatment plan for the diagnosed disease in the context of specific situations, such as planned or ongoing pregnancy, genetic predisposition, social aspects, etc.
Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies
5.Presents personal justified, structured opinion on the clinical case and discusses the clinical course, prognosis and therapeutic options of the disease, evaluating the benefit-risk ratio.
Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson • Case studies • Discussions during class • Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson • Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation)
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Independent work |
-
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-
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Independent work, preparing for classes, getting acquainted with the materials posted in e-studies, self-checking materials. Preparation for lectures and classes by getting acquainted with the appropriate materials posted in e-studies. Mandatory attendance at classes. |
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2.
Case studies |
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Test
|
|
Case analysis in the classroom or work with patients in the ward, taking a history, performing a physical examination, establishing a diagnostic pathway and developing a treatment plan, with subsequent discussion in the classroom. |
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3.
Discussions during class |
-
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Test
|
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Active, participation in discussions with well-reasoned and structured opinion during the classes, analyzing clinical cases. During the discussions, the students demonstrate knowledge of the topic (disease or diseases) of the class (know the definition of the disease, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, principles of diagnosis, drugs used in therapy, their contraindications and possible adverse side effects), the ability to integratethis knowledge by creating a diagnostic path, therapy and safety monitoring plan. |
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4.
Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation) |
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Test
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Oncology. Self-developed presentation by the student on the topics (analysis of a clinical case with an appropriate theoretical overview) prepared by the lecturer and its demonstration during the 4th and 5th lesson (the student chooses one of the topics offered, individual work, 10-15 min presentation). The independent work is assessed with pass/fail. The presentation must include: etiology, epidemiology, clinical picture, diagnosis, therapeutic tactics. Clarifying questions may be asked after the presentation and the topic is discussed. |
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5.
Providing feedback |
-
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-
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Providing constructive and meaningful feedback on the course by filling out the course evaluation form. The form is anonymous. |
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson |
0.00% from total grade
|
Test
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|
Haematology. An electronic test in the form of a multiple-choice test in e-studies on the topic of the relevant lesson. The test is passed if the result of the test is at least 75%. The test must be passed within the deadline specified in e-studies. |
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2.
Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson |
-
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Test
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Rheumatology. An electronic test in the form of a multiple-choice test in e-studies on the topic of the relevant lesson. The test is passed if the result of the test is at least 60%. All tests must be completed before the exam. |
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3.
Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson |
-
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Test
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Pneumonology. Active participation in the classes, which includes discussions, clinical case analysis on the topic of the class (orally or in written form). The activity is assessed with pass/fail. The student receives "pass" for the class if the student actively participates in the class, engages in discussions or evaluation of clinical cases. During discussions, students demonstrate knowledge of the topic of the class, i.e., a specific disease or diseases (know the definition of the disease, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, principles of diagnosis, drugs used in therapy, their contraindications for use and possible adverse side effects), the ability to integrate them, creating a diagnostic path, therapy and safety monitoring plan. |
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4.
Course overall evaluation |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Assessment of the course is obtained by 50% of active participation in the classes ("Assessment of learning outcomes during the class", "Assessment of learning outcomes on the topic of the class", "Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation)"). The classwork acceptance (pass) based on the type of assessment specified for the module - test or presentation or clinical case discussion) is converted into a percentage, which is then transformed into the corresponding grade. |
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5.
Exam |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Centralised electronic examination at the end of the study course in the e-studies. The examination consists of four clinical cases - one from each specialty (pneumonology, haematology, oncology, rheumatology). Each clinical case is in the form of multiple-choice test questions. The assessment obtained in the examination is the total assessment for all four clinical cases. The assessment of the examination is formed in accordance with the Learning Outcomes Assessment System. The exam grade accounts for 50% of the final grade. |
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6.
Final assessment |
-
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Test
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The final assessment of the study course is formed as the arithmetic mean of the assessment of learning outcomes during the classes and the exam assessment, without mathematically rounding the result up. The percentage value is converted into grades according to the Learning Outcomes Assessment System. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
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E-Studies platform
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1
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Topics
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Pneumo-L-1: Examination of patients in pneumonology
Description
Lecture remotely |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-1: Methods of objective examination and functional diagnosis of the organs of the respiratory system and pharmacology
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-2: Bronchial asthma - definition, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinic, diagnosis, treatment.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-3: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — definition, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinic, diagnosis, treatment.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-4: Endoscopic methods for the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Blood spitting – definition, classification, etiology, diagnosis and treatment.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-5: Respiratory failure - definition, classification, pathogenesis, clinic, diagnosis, treatment.
Description
The lesson is delivered in the MITC simulation center. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
1
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Topics
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Onko-L: Introduction to oncology.
Description
Lecture remotely |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Onko-N-1: Epidemiology of malignancies, risk factors, state-organised cancer screening.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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ONKO-N-2: basic principles for diagnosis and therapy of oncological diseases (breast cancer), prevention, biological principles. Clinical cases.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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ONKO-N-3: basic principles for diagnosis and therapy of oncological diseases (colorectal cancer), prevention, biological principles. Clinical cases.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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ONKO-N-4: Emergency conditions in oncology.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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ONKO-N-5: chronic pain syndrome in oncology.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
|
E-Studies platform
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1
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Topics
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Reimo-L-1: Investigation of patients in rheumatology (remote lecture)
Description
Lecture remotely |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Reimo-N-1: Rheumatoid arthritis (etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification criteria, clinic, diagnostics, assessment of disease activity, basic principles of therapy, differential diagnosis).
Osteoarthritis (etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinic, diagnosis, basic principles of therapy, differential diagnosis).
Clinical cases.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Reimo-N-2: Spondyloarthropathies: ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis (etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, calcification criteria, clinic, diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, basic principles of therapy, differential diagnosis).
Crystal-induced arthropathies: gout, pseudogout.
Clinical cases.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Reimo-N-3: Diffuse connective tissue diseases (I): aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification criteria, clinic, diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, basic principles of therapy, differential diagnosis.
a. Systemic lupus erythematosus.
b. Antiphospholipid syndrome.
c. Polymyositis/dermatomyositis
Clinical cases.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Raynaud's-N-4: Diffuse connective tissue diseases (II): aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification criteria, clinic, diagnostics, assessment of disease activity, basic principles of therapy, differential diagnosis.
a. Systemic sclerosis.
b. Sjögren's disease.
Clinical cases.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Reimo-N-5: Vasculitis - Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, polyarteritis nodosa, Henoch-Schonlein purpura: etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification, diagnostic criteria, clinic, diagnostics, activity assessment, therapy.
Clinical cases.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
|
E-Studies platform
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1
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Topics
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Pneumo-L-2: Imaging in pneumonology.
Description
Lecture remotely |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-6: Imaging in pneumonology.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-7: Lower respiratory tract infections. Pneumonia: types, clinic, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, possible complications. Bronchiectatic disease.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-8: Pleural disease and effusion in the pleural space: mechanisms, evaluation, differential diagnosis, treatment. Pneumothorax: etiology, division, treatment tactics.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-9: Diffuse pulmonary parenchymal diseases.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Pneumo-N-10: Acute situations in pneumonology.
Description
The lesson is delivered in the MITC simulation center. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
|
-
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1
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Topics
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Hemato-L: Principles for the diagnosis of hematological diseases.
Description
Lecture remotely |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Hemato-N-1: anaemia. Their causes, pathogenesis, symptoms and signs, laboratory tests for diagnosis of anaemia.
Description
Iron deficiency anaemia, its causes, symptoms and signs, laboratory and clinical diagnostics and differential diagnostics, treatment – principles for the prescription of oral and parenteral iron products. Anaemias, causes, symptoms and signs of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, laboratory and clinical diagnostics and differential diagnostics. Hemolytic anaemia – definition, causes, classification. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Hemato-N-2: The concept of leukaemia, their pathogenesis. Definition, causes, clinical picture, diagnostic and treatment principles of acute leukaemia. Chronic myeloproliferative leukaemia: chronic myeloid leukaemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, essential thrombocytemia – definition, pathogenesis, causes, symptoms and signs, changes in blood and bone marrow analyses, other examinations, stages of disease, principles of differential diagnosis and treatment, prognosis.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Hemato-N-3: Chronic lympholeukosis, definition, causes, pathogenesis, symptoms and signs, changes in blood tests and bone marrow, other examinations, complications, principles of differential diagnosis and treatment, prognosis.
Myeloma disease - definition, pathogenesis, causes, symptoms and signs, changes in blood and biochemical analyses, paraprotein diagnostics, complications, principles of differential diagnosis and treatment, prognosis.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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3
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Topics
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Hemato-N-4: Lymphomas: Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas – their definition, causes, pathogenesis, symptoms and syndromes, disease stages, changes in analyses, follow-up examinations (histology, CT, PET), differential diagnosis, treatment, prognosis.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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3
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Topics
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Hemato-N-5: Symptoms of bleeding-associated diseases and principles of their clinical expression, laboratory diagnosis and differential diagnostics. Haemophilia, definition, pathogenesis, causes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic and treatment principles. Vasopathies, their diagnostic principles. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura, causes, problems, diagnostics, treatment principles.
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Bibliography
Required Reading
Klīniskā medicīna prof. A.Lejnieka redakcijā. Medicīnas Apgāds, 2010. (akceptējams izdevums)
S.Lejniece. Klīniskā hematoloģija. Nacionālais Medicīnas Apgāds, 2020.
DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 11th ed., 2019Suitable for English stream
Harrison`s Rheumatology by Anthony S. Fauci, current edition
Hematology: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 2nd ed. S.David Hudnall, Elsevier, 2024Suitable for English stream
Hoffbrand's Essential Haematology. 8th ed. A.V.Hoffbrand, P.A.H.Moss. WileyBlackwell, 2020Suitable for English stream
Jim Cassidy, Donald Bissett, Roy A. J. Spence, Miranda Payne. Oxford Handbook of Oncology. 5th ed., 2025Suitable for English stream
R.Hoffman. Hematology, Elsevier, 2023Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
Global Strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD, Pocket Guide (GOLD)Suitable for English stream
Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of COPD, Full version (GOLD)Suitable for English stream
Clinical Respiratory MedicineSuitable for English stream
A.Rivkina. Plūsmas citometrijas metode hematoloģisko slimību diagnostikā. 2019. SIA “Medicīnas apgāds”, 72-89.
J.Storoženko un autoru kolektīvs. Laboratoriskie izmeklējumi dažādu slimību diagnostikā, Medicīnas apgāds, 2024
Klīnisko analīžu rokasgrāmata. E.Gulbja laboratorija. Izdevējs E.Gulbja laboratorija, 2018
Swerdlow S.H. et al The 2016 revision of the World Health Organization classification of lymphoid neoplasms. Blood, 2016, 127 (20):2375-2390Suitable for English stream
Klīniskā onkoloģija. Autoru kolektīvs D.Baltiņas vadībā. Zvaigzne ABC, 1999
TNM Classification of Malignant TumoursSuitable for English stream
Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Rheumatology, 4th Edition (LANGE CURRENT Series) eBook: John Imboden, David Hellmann, John Stone. 2021
Marc C. Hochberg, Rheumatology, current edition.
Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, current Edition.
Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology, current edition.
Other Information Sources
Elpošanas sistēmas izmeklēšana/Examination of the respiratory system (AMBOSS materiāls)Suitable for English stream
E-studijas - docētāju gatavotās videolekcijas par konkrēto tēmu./E-studies - video lectures prepared by lecturers on a specific topic.Suitable for English stream
"Fundamentals of lung auscultation" ar auskultatīvajiem trokšņiem / "Fundamentals of lung auscultation" with auscultatory soundsSuitable for English stream