Physician Assistant (PAS)

PAS 520:  Integrative Patient Assessment Sem.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This course was designed to provide students with an opportunity to review and integrate learned clinical skills to perform a full physical exam. This course will require students to prepare by reviewing all aspects of the physical exam and practicing physical exam skills. During the simulated full annual physical exam, students will be expected to review labs and medications, review and update the patient’s history, perform a complete “annual exam,” adding additional elements as indicated by patient presentation, and complete documentation for the patient encounter.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 524:  Fundamentals of Anatomy.  (2.00 credit hours)  

This course is designed to provide an introduction of anatomy within a clinical context to assist in developing spatial relationship skills with an emphasis on important anatomical landmarks relevant to physical exam, diagnosis and development of disease, and in the anatomical relationships of structures to each other. The PA student will learn the skills needed to recognize normal anatomy, normal anatomical variation and disease states. Lectures, 3-D anatomy tables, and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 526:  Infectious Disease and Immunology.  (4.00 credit hours)  

This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of medical immunology and the principles of infectious diseases. After reviewing epidemiology, virulence and pathogenicity of selected organisms, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and general management of infectious disease states will be explored through lecture and case studies.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 528:  Clinical History.  (2.00 credit hours)  

This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to elicit, perform, and document the complete medical history and physical exam with use of proper techniques and accurate medical terminology. The course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and oral presentation skills. History-taking, physical examination, and documentation skills will be developed through lecture and structured small group laboratory exercises.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 529:  Dermatology.  (4.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about dermatologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 530:  Eye, ENT.  (5.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about ophthalmic and otorhinolaryngology disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 531A:  Evidence Based Practice A.  (2.00 credit hours)  

This course will focus on evidence-based practice methodology, to include the necessary skills to search and critically analyze the medical literature. Students will learn to analyze and interpret various types of clinical articles to develop proficiency in utilizing current, evidence-based medicine to answer clinical questions relative to diagnosis and therapy. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, structured faculty-led small group journal clubs and review sessions.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 531B:  Evidence Based Practice B.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This course will focus on evidence-based practice methodology, to include the necessary skills to search and critically analyze the medical literature. Students will learn to analyze and interpret various types of clinical articles to develop proficiency in utilizing current, evidence-based medicine to answer clinical questions relative to diagnosis and therapy. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, structured faculty-led small group journal clubs and review sessions.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 531C:  Evidence Based Practice C.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This course will focus on evidence-based practice methodology, to include the necessary skills to search and critically analyze the medical literature. Students will learn to analyze and interpret various types of clinical articles to develop proficiency in utilizing current, evidence-based medicine to answer clinical questions relative to diagnosis and therapy. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, structured faculty-led small group journal clubs and review sessions.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 532:  Pulmonology.  (5.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about pulmonary disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 533:  Cardiology.  (6.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about cardiac disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 534:  Hematology.  (4.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about hematologic disease and oncologic processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 535:  Nephrology.  (4.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about kidney disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 536:  Endocrinology.  (4.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about diabetes and other endocrinologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 537:  Men's Health.  (2.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about male genito-urinary disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 538:  Gastroenterology.  (5.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about gastroenterologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 539:  Orthopedics/Rheumatology.  (6.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about orthopedic and rheumatologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 540:  Neurology.  (6.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about neurologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 541:  Behavioral Health.  (2.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about behavioral health and psychiatric disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 542A:  Women's Health A.  (3.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about primary care obstetric and gynecologic disease processes, including normal and abnormal labor and delivery. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 542B:  Women's Health B.  (3.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about primary care obstetric and gynecologic disease processes, including normal and abnormal labor and delivery. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 543:  Pediatrics.  (5.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about pediatric health and disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 544:  Emergency Medicine.  (6.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about emergency medical conditions common to primary care and emergency medicine practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as relevant simulations for emergency medicine.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 545:  Surgery.  (3.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about surgical conditions common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course focuses on knowledge of surgical principles as well as comprehensive management of surgical patients from preoperative to postoperative stages of care. It consists of lectures, case studies, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 546:  Hospital Medicine.  (4.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about the hospital management of conditions common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 547:  Geriatrics.  (2.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about geriatric health and disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 550:  Introduction to PA Profession.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This course was designed to help prepare students for matriculation and includes self-study components. Students examine the role of the PA in the context of the healthcare system and discuss the historical path of the PA profession as well as PA organizations. Students also spend time with medical terminology and relevant medical science topics.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 551A:  Masters Capstone Project IA.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This is the first of three Masters Capstone Project courses and is an IP course that occurs in the Spring and Summer quarters. Each course focuses on a particular aspect of the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In small teams, teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to help mitigate the healthcareidentified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 551B:  Masters Capstone Project IB.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This is the first of three Masters Capstone Project courses and is an IP course that occurs in the Spring and Summer quarters. Each course focuses on a particular aspect of the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In small teams, teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to help mitigate the healthcare identified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 552A:  Obstetrics & Gynecology A.  (3.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about obstetric and gynecologic health and disease processes common to primary care, including normal and abnormal labor and delivery. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 552B:  Obstetrics & Gynecology B.  (3.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about obstetric and gynecologic health and disease processes common to primary care, including normal and abnormal labor and delivery. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 555:  Applied Physiology.  (2.00 credit hours)  

This course is designed to develop an understanding of physiologic concepts of disease as they pertain to each organ system. Lectures, case studies and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 556:  Pathophysiology.  (4.00 credit hours)  

This course is designed to introduce students to human pathology and pathophysiology of disease as they pertain to each organ system. The course has a strong emphasis on clinical context and relevance. Lectures, case studies, and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 557:  Male Genitourinary Health.  (2.00 credit hours)  

In-depth and integrated knowledge about male genito-urinary disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 609A:  Masters Capstone Project IIA.  (3.00 credit hours)  

This is the second of three Masters Capstone Project courses and is an IP course that occurs in the Fall and Winter quarters. Each course focuses on a particular aspect the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to mitigate the identified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 609B:  Masters Capstone Project IIB.  (3.00 credit hours)  

This is the second of three Masters Capstone Project courses and is an IP course that occurs in the Fall and Winter quarters. Each course focuses on a particular aspect the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to mitigate the identified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 610A:  Graduate Seminar IA.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This seminar occurs during the clinical phase and focuses on specific requirements for entering professional clinical practice. Professional practice topics include PA Scope of Practice in California, laws and licensure regulation, preparing for, acquiring and maintaining national certification, patient risk management, medical-legal issues and medical malpractice. Through guided discussion in lecture and small seminar settings, students explore and discuss requirements and competencies for the PA profession. Student clinical preparedness is also evaluated through (1) a formative comprehensive written examination, (2) a formative application of clinical knowledge and skills examination in the form of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

Prerequisite(s): Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission  
PAS 610B:  Graduate Seminar IB.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This seminar occurs during the clinical phase and focuses on specific requirements for entering professional clinical practice. Professional practice topics include PA Scope of Practice in California, laws and licensure regulation, preparing for, acquiring and maintaining national certification, patient risk management, medical-legal issues and medical malpractice. Through guided discussion in lecture and small seminar settings, students explore and discuss requirements and competencies for the PA profession. Student clinical preparedness is also evaluated through (1) a formative comprehensive written examination, (2) a formative application of clinical knowledge and skills examination in the form of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

Prerequisite(s): Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission  
PAS 611A:  Graduate Seminar IIA.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This seminar occurs during the clinical phase and focuses on professional practice topics, as well as ensures students have met all the requisite knowledge and professional criteria for graduation. Students undergo a comprehensive Summative Evaluation during this time to ensure they have acquired broad and specific clinical knowledge as well as to assess their ability to apply these skills during clinical encounters and demonstrate the required competencies for PA practice. The student is evaluated through (1) a comprehensive written examination, (2) an application of clinical knowledge and skills examination in the form of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

Prerequisite(s): Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission  
PAS 611B:  Graduate Seminar IIB.  (1.00 credit hours)  

This seminar occurs during the clinical phase and focuses on professional practice topics, as well as ensures students have met all the requisite knowledge and professional criteria for graduation. Students undergo a comprehensive Summative Evaluation during this time to ensure they have acquired broad and specific clinical knowledge as well as to assess their ability to apply these skills during clinical encounters and demonstrate the required competencies for PA practice. The student is evaluated through (1) a comprehensive written examination, (2) an application of clinical knowledge and skills examination in the form of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

Prerequisite(s): Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission  
PAS 612:  Clinical Preparatory.  (6.00 credit hours)  

This clinical course provides the PA student with a comprehensive review of the didactic phase of their PA education. Students engage in a number of activities designed to enhance their current clinical skills and didactic knowledge prior to beginning their clinical rotations. A combination of lectures, case studies, simulated patient encounters, labs and workshops, and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission  
PAS 613:  Masters Capstone Project III.  (0 credit hours)  

This is the last of three Masters Capstone Project courses spread across multiple quarters. This course typically occurs in the Spring quarter prior to graduation. Each of the 3 courses focus on a particular aspect of the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to mitigate the identified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies  
PAS 670:  Medical Clinical Services I.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 671:  Medical Clinical Services II.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 672:  Medical Clinical Service III.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 673:  Medical Clinical Services IV.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 674:  Medical Clinical Services V.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 675:  Medical Clinical ServicesVI.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 676:  Medical Clinical Services VII.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 677:  Medical Clinical Services VIII.  (6.00 credit hours)  

The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.

PAS 698:  Independent Study.  (5.00 credit hours)  

his course is designed to provide the student an opportunity to deepen their understanding of clinical medicine and its application to patient care. Learning will occur through a variety of modalities including recorded or live lecture, online learning modules, simulated and/or virtual patient encounters, practice questions, individual tutoring, and independent study. Emphasis will be placed on developing the student’s ability to effectively evaluate, diagnose, and manage clinical medicine conditions in patients of all ages. This course may include principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, genetic heritability, epidemiology, etiology, clinical history taking, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis (including diagnostic labs and procedures), therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis of disease.