Course Faculty
Student Limit of 12
Quantitative Medicine and Innovation in Physiologic Sciences (QUIPS)
QUIPS is one of the Discovery Pathways that is offered to first-year medical students. MD/PhD students are required to enroll in QUIPS, which they do during the regular enrollment for Discovery Pathways. A small number of additional quantitative/research-minded first-year MD students may be admitted, determined by an interest essay. Email your interest essay (1 to 2 paragraphs) to helen.moore@medicine.ufl.edu by Dec 6th, 2024.
QUIPS is organized into two themes: Quantitative Medicine (QU) and Innovation in Physiologic Sciences (IPS).
Quantitative Medicine (QU)
This section prepares students for the quantitative future of medicine. As new technologies are developed and refined, the amount and resolution of data and knowledge continue to increase. Data and knowledge can be integrated into mechanistic, mathematical models, called “systems models”. These models can be used to diagnose diseases, identify novel therapeutic targets, choose appropriate therapies, or optimize drug regimens. The training of physician-scientists requires understanding quantitative methods to contribute to advances in the field of medicine and provide the highest quality of care.
Students will receive instruction on basic concepts of systems modeling of diseases, and will hear from experts about systems models applied to various diseases. The focus of QU is on preparing students to be good collaborators for modelers on systems modeling projects, but they could try generating their own models during research rotations or summer projects if they wish.
Innovation in Physiologic Sciences (IPS)
These sessions focus on cutting-edge basic science as it pertains to physiology and medicine. Invited faculty members will present and guide discussion of their own state-of-the-art research in areas covered in the medical curriculum blocks. The goal is to have dynamic interactive sessions on the following topics:
Microbiology & Immunology
Cancer
Respiratory System
Cardiovascular System
Kidney & Urinary Tract
Dermatology & Musculoskeletal
Neuroscience
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Endocrinology & Reproduction
Hematology
Faculty Leaders
Helen Moore, PhD, Laboratory for Systems Medicine
Ali Zarrinpar, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery
Objectives
• Identify and understand the concept of systems models
• Describe the impact of various systems model approaches on understanding physiology and pathophysiology
• Compare and contrast systems models and machine learning models
• Analyze and critique systems models for multiple diseases
• Explain capabilities of systems models and the data/resources required to support them
Potential Activities
• Interactive presentations by experts in quantitative systems modeling and in major physiologic systems
• Summaries of a systems model from the medical literature
• Investigation of a setting that could benefit from a systems modeling approach
• Creating a small systems model diagram
Assessment
• Attendance at lectures and seminars
• Completion of all assignments on time
• Active participation in group discussions during the course
• Certificate of Distinction will be considered for students who complete above requirements AND one of the following:
o Conduct a research project on a clinical outcome (complete with critical evaluation of the statistical analysis), with acceptance for presentation at a national meeting or a manuscript submitted for publication
o Design a prospective clinical study to be implemented as part of the Clinical Practicum (including a statistical design and analysis plan)
o Create a novel systems model of a medically-relevant problem:
design a study to support the model, including types of data and statistical analysis that would be needed; accepted for presentation at a national meeting or in a manuscript submitted for publication
or, in collaboration with a quantitative modeler, analyze the model to determine the most influential pathways in the model; accepted for presentation at a national meeting or in a manuscript submitted for publication