Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Internal Diseases (Haematology, Oncology, Pneumonology, Rheumatology)

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
ISK_246
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine; Internal medicine
ECTS
7.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Internal Diseases
Contacts

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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.

Individual work and tests

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

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Independent work

-
-

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.

2.

Case studies

-
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.

3.

Discussions during class

-
Test

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.

4.

Assessment of learning outcomes (presentation)

-
Test

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.

5.

Providing feedback

-
-

Providing constructive and meaningful feedback on the course by filling out the course evaluation form. The form is anonymous.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson

0.00% from total grade
Test

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.

2.

Assessment of learning outcomes for the lesson

-
Test

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.

3.

Assessment of learning outcomes during the lesson

-
Test

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.

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.

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.

6.

Final assessment

-
Test

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.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
1

Topics

Pneumo-L-1: Examination of patients in pneumonology
Description

Lecture remotely

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-1: Methods of objective examination and functional diagnosis of the organs of the respiratory system and pharmacology
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-2: Bronchial asthma - definition, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinic, diagnosis, treatment.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-3: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — definition, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinic, diagnosis, treatment.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-4: Endoscopic methods for the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Blood spitting – definition, classification, etiology, diagnosis and treatment.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-5: Respiratory failure - definition, classification, pathogenesis, clinic, diagnosis, treatment.
Description

The lesson is delivered in the MITC simulation center.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
1

Topics

Onko-L: Introduction to oncology.
Description

Lecture remotely

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Onko-N-1: Epidemiology of malignancies, risk factors, state-organised cancer screening.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

ONKO-N-2: basic principles for diagnosis and therapy of oncological diseases (breast cancer), prevention, biological principles. Clinical cases.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

ONKO-N-3: basic principles for diagnosis and therapy of oncological diseases (colorectal cancer), prevention, biological principles. Clinical cases.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

ONKO-N-4: Emergency conditions in oncology.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

ONKO-N-5: chronic pain syndrome in oncology.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
1

Topics

Reimo-L-1: Investigation of patients in rheumatology (remote lecture)
Description

Lecture remotely

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.50
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
1

Topics

Pneumo-L-2: Imaging in pneumonology.
Description

Lecture remotely

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-6: Imaging in pneumonology.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-7: Lower respiratory tract infections. Pneumonia: types, clinic, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, possible complications. Bronchiectatic disease.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-8: Pleural disease and effusion in the pleural space: mechanisms, evaluation, differential diagnosis, treatment. Pneumothorax: etiology, division, treatment tactics.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-9: Diffuse pulmonary parenchymal diseases.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

Pneumo-N-10: Acute situations in pneumonology.
Description

The lesson is delivered in the MITC simulation center.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
-
1

Topics

Hemato-L: Principles for the diagnosis of hematological diseases.
Description

Lecture remotely

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

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.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.50
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Klīniskā medicīna prof. A.Lejnieka redakcijā. Medicīnas Apgāds, 2010. (akceptējams izdevums)

2.

S.Lejniece. Klīniskā hematoloģija. Nacionālais Medicīnas Apgāds, 2020.

3.

DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 11th ed., 2019Suitable for English stream

4.

Harrison`s Rheumatology by Anthony S. Fauci, current edition

5.

Hematology: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 2nd ed. S.David Hudnall, Elsevier, 2024Suitable for English stream

6.

Hoffbrand's Essential Haematology. 8th ed. A.V.Hoffbrand, P.A.H.Moss. WileyBlackwell, 2020Suitable for English stream

7.

Jim Cassidy, Donald Bissett, Roy A. J. Spence, Miranda Payne. Oxford Handbook of Oncology. 5th ed., 2025Suitable for English stream

8.

R.Hoffman. Hematology, Elsevier, 2023Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Global Strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD, Pocket Guide (GOLD)Suitable for English stream

2.

Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of COPD, Full version (GOLD)Suitable for English stream

3.

Global strategy for asthma management and prevention (GINA)Suitable for English stream

4.

Pocket guide for asthma management and prevention (GINA)Suitable for English stream

5.

Principles of Pulmonary MedicineSuitable for English stream

6.

Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory MedicineSuitable for English stream

7.

Clinical Respiratory MedicineSuitable for English stream

8.

A.Rivkina. Plūsmas citometrijas metode hematoloģisko slimību diagnostikā. 2019. SIA “Medicīnas apgāds”, 72-89.

9.

J.Storoženko un autoru kolektīvs. Laboratoriskie izmeklējumi dažādu slimību diagnostikā, Medicīnas apgāds, 2024

10.

Klīnisko analīžu rokasgrāmata. E.Gulbja laboratorija. Izdevējs E.Gulbja laboratorija, 2018

11.

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

12.

Klīniskā onkoloģija. Autoru kolektīvs D.Baltiņas vadībā. Zvaigzne ABC, 1999

13.

TNM Classification of Malignant TumoursSuitable for English stream

14.

Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Rheumatology, 4th Edition (LANGE CURRENT Series) eBook: John Imboden, David Hellmann, John Stone. 2021

15.

Marc C. Hochberg, Rheumatology, current edition.

16.

Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, current Edition.

17.

Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology, current edition.

18.

Respiratory Examination - OSCE GuideSuitable for English stream

Other Information Sources

1.

ASH mājas lapa, vadlīnijasSuitable for English stream

2.

EHA mājas lapa, vadlīnijasSuitable for English stream

3.

Elpošanas sistēmas izmeklēšana/Examination of the respiratory system (AMBOSS materiāls)Suitable for English stream

4.

E-studijas - docētāju gatavotās videolekcijas par konkrēto tēmu./E-studies - video lectures prepared by lecturers on a specific topic.Suitable for English stream

5.

European society for medical oncology (ESMO)Suitable for English stream

6.

"Fundamentals of lung auscultation" ar auskultatīvajiem trokšņiem / "Fundamentals of lung auscultation" with auscultatory soundsSuitable for English stream

7.

Macleod's Clinical ExaminationSuitable for English stream

8.

MedscapeSuitable for English stream

9.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)Suitable for English stream

10.

UpToDateSuitable for English stream