The GI module, also known as Welcome-to-the-organ-systems (the 10 days of Hematology prior to GI are just an extended Winter break), was the longest, most densely-packed module that I have experienced in the first 2 years. Some say it’s the worst of them all, not necessarily because its poorly taught, but because of the break-neck speed and massive volumes of intricate information contained within. The best strategy for this is to do some studying everyday to minimize how far behind you are because YOU WILL BE BEHIND, no matter what. For the class of 2010, the GI module included Genetics, Nutrition, GI Physiology, and the associated histology and pathologies of every organ from esophagus to anus.
Genetics (Dr. Erbe) – the material isn’t so bad, but Dr Erbe, who seems like a phenomenal physician and supremely intelligent man, isn’t a very good lecturer or test-question writer. He tends to lecture far beyond what it seems we should know. Nutrition (Drs. Brownie, Lee, Patel) – This section goes very quickly and covers a lot, which works for those who have studied it in college, but those with no background tend to really struggle here. Dr Brownie is very demanding, but it is because he is so passionate about your need to know this material. GI Physiology (Dr. Duffey) – Dr Duffey really simplifies the cell physiology and he makes it seem easy, but there is so much transport back and forth along the gut it can be quite easy to get it mixed up. Histology (Dr Dlugos) – All the organs have different functions, yet all the cells look quite similar on histology. Spend lots of time in the Histo labs looking at slides, and its best to study the function of the cells while doing the histology it helps you remember them. Pathology (many many people) – It seems like you are being taught by a new person every day, some better than others.
To succeed in this course you need to work at it pretty much every day because it’s very easy to fall so far behind, it won’t be possible to catch up before the many exams. Also, be sure to ask for help EARLY if you feel lost, especially in Nutrition. Don’t be intimidated by Dr. Brownie, many of your classmates will rattle off answers to his questions, but it’s because they already know the Kreb cycle reactions from their previous academic life.
