ACE: Cardiovascular Diagnostics

School of Medicine

This course will emphasize the development of skills in EKG interpretation and cardiovascular physical diagnosis. In addition, students will become familiar with the full spectrum of cardiovascular imaging modalities. The aim will be to appreciate their relative strengths and weaknesses as well as indications, techniques, and interpretation. The student will see patients in consultation with cardiology faculty at Vanderbilt and the Nashville VA Medical Center. Regular bedside physical diagnosis rounds will be held with senior Vanderbilt faculty. The student will also be instructed in the use of a heart sound simulator which has been demonstrated to improve diagnostic skills. There will be didactic sessions on EKG interpretation and cardiovascular imaging (including stress testing, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, coronary angiography, and cardiovascular MR). Finally, weekly conferences to attend include: Clinical Cardiology (2), Echocardiography, Nuclear Medicine, and Cardiology Grand Rounds.