First- and second-year lectures

During their first year of training, Washington University medical students attend a lecture on mineral homeostasis. In their second year, students are exposed to disorders of bone and mineral metabolism as part of the endocrine pathophysiology course.

Fourth-year elective rotation

A fourth-year elective rotation is also available for medical students interested in bone health (M25 847 / Bone and Mineral Diseases).  The course is designed to acquaint the student with the clinical, radiological and pathological manifestations and treatment of disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease of bone, hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, and more rare disorders of bone development and homeostasis.

The student will rotate through the clinics of the Bone Health Program, and see patients at the Center for Advanced Medicine, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, and Center for Advanced Medicine South under the guidance of Division faculty, Drs. Civitelli, Diemer, Jachna, Yalla, Mohseni and Gottesman. The student will also learn the principles and best use of bone densitometry in clinical practice and participate in the histological assessment of bone biopsies (tutored by Dr. Veis), based on case availability.  Medical students will present interesting cases, or a pertinent topic related to bone metabolism at the Metabolic Bone Disease Case Conference.

Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Naga Yalla by email at nagamyalla@wustl.edu at least two weeks before the elective, or for any further information.  Visiting students from other institutions are also welcome to this elective.  All interested students should inquire with the Curriculum Office at wusmelectives@wustl.edu, and apply through VSAS, which is required for obtaining credit.

Other Specialty Fellows

Trainees enrolled in the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Fellowship program rotate through the Bone Health Program clinics as part of their training curriculum. On an availability basis, Rheumatology and Geriatrics fellows can also rotate through our clinics.