Honors Tracks
Humanitas University offers the opportunity to acquire additional knowledge, skills, and competencies to interested and motivated students in an area of their choice by activating a program of Honors Tracks (HTs).
Discover the Honors Tracks
Purpose and Objectives
The choice of the tracks to be activated is based on the specialist medical areas (residencies and centers) of the University and the associated hospitals, as well as on topics of special relevance to global health issues, primary care and family medicine.
The Honor Tracks’ purpose is to support students in making a more informed choice of their residency school after graduation by helping them to understand their aptitude for a specific specialty area.
In activating the HTs, Humanitas University also takes into account the fact that access to postgraduate programs in many countries begins with an initial evaluation of the CV of the young doctor, therefore, making the acquisition of additional credits a valuable asset in the selection process.
Organization
HTs are organised differently according to the topic/area. They may include intensive periods from June to September or from January to February and/or activities during the first and second semester.
Depending on the track, the type of activities include seminars, simulation, outpatient activities, ward activities, operating room activities, multidisciplinary meetings, clinical case discussions, and journal clubs.
Each student selected for the HTACI will be assigned to a tutor for each intensive period for assistance and guidance during the activities.
The contact email for administrative issues is honorstracks@hunimed.eu.
Final Acknowledgements
HTs are designed to provide 10 CFU that are recorded in the student’s career in the diploma supplement. To obtain these extra credits, students of HTs need to pass a final exam related to the track and to complete all exams of the Degree programme in Medicine and Surgery or MEDTEC School.
Upon accomplishment of the Medicine and Surgery / MEDTEC School, the Honors track will be reported in the Diploma Supplement. Furthermore, the University will issue upon request:
- a recommendation letter signed by the coordinator of the track and by the Dean
- a specific Honors Track certificate
Honors Track Africa
Medicine and Surgery | MEDTEC School
The ranking list is now available
Purpose and Objectives
With this track, students can experience a medical training in a different context where it will be possible to learn to manage a variety of clinical and surgical cases. The student might be asked to scrub into surgeries or assist the local doctors and nurses with daily tasks to help care for those who are in need.
The student will also learn how to adapt clinical and technical skills in a setting where only a lower level of medical equipment is available.
This experience also allows to gain a deeper understanding of practising medicine in a different cultural frame, increasing communication and interpersonal skills.
Activities
Selected students will be required to attend preparatory training:
- Simulation training
- Humanitas Hospital attendance for gynecological training
- Lab Attendance and training
After the training, students can join one of our partners for a 4-week field experience.
| Partner Institutions | Shift | Places |
| Change Onlus – Madagascar | July 13th – August 5th | 2 |
| Change Onlus – Madagascar | August 5th – September 2nd | 2 |
| Mtendere Mission Hospital – Zambia | July 13th – August 5th | 3 |
| Mtendere Mission Hospital – Zambia | August 8th – September 4th | 3 |
| St. Gaspar Hospital – Tanzania | July 13th – August 5th | 4 |
| St. Gaspar Hospital – Tanzania | August 5th – September 2nd | 4 |
*Students who attended an Honor Track during the 4th year or are attending the Virgilio Program are welcome to apply for Africa Honor Track if matching the eligibility requirements.
Nursing
The Call for Applications is closed
Purpose and Objectives
With this track, students can experience a nursing training in a different context where it will be possible to learn to manage a variety of cases. Students will assist local doctors and nurses with daily tasks to help care for those who are in need.
Students will also learn how to adapt clinical and technical skills in a setting where only a lower level of medical equipment is available.
This experience also allows to gain a deeper understanding of being a nurse in a different cultural frame, increasing communication and interpersonal skills.
Activities
Selected students will be required to attend preparatory training. After the training, students can join one of our partners for a 4-week field experience.
| Partner Institutions | Shift | Places |
| Change Onlus – Madagascar | July 13th – August 5th | 1 |
| Change Onlus – Madagascar | August 5th – September 2nd | 1 |
| Mtendere Mission Hospital – Zambia | July 13th – August 5th | 1 |
| Mtendere Mission Hospital – Zambia | August 8th – September 4th | 1 |
| St. Gaspar Hospital – Tanzania | July 13th – August 5th | 2 |
| St. Gaspar Hospital – Tanzania | August 5th – September 2nd | 2 |
Physiotherapy
The Call for Applications is closed
Purpose and Objectives
With this track, students can experience a physiotherapy training in a different context where it will be possible to learn to manage a variety of cases. Students will assist local doctors and nurses with daily tasks to help care for those who are in need.
Students will also learn how to adapt clinical and technical skills in a setting where only a lower level of medical equipment is available.
This experience also allows to gain a deeper understanding of being a nurse in a different cultural frame, increasing communication and interpersonal skills.
Activities
Africa HT will imply the compulsory participation in the following activities:
- attendance of preparatory training (to be scheduled)
- a direct field experience of 4 weeks in one of the partners’ clinical facilities with the supervision of a tutor
| Partner Institutions | Shift | Places |
| Change Onlus – Madagascar | July 13th – August 5th | 1 |
| Change Onlus – Madagascar | August 5th – September 2nd | 1 |
| Mtendere Mission Hospital – Zambia | July 13th – August 5th | 1 |
| Mtendere Mission Hospital – Zambia | August 8th – September 4th | 1 |
| St. Gaspar Hospital – Tanzania | July 13th – August 5th | 2 |
| St. Gaspar Hospital – Tanzania | August 5th – September 2nd | 2 |
Honors Track in ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY (IMMUNOTRACK)
The knowledge acquired during the Honors Track in Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Immunotrack) is intended to allow the students to understand how the major allergic and immuno-rheumatological diseases are diagnosed and managed and to provide tools for continuous scientific update through the literature. The course should help the students understand their vocation towards the practice of allergy and clinical immunology.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 2 students and a maximum number of 4 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Intensive period #1: 2 weeks during the summer of the fourth year for medical students and of the fifth year for MEDTEC students (at the Allergy Unit and Rheumatology Unit)
- One monthly lecture/seminar on hot topics over the two semesters of the fifth year
- One bimonthly assignment for independent student work and subsequent evaluation during the two semesters of the fifth year
- Two activities at the Simulation Center during the two semesters of the fifth year
- Participation at two scientific events (one about Allergy, and one about Rheumatology) during the two semesters of the fifth year
- Intensive period #2: 2 weeks during the summer of the fifth year for medical students (at the Allergy Unit and Rheumatology Unit) and before graduation for MEDTEC students
Each year, the students must attend all proposed clinical activities, in-class lectures/seminars/journal clubs/scientific events, and simulation activities.
Activities
During the intensive periods, students will participate in Allergy and Clinical Immunology/Rheumatology activities:
- Outpatient clinics
- Seminars/Lectures
- Journal Clubs
- Scientific events
- Simulation
In total, the student is required to carry out a four-week clinical rotation at the Allergy and the Clinical Immunology/Rheumatology units made available by the University. During the clinical rotations, the student will be supervised by a tutor and will complete a weekly diary on a daily basis including reflections, questions, and take-home messages. At the end of this period the students will ensure that the diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinator of the track.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, the student will acquire the following knowledge:
- Diagnostic procedures and guidelines for allergic and clinical immunological/rheumatological diseases
- Phenotypic characterisation and treatment of main allergic and clinical immunological/rheumatological diseases
- Novel therapeutic approaches to allergic and clinical immunological/rheumatological diseases
- Principles of management of allergic and immunological/rheumatological emergencies
- Multidisciplinary approach to the main allergological and immunological/rheumatological diseases
- Principles of clinical trials participation in allergy, clinical immunology and rheumatology
- Principles of translational clinical and research in allergy, clinical immunology and rheumatology
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Write and critically revise scientific articles
- Identify the clinical features of the main allergic and clinical immunological/rheumatological diseases
- Understand and critically evaluate the phenotypic characterisation of the main allergic and clinical immunological/rheumatological diseases
- Perform and interpret the main diagnostic tests in allergy, clinical immunology and rheumatology
- Understand the process to decide the most suitable treatment (including biological and other innovative drugs) for each single patient affected by main allergic and clinical immunological/rheumatological diseases
- Actively collaborate in clinical trials
- Actively participate in clinical and translational research projects
- Write and critically revise scientific articles
Assessment
At the end of the first intensive period students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period, considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion, and critical interaction with physicians and scientists
- Knowledge acquired: discussion of clinical cases
Progression from the first intensive period to the rest of the track will be based on successfully passing the first evaluation.
Honors Track in EMERGENCY AND INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE
Knowledge acquired during the Honor Track in Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine (EICMe) is essential to reach an overview of emergency practice, understand the differences between the specialties of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, and to have a solid basis as possible future resident in both Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine. The course should help the students to understand their attitude for clinical emergencies management.
Students are required to have completed the scheduled 4th year exams and practical activities.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 4 students and a maximum number of 8 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- July-September (5th year) in Intensive Care: 4 weeks, 6 hours/day per 5 days/week + 2 night-shifts
- July-September (4th year) in ED (Emergency Department)–Emergency Medicine: 4 weeks, 6 hours/day per 5 days/week + 2 night-shifts
Activities
During each period students will be exposed to the ordinary ward clinical activities.
In addition, during the last four semester of their School of Medicine they will attend different lectures and more specific practical activities as follows:
- Students will be partially embedded into the induction program for Residents attending the 2nd year of the Intensive Care Medicine Residency program
- Students will be partially embedded into the induction program for Residents attending the 1st year of the Emergency Medicine Residency program
Emergency medicine procedures in the Simulation Centre, as follows:
- BLSD
- Mask ventilation
- Laryngeal mask positioning
- Radial artery positioning using the Seldinger technique
In total, the student is required to carry out a ten-week clinical rotation made available by the University. During the clinical rotations, the student will be supervised by a tutor and will be required to fill in a weekly diary on a daily basis including reflections, questions, and take-home messages.
At the end of this period students must ensure that the diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinator of the track.
Facilities
The EICMe Honor track will take place in the following Hospitals facilities:
- Hospital Gradenigo Torino
- Hospital Humanitas Rozzano
- Hospital Gavazzeni Bergamo
- Hospital Mater Domini Castellanza (VA)
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the track the student will acquire adequate knowledge about:
- Main features and organization of the ED – Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine wards (e.g., architectural, functional, etc.)
- Basic functioning of the most-frequently used equipment and devices in the aforementioned wards
- Clinical Protocols of critical patients followed in the aforementioned wards
- Principles of management of medical emergencies in the ED and in the Intensive Care Unit
Activities for application of knowledge and understanding
As far as the ED and Emergency Medicine are concerned, by the end of the track the student will be able to:
- Perform standalone readings of at least 5 normal and 11 pathological ECG, signed by the Tutor
- Perform standalone readings of 5 normal and 11 abnormal chest x-Ray, signed by the Tutor
- Obtain 10 standalone arterial sampling for blood gas evaluation, interpret results and clinical implications under the supervision of the Tutor
- The student will be fully acquainted with the risk management and procedures of the ED
As far as the Intensive Care Medicine is concerned, by the end of the track the student will be able to:
- Understand the different etiology and pathophysiology of various types of shock and prepare a case report to be discussed with the Tutor
- Address the non-invasive ventilation principles by following one cPAP and one NIV clinical case
- Take part in an inpatient emergency management
- Interpret the Early Warning Score (EWS) parameters
- Take part in an intubation manoeuvre and discuss intubation indications with the Tutor
- Take part in a central venous catheter (CVC) placement and be aware of the indication for CVC setting
- Obtain 10 standalone arterial sampling for blood gas evaluation, interpret results and clinical implications under the supervision of the Tutor
- Perform standalone readings of 1 normal and 3 abnormal chest CT scan, signed by the Tutor
- The student will be fully acquainted with the risk management, procedures and organization of the Intensive Care ward
Assessment
At the end of the track, the student will be evaluated on:
- Knowledge acquired: discussion of clinical cases
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion
Honors Track in GLOBAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
The Honors Track in Global and Occupational Health (GOH) aims to provide students with an overview of the global epidemiology, including occupational epidemiology, preventive options, public health policies for some of the major infectious and chronic non-communicable diseases that are the leading causes of death and disability in Italy and globally. Students will learn measures of disease burden applied at the individual and population levels, including cost of illness, years of life lost due to mortality, and health adjusted life years. The effects of social, environmental and occupational determinants of health are emphasized. Key methodological considerations for the execution or interpretation of studies of each disease will be highlighted. The Honors track will be entirely organized based on a case-based methodology, with the selection of global health cases which will be discussed with the instructors at the onset of the program.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 3 students and a maximum number of 6 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Workshop (2-hours in June) at the end of 4th Year course to meet the selected students, introduce the contents and structure of the HT.
- Intensive period of formal training focusing on case-based learning: 1 week (4 hours/day)
- Bimonthly lecture/seminar (2 hours) during the two semesters of the fifth year
- Monthly discussion on the progression of the work on the individual case chosen by the student
- Participation in one scientific event in the area of Global Health, Environmental Health, Occupational and Public Health during the two semesters of the fifth year. Namely the two suggested conferences will be: the European Public Health Annual Conference and the International Congress on Occupational Health
- Intensive period abroad: 3 weeks during the summer of the fifth year to be spent in one of the suggested academic institutions, including the Western University in London (Ontario, Canada), and affiliate Joint Clinical Research Centre in Kampala
Activities
During the intensive periods students will participate to the following activities:
- Case-based learning and student-led small team discussions (entire program)
- Workshop
- Intensive periods on site (1 week) and abroad (3 weeks)
- Seminars/Lectures
- Journal Clubs
- Scientific events
During this intensive program, the student will be supervised by a tutor and will complete a weekly diary including reflections, questions, and take-home messages.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will acquire the following set of skills and knowledge:
- Describe the epidemiological characteristics and relative impact of major infectious and chronic non-communicable diseases including the emerging occupational diseases, both nationally and globally and their relationship with the broader social and environmental context
- Explain approaches to the prevention and control of these diseases from a public health perspective, including health promotion programs both in community settings and workplace
- Identify methodological challenges associated with epidemiological studies of each condition
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Identify the clinical and public health relevance and application of global health cases, including the role of the environmental characteristics and occupational exposures to the potential field of specialization
- Writing a final thesis based on the selected case, which may include publication of scientific articles
Assessment
At the end of each semester students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion, and critical interaction with peers and instructors
- Knowledge acquired: discussion on cases and results of the independent student work
Honors Track in INFECTIOUS DISEASES and CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY – IDi-Me
Infectious diseases were the most common cause of death until the 20th century, when life expectancy strongly increased reflecting progress in controlling infectious diseases through antimicrobial drugs. Since their discovery, antibiotics have proven to be the most effective intervention in human medicine. Countless human lives have been saved by their broad availability. Sadly, the overuse and misuse of this precious resource have brought us to a global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. The importance of reducing overuse and misuse of antibiotics by promoting prudent use is one fundamental component of this solution – the concept of antimicrobial stewardship.
Knowledge acquired during the Honors Track in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (IDi-Me) is essential to gain an on-field preparation on infection diagnosis, antibiotic prescribing practices, understand the role of diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardships, and provide a solid bases for aspiring future residents in Clinical Microbiology or Infectious Diseases. The course should help the students to understand their aptitude for managing infective patients using innovative diagnostic tools and antimicrobial stewardship across different settings and patient populations, with a collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach that will guide them from principles to bedside, passing through the laboratory.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 2 students and a maximum number of 4 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Intensive period #1: 3 weeks of medical practice in Infectious Disease Unit during the summer of the 4th year for medical students and of the 5th year for MEDTEC students
- Intensive period #2: 2 weeks of laboratory practice during the winter break of the fifth year for medical students and of the sixth year for MEDTEC students
- One monthly lecture/seminar on hot topics over the two semesters of the fifth year for medical students and of the sixth year for MEDTEC students
- Participation at two scientific events during the two semesters of the fifth year for medical students and of the sixth year for MEDTEC students
- One assignment at the end of the Track (May)
- Each year, the students can attend various clinical activities, in-class lectures/seminars/journal clubs/scientific events, and simulation activities
Activities
During the intensive periods, students will participate in IDi-Me activities:
- Clinical activity in Infectious Disease Ward
- Clinical activity (consultancies) in different hospital wards
- Microbiology laboratory
- Outpatient clinics
- Seminars/Lectures
- Journal Clubs
- Scientific events
- Simulation
In total, the student is required to carry out a three-week clinical practice with Infectious Diseases specialists and a two-week laboratory practice in the Microbiology Laboratory. During the rotations and laboratory practice the student will be supervised by a tutor and will complete a weekly diary on a daily basis including reflections, questions, and take-home messages. At the end of this period the students will ensure that the diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinators of the track.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will acquire the following knowledge:
- Gold standard diagnostic approaches and treatment guidelines for infectious diseases, including their limitations
- Novel therapeutic approaches and protocols, including newly available drugs
- Current practice of antibiotic prescribing in both hospital and outpatient settings
- Laboratory assessment of bacterial drug resistance by both phenotypic and genotypic approaches
- Principles of management of hospital-acquired infections, including implant-associated infections (i.e. prosthetic joint infections, etc.) and infections in immune-compromised patients
- Principles of management of clinical emergencies (i.e. sepsis)
- Multidisciplinary approach to infection by multidrug resistant pathogens, with particular focus on fragile patients
- Principles of clinical trials participation in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Principles of translational clinical and research in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Identify the clinical features of the main infectious caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens
- Perform, understand and critically evaluate the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of drug resistance
- Understand the process to decide the most suitable treatment (including innovative drugs) or treatment protocol for each single patient, focusing on an optimized antibiotic prescribing practice
- Actively collaborate in clinical trials
- Actively participate in clinical and translational research projects
- Critically revise scientific articles
Assessment
At the end of the first intensive period students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion, and critical interaction with biologists, laboratory technicians, physicians and scientists
- Knowledge acquired: discussion of clinical cases
- Progression from the first intensive period to the rest of the track will be based on successfully passing the first evaluation
Honors Track in INTERNAL MEDICINE
This program introduces students interested in Internal Medicine or Internal Medicine subspecialities to educational opportunities and early clinical experiences. Core rotations during this Honors Track include inpatient general medical wards, inpatient subspecialty wards, emergency medicine, and medical consultation.
The purpose of this program is to introduce the students in the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems encountered in Internal Medicine. Clinical experiences are intended to assist the student’s transition from didactic to integrated clinical evaluation, decision-making, and management of patients with comorbidities and acute medical problems.
This Honors Track is activated with a maximum number of 8 students.
Organisation
The program includes 2 week-rotations in internal medicine medical wards and inpatient subspecialty wards for a total of 60h, including: clinical Cardiology ward (Heart Failure Unit), Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Nephrology, and Pulmonology. Journal Clubs and discussion of clinical cases will be organized.
The track will be organised as follows:
- Summer break IV-V anno (2 weeks: 60h) dates to be defined with the tutor
- Winter break V anno (1 week: 30h)
- Summer break V-VI anno (2 weeks: 60h)
- Winter VI anno (Emergency Room: 4 shifts)
- Journal club (2) e clinical cases (2)
- Multidisciplinary tumor board (total number: 3)
Activities
During the monthly activities students will be exposed to:
- Seminars
- Simulation
In total, the student is required to carry out a week traineeship made available by the University.
During the clinical rotations, the student will be supervised by a tutor and will be required to fill in a weekly diary daily including reflections, questions, and take-home messages.
At the end of this period the students must ensure that the diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinator of the track.
Assistance and guidance for students
Each student selected for the HTS will be entrusted to a tutor for each intensive period for assistance and guidance during the activities.
The contact email for administrative issues is honortracks@hunimed.eu.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will acquire the following knowledge: acquire certain technical and interpretation skills that are commonly employed in medical care. Students are required to participate in and observe procedures under adequate supervision.
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will be able to: record and interpret an EKG, interpret a chest X-ray, interpret a complete blood count Interpret common chemistry measurements, interpret results of a urinalysis, interpret arterial blood gas measurements, interpret serum electrolyte measurements.
Assessment
At the end of the first intensive period students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion)
- Knowledge acquired
Honors Track in ONCOLOGY
The purpose of the track is to provide students with and in-depth knowledge of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the most relevant solid tumors. The track also aims at helping students to discover their aptitude for oncology and related fields of interest.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 5 students and a maximum number of 12 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Intensive period one: 2 weeks during the summer of the fourth year
- One weekly activity along the two semesters of the fifth year.
- Intensive period two: 1 week during the winter of the fifth year
At the end of the track, students will have acquired 10 formative credits (10 CFU/ECTS) that will be certified on the Diploma Supplement.
Activities
During the intensive periods students will be exposed to different areas of the Cancer Center participating in the following type of activities:
- Seminars
- Clinical case discussions
- Multidisciplinary meetings
- Journal clubs
- Outpatient clinics
- In-patient clinics
- Simulation labs
During the 1st and 2nd semesters of the fifth year, students will be asked to participate in weekly 1-hour meetings/journal clubs. Students must attend at least 10 of these events.
During the HTO, students must fill in a daily diary of the activities including reflections, questions, and take-home messages. At the end of each intensive period the students must ensure that their diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinator of the honors track.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
- General overview of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy: illustrate the clinical approach to cancer patients, the importance of the multidisciplinary approach, and of personalized medicine
- Breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancer: the big killers. Describe the clinical presentation, radiological, pathological aspects, and treatment. Discuss clinical trials and published papers
- Difficult communication and conversations: discuss the importance of the psycho-oncologist in the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment and prognosis
- From theory to clinical practice: from basic clinical activities of the Cancer Center to advanced clinical activities, including discussion of complex cases, management of emergencies in oncology, and diagnostic/therapeutic procedures (e.g. biopsy, thoracentesis, paracentesis)
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Describe the pathognomonic signs and symptoms of the most relevant solid tumors, including breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer
- Produce a differential diagnosis according to identified signs and symptoms; choose the correct diagnostic imaging work-up and bioptic procedures in order to obtain the proper diagnosis
- Illustrate the main oncologic and radiotherapy treatments for each discussed tumor, from the mechanisms of action to the different therapeutic aims
- Learn how to communicate with an oncologic patient, with a particular focus on difficult situations including disease progression and poor prognosis
Assessment
At the end of the first and second intensive periods, students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion)
- Knowledge acquired: discussion of clinical cases
- Progression from the first intensive period to the rest of the track will be based on successfully passing the first evaluation
Honors Track in OPHTHALMOLOGY
The Honor Track in Ophthalmology aims to equip students with a strong foundation in clinical skills, research and professional leadership. It encourages a deep commitment to patient care, innovation and ethical practice, setting students on a path toward excellent in their future careers as ophthalmologists. Trough this selective and comprehensive program, students can build the competencies necessary to become impactful clinicians, researchers and advocates for eye health.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 2 students and a maximum number of 5 students.
Objectives
Enhance clinical proficiency
- Provide in depth exposure to advanced diagnostic techniques, medical and surgical management of ocular diseases, and patient-centered care
- Develop hands-on experience trough additional clinical rotation, shadowing and simulation labs
Foster research experience
- Support students in undertaking research projects, thereby enhancing their academic and research credentials
- Encourage original thinking and innovation in addressing current challenges in ophthalmology
Expand knowledge in subspecialties of ophthalmology
- Connect students with mentors and specialists in these areas to support tailored learning and career exploration
Prepare for competitive residency
- Trough clinical and academic training, ensure that students are well- prepared for ophthalmology residency programs, strengthening their applications with a robust portfolio of accomplishments
Encourage lifelong learning and curiosity
- Promote the importance of staying current with medical advancements, particularly in a field where technological progress rapidly influences and therapeutic options
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Intensive Period One: 2 weeks during the summer of the fourth year (last week of July, first week of August) – Vitreo-retinal diseases, Bergamo: July – August 2025
- Intensive Period Two: 2 weeks during the summer of the fourth year (last week of August, first week of September) – Vitreo-retinal diseases, Bergamo: August – September 2025
- Intensive Period Three: 1 week during the spring of the fifth year – Refractive and cataract surgery, Milano
Students will rotate through different ophthalmic subspecialties, attend in-class lectures, and participate in simulation activities each year. Subspecialties:
- Vitreo-retina
- Cataract surgery
- Refractive disorders
Moreover through the year students will be asked to attend and prepare:
- Monthly seminar series
- Grand rounds participation
- Guest speaker events
Students are expected to present one or two cases annually, focusing on diagnosis, treatment and clinical-decision making.
Activities
During the intensive periods, students will gain exposure to various areas of ophthalmology through activities such as:
- Observations in the operating room
- Clinical case discussions
- Simulation training
Over the course of the program, students will complete a five-week clinical rotation provided by the University. Areas covered will include:
- Cataract Surgery
- Retina
- Cornea
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students will gain an understanding of:
- Key components of the surgical theatre for ophthalmology, including microscope setup
- Common equipment and devices used in ophthalmic surgery and their basic functions
- Protocols for perioperative management of ophthalmic patients
- Risks associated with ophthalmic surgery (e.g., infection, laser safety)
- Basic principles of ophthalmic quality and medico-legal considerations
- Essential surgical skills within different ophthalmic subspecialties
- Management of common ocular emergencies, such as globe injuries and chemical burns
Application of knowledge and understanding
Upon course completion, students will be able to:
- Set up and maintain a sterile surgical field specific to ophthalmic procedures
- Perform basic ocular wound care
- Identify ophthalmic surgical instruments and select appropriate tools for common procedures
- Demonstrate basic maneuvers in minimally invasive ophthalmic surgeries, such as phacoemulsification and laser procedures
- Interpret standard imaging modalities used in ophthalmology, such as OCT and fundus photography
Assessment
Students will receive regular evaluations from mentors.
At the end of the first and second intensive periods, students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: including attendance and punctuality
- Knowledge Acquired: through discussions of clinical cases
At the end of the program a final presentation will be organized:
- Presentation of a capstone project – a detailed case study or their research findings, to a panel of faculty members
Progression in the track is contingent upon successfully passing the first evaluation.
Honors Track in ORTHOPAEDICS
Knowledge acquired during the Honors Track in Orthopaedics (HTO) is essential to reach an overview of orthopaedic practice, understand the differences among orthopaedic sub-specialties, offering solid bases to aspire to residency programs in any of these sub-specialties. The course should help the students to understand their aptitude for surgical practice and their main field of interest among different orthopaedic fields.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 6 students and a maximum number of 12 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Intensive period one: 2 weeks during the summer of the fourth year
- One monthly activity over the two semesters of the fifth year
- Intensive period two: 1 week during the winter of the fifth year
- Intensive period three: 2 weeks during the summer of the fifth year
Each year, the students must rotate in different orthopaedic sub-specialties, attend in-class lectures, attend simulation activities.
Activities
During the intensive periods, students will be exposed to the different surgical areas participating in the following type of activities:
- Operating theatre
- Seminars
- Clinical case discussions
- Simulation
In total, the student is required to carry out a five-week surgical clinical rotation made available by the University. Students will be exposed to the following surgical areas: Hip Surgery, Knee Surgery, Hand Surgery, Shoulder and Elbow surgery, Trauma Surgery.
During the clinical rotations, the student will be supervised by a tutor and will be required to fill in a weekly diary on a daily basis including reflections, questions, and take-home messages.
At the end of this period the students must ensure that the diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinator of the track.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students will acquire the following knowledge:
- Main features of the surgical theatre (open versus arthroscopic surgery set-up)
- Most-frequently used equipment and devices of the surgical theatre and of their basic functioning
- Protocols for the perioperative management of orthopaedic patients
- Risks of the surgical context (infection, physical, and chemical agents)
- Quality and medico-legal principles in orthopaedics
- Basic surgical skills in different orthopaedic sub-specializations
- Principles of management of basic traumas in an ER setting, including closed reduction and plaster positioning
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, the students will be able to:
- Prepare a sterile surgical field, including hand washing, dressing, and draping
- Perform surgical sutures and wound dressing
- Identify different surgical tools and choose the most adequate one for basic procedures
- Perform basic movements during a minimally invasive procedure (arthroscopy and, if available, robotic procedures)
- Perform some surgery-related invasive maneuvers, i.e. intra-articular injections, braces, plasters and simple wound sutures
- Interpret the commonest imaging modalities in orthopedic patients
Assessment
At the end of the first intensive period students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion)
- Knowledge Acquired: through discussions of clinical cases
Progression from the first intensive period to the rest of the track will be based on successfully passing the first evaluation.
Honors Track in PATHOLOGY
The Honors Track in Pathology is aimed to give students an overview of the multifaceted world of a Pathology Department transcending the boundaries of traditional coursework, offering an exploration of pathology from both clinical and research point of view. The student will understand how the pathologist integrate the disparate pieces of the puzzle – clinical information, macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular analyses – to render a meaningful pathological diagnosis for the patients. In addition, students will understand the opportunities of translational research starting from tissue samples. This Honor Track will provide a solid base for both future residents in Pathology and for students who want to approach any other specialty, being aware of the implications of a pathological report and of the key role of the pathologist in the multidisciplinary management of the patient.
This Honors Track is activated with a maximum number of 7 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Initial intensive period: 2 weeks during the summer of the fourth year
- One monthly activity over the two semesters of the fifth year
- Middle intensive period: 1 week during the winter of the fifth year
- Final intensive period: 2 weeks during the summer of the fifth year
Each year, the students must rotate in different subspecialties of Pathology, attend frontal lectures, attend autoptic activity and intraoperative examinations (frozen sections).
Activities
During the intensive periods students will be exposed to the different surgical areas participating in the following type of activities:
- Diagnostic activity with examination of glass/digital slides (histology and cytology)
- Macroscopical examination and autopsies
- Molecular pathology and laboratory of Precision Medicine
- Seminars and clinical cases discussion
- Participation to multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTB)
In total, the student is required to carry out a five-week rotation in the Pathology Dept. Students will be exposed to the following pathology subspecialties: breast pathology, endocrine pathology, uropathology, digestive pathology, ematopathology, liver pathology, pathology of soft tissues and bone, dermatopathology, pulmonary pathology, autoptic pathology, cytopathology. In addition, a rotation in the Precision Medicine lab will be available.
During the rotations, the student will be supervised by a tutor and will be required to fill in a weekly diary on a daily basis including reflections, questions, and take-home messages.
At the end of this period the students must ensure that the diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinator of the track.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will acquire the following knowledge:
- Knowing methods and technologies for pathological examination of specimens
- Being aware of the role of the pathologist in the MTB
- Learning the basic macroscopic and microscopic features of neoplastic and non-neoplastic disease
- Learning how to interpret a pathological report
- Understanding the indication of intraoperative examinations and autopsy
- Understanding the role of immunohistochemistry for diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic purposes
- Understanding the role of molecular
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Autonomously recognize basic histological patterns (normal Vs neoplastic; inflammatory infiltrate)
- Autonomously recognize macroscopic features of tumors
- Interpret clinico-pathological correlations at autopsy
- Concieve a clinico-pathological research study
Assessment
At the end of the first intensive period, students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion)
- Knowledge Acquired: through discussions of clinical cases
Progression from the first intensive period to the rest of the track will be based on successfully passing the first evaluation.
Honors Track in SURGERY
Knowledge acquired during the Honors Track in Surgery is essential to gain an overview of surgical practice, understand the differences among surgical specialties, and provide a solid bases for aspiring future residents in in any surgical specialty. The course should help the students to understand their
aptitude for surgical practice and the main field of interest among different surgical specialties.
This Honors Track is activated with a minimum number of 6 students and a maximum number of 12 students.
Organisation
The track will be organised as follows:
- Intensive period one: 2 weeks during the summer of the fourth year
- One monthly activity over the two semesters of the fifth year
- Intensive period two: 1 week during the winter of the fifth year
- Intensive period three: 2 weeks during the summer of the fifth year
Each year, the students must rotate in different surgical areas, attend frontal lectures, attend simulation activities.
Activities
During the intensive periods students will be exposed to the different surgical areas participating in the following type of activities:
- Operating theatre
- Seminars
- Clinical case discussions
- Simulation
In total, the student is required to carry out a five-week surgical clinical rotation made available by the University. Students will be exposed to the following surgical areas: General surgery, Cardiovascular surgery, Thoracic surgery, Urology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Neurosurgery.
During the clinical rotations, the student will be supervised by a tutor and will be required to fill in a weekly diary on a daily basis including reflections, questions, and take-home messages.
At the end of this period the students must ensure that the diary is signed by their tutor and delivered to the coordinator of the track.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will acquire the following knowledge:
- Main features of the surgical theatre (e.g., architectural, functional, etc.)
- Most-frequently used equipment and devices of the surgical theatre and of their basic functioning
- Protocols for the perioperative management of surgical patients
- Risks of the surgical context (infectious, physical, and chemical agents)
- Quality and medical-legal principles in surgery
- Basic surgical skills in different surgical specializations
- Principles of management of surgical emergencies
Application of knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Prepare a sterile surgical field, including hand washing, dressing, and draping
- Perform surgical sutures and wound dressing
- Identify different surgical tools and choose the most adequate one for basic procedures
- Perform basic movements during a minimally invasive procedure (laparoscopic and, if available,
robotic procedures) - Perform basic explorative ultrasound
- Perform some surgery-related invasive maneuvers, i.e., nasogastric tube and urinary catheter
positioning, and vascular accesses - Interpret the commonest imaging modalities in surgical patients
Assessment
At the end of the first intensive period, students will be evaluated on:
- Professionalism: overall professional behaviour during the period considering attendance, readiness, punctuality, diary completion)
- Knowledge Acquired: through discussions of clinical cases
Progression from the first intensive period to the rest of the track will be based on successfully passing the first evaluation.