Honors Tracks

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.   

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.

Call for Applications HT Africa | a.y. 2024/25

*Students who attended an Honor Track during the 4^th year or are attending the Virgilio Program are welcome to apply for Africa Honor Track if matching the eligibility requirements.

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.   

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.

Call for Applications HT Africa – Nursing | a.y. 2024/25

For the academic year 2023-2024, Humanitas University offers its students the opportunity to apply for Africa Honor Track (hereinafter Africa HT).

The program will be held in cooperation with: Changes Onlus operating in the Medical Center St.Paul in Andasibe-Ampefy, Madagascar.

Purpose:

• Improving the curriculum vitae: in many countries the selection process for postgraduate programs begins with an initial evaluation of a young doctor’s curriculum vitae, therefore, making the acquisition of additional credits is a valuable asset in the selection process   

• Offering students the opportunity to make an experience in rural settings, acquiring knowledge on managing diversified cases correlated with the local prevalent epidemiology which involves rehabilitation procedures

• Offering students the opportunity to learn how adapting clinical and technical skills in a settings where a lower level health care equipment is available

• Raising awareness of social and ethical aspects of the medical profession in a different cultural frame

• Understanding the organization and work of healthcare facilities in the specific context

• Supporting students in making a more informed choice for developing a future career as medical doctor in the international organizations operating in rural areas with a lower level of clinical and technical resources

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

Call for Applications HT Africa – Physiotherapy | a.y. 2024/25

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. 

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.

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

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.

The track will be organised as follows:

• July-September (5^th year) in Intensive Care: 4 weeks, 6 hours/day per 5 days/week + 2 night-shifts
• July-September (4^th year) in ED (Emergency Department)–Emergency Medicine: 4 weeks, 6 hours/day per 5 days/week + 2 night-shifts

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 2^nd 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.

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)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

The track will be organised as follows:

• Intensive period #1: 3 weeks of medical practice in Infectious Disease Unit during the summer of the 4^th year for medical students and of the 5^th 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

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.

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

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.