Brent Williams, M.D.
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Email: bwilliam@umich.edu

The objectives of the Human Growth and Development sequence are as follows.

1. Understand normal growth and development across the lifespan
   • apply this knowledge in the approach to the patient
2. Demonstrate knowledge of ways to optimize function for independent living
   • nutrition
   • exercise
   • medications
3. Recognize and appreciate parallels at opposite ends of the life span with respect to:
   • physiology; impaired homeostasis and limitations in functional reserve
   • functional assessment
   • vulnerable populations; role of psychosocial support/caregivers
   • team care

In this one-week sequence, students are introduced to basic dimensions of normal human growth and development, and their application to patients throughout the life cycle. Emphasis is on describing normal physical, cognitive, sexual, and social development and the major forms of deviation from normal (e.g., failure to thrive, stunting, adolescent depression, and functional decline in aging patients). Through each of four major life phases, a main focus is on steps physicians can take to help patients maintain wellness through nutrition and exercise. Introductory lectures in neonatal/perinatal development, school-age development, adolescence, and geriatrics are complemented by case-based small group sessions where concepts from the lecture are applied to cases in an interactive, lively environment. Students also complete a three-day personal nutrition and exercise log and report the advice they would give to themselves in writing, and complete a self-measurement exercise in a private, confidential session with a nutritionist in waist/hip ratio, body mass index, and estimate of total body fat. Pharmacology of aging, drug interactions, and adverse effects of medications are an additional major theme, with four hours of case-based lecture. The multidisciplinary conference is interactive, and centers on an older patient, his/her family, and the health professional team members who care for him/her. Each is present and provides his/her own perspective on team care followed by a question and answer period.