Curriculum

This foundational course introduces key concepts in medical sciences, covering principles of pharmacology, genetics, cell and tissue biology, cell control systems, anatomy, and radiology. It also develops core clinical skills, including medical interviewing and early patient interactions. The course introduces students to the core concepts of medical ethics and social/structural determinants of health. Instructional methods vary and include large group didactic sessions, problem-based learning and other small group exercises, clinical preceptorships and patient presentations. Early patient exposure is emphasized. Assessment is conducted through weekly quizzes, evaluation of performance in small groups, and clinical skills assessments. The course is composed of several units, each dedicated to a specific foundational discipline or group of related disciplines. The course is delivered during the first half of the fall semester of the first year.

Course Directors: Dr. Kathleen Bubb and Dr. Michele Fuortes

Building on EPOM A, this course explores metabolism and nutrition, injury, infection, immunity and repair, and neoplasia, alongside continued instruction in anatomy, radiology, and clinical skills such as medical interviewing and diagnostic reasoning. Instructional methods vary and include large group didactic sessions, problem-based learning and other small group exercises, clinical preceptorships and patient presentations. Assessment is conducted through weekly quizzes, evaluation of performance in small groups, and clinical skills assessments.  The course is structured into several units, each dedicated to a specific foundational discipline or group of related disciplines. The course is delivered in the second half of the fall semester of the first year.

Course Directors: Dr. Kathleen Bubb and Dr. Michele Fuortes

This course aims to provide an understanding of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary systems.  It also develops core clinical skills, including focused history taking, physical examination and clinical reasoning. The course emphasizes scientific reasoning and biostatics. Instructional methods vary and include large group didactic sessions, clinical based learning exercises and other small group exercises, clinical preceptorships and patient presentations. Assessment is conducted through weekly quizzes, clinical reasoning exams, evaluation of performance in small groups, and clinical skills assessments. The course is structured into several units, each dedicated to a specific organ system. The course is delivered in the first half of the spring semester of the first year.

Course Directors: Dr. Lawrence Palmer
Co-Directors: Dr. Joshua Davis

This course aims to provide an understanding of the endocrine and reproductive systems. In addition, hematology and hematologic neoplasia are explored. It also develops core clinical skills, including focused history taking, physical examination and clinical reasoning. Instructional methods vary and include large group didactic sessions, various types of small group exercises, clinical preceptorships and patient presentations. Assessment is conducted through weekly quizzes, clinical reasoning exams, evaluation of performance in small groups, and clinical skills assessments. The course is structured into several units, each dedicated to a specific organ system. The course is delivered during the second half of the spring semester of the first year.

Course Directors: Dr. Lawrence Palmer
Co-Directors: Dr. Joshua Davis

This course aims to provide an understanding of the on the nervous system and behavior, and dermatology. The course also includes teaching about healthcare systems. Instructional methods include lectures, problem-based learning, case-based learning, flipped classrooms, longitudinal patient experiences, clinical skills workshops, office preceptorships, interactive sessions, and small-group discussions. Assessment is conducted through weekly quizzes, small group performance, and clinical skills assessments. The course is structured into several units, each dedicated to a specific organ system. The course is delivered during the first half of the fall semester of the second year.

Course Directors: Dr. Kristen Marks and Dr. Teresa Milner

This course continues to build on the integrated understanding of foundational medical sciences, focusing on rheumatology/musculoskeletal medicine, and infectious disease. The course also includes a transition to clerkships component. Instructional methods include lectures, case-based learning, flipped classrooms, longitudinal patient experiences, clinical skills workshops, office preceptorships, interactive sessions, and small-group discussions. Assessment is conducted through weekly quizzes, small group performance, and clinical skills assessments. The course is structured into several units, each dedicated to a specific organ system or discipline.  The course is delivered during the second half of the fall semester of the second year.

Course Directors: Dr. Kristen Marks and Dr. Teresa Milner

This clerkship provides students with hands-on experience in adult outpatient settings, emphasizing the management of chronic diseases, preventive care, and patient education. Students engage in direct patient care under supervision, participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, and attend clerkship teaching sessions. Assessment includes clinical performance evaluation, an NBME subject examination, tutor group evaluation and case writeups. The clerkship runs for four weeks.

Clerkship Director: Dr. Brian Eiss

This clerkship introduces students to the principles and practices of anesthesiology and critical care medicine. Key areas of focus include perioperative patient management, pain control, and the care of critically ill patients. Instructional methods comprise supervised clinical practice, simulation exercises, and didactic sessions. Assessment is based on clinical performance, online self-assessments and case writeups. The clerkship runs for two weeks.

Clerkship Director: Dr. Joe Bryan-Huppert
Co-Clerkship Director: Dr. Danielle McCullough

This clerkship immerses students in the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine, focusing on the initial evaluation, stabilization, and management of acute medical conditions. Students participate in patient care under supervision, attend emergency medicine conferences, and engage in simulation training. Assessment includes clinical evaluations, patient note review and online self-assessments. The clerkship runs for two weeks.

Clerkship Director: Dr. Mark Curato
Sub-I Director: Dr. Brian Wiener

This core clerkship immerses students in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of a broad spectrum of adult medical conditions, emphasizing critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Students participate in inpatient and outpatient care, interdisciplinary rounds, and case discussions while developing proficiency in history-taking, physical examination, and evidence-based decision-making. Instructional methods include supervised clinical practice, bedside teaching, didactic sessions, and case-based learning. Assessment includes clinical performance evaluation, an NBME subject examination, clinical reasoning evaluation and case writeups. The clerkship runs for eight weeks.

Clerkship Director: Dr. Bryan Leppert
Sub-I Director:  Dr. Anthony Ogedegbe

This clerkship offers students experience in diagnosing and managing neurological disorders. Key content areas include stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, and neuromuscular diseases. Instructional methods involve supervised clinical practice, neurology conferences, and case-based learning. Assessment includes clinical performance evaluation, an NBME subject examination, evidence-based medicine assignment, online assessments and a case writeups. The clerkship runs for four weeks. 

Clerkship Director: Dr. Rajiv Magge
Sub-I Director: Dr. Baxter Allen

This clerkship introduces students to women's health, focusing on prenatal care, labor and delivery, and gynecologic conditions. Students participate in patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings, attend surgeries, and engage in seminars. Assessment includes clinical performance evaluation, an NBME subject examination, tutor group evaluation and an oral presentation. The clerkship runs for four weeks. 

Clerkship Director: Dr. Lona Prasad

The Pediatrics Clerkship provides experience in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Major areas of content include growth and development, common pediatric illnesses, and preventive care. Instructional methods encompass supervised clinical practice, pediatric rounds, and case-based discussions. Assessment includes clinical performance evaluation, an NBME subject examination, tutor group evaluation and an evidence-based medicine assignment. The clerkship runs for six weeks. 

Clerkship Director: Dr. Thanakorn Jirasevijinda
Sub-I Director: Dr. Brooke Spector

This clerkship immerses students in the assessment and management of psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Students engage in patient interviews, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment planning in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Instructional methods include supervised clinical practice, case conferences, and didactic sessions. Assessment includes clinical performance evaluation, an NBME subject examination, tutor group evaluation, an oral examination and case writeups. The clerkship runs for four weeks. 

Clerkship Director: Dr. Susan Samuels

This dedicated study period is designed to prepare students for the USMLE Step 1 examination. The block focuses on student self-review of foundational medical sciences, integrating knowledge across disciplines, and developing test-taking strategies. Instructional methods may include self-directed study, guided advising by the course director, and practice examinations. Assessment is through performance of practice tests and the USMLE Step 1 exam itself. The study block runs for four weeks. 

Course Director: Dr. Christopher Reisig

The Surgery Clerkship provides students with hands-on experience in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative care of surgical patients. Key areas of focus include general surgery, subspecialty surgeries, and trauma care. Students participate in surgical procedures, rounds, and conferences. Instructional methods encompass supervised clinical practice, simulation training, and didactic lectures. Assessment includes an NBME subject examination, clinical evaluations, an oral examination/presentation and case writeups. The clerkship runs for eight weeks. 

Clerkship Director: Dr. Demetri Merianos
Sub-I Director: Dr. Lea Lowenfeld

This dedicated study period is designed to prepare students for the USMLE Step 2 CK examination. The block focuses on student self-review of clinical medical sciences, integrating knowledge across disciplines, and developing test-taking strategies. Instructional methods may include self-directed study, guided advising by the course director, and practice examinations. Assessment is through performance of practice tests and the USMLE Step 2 CK exam itself. The study block runs for four weeks.

Course Director: Dr. Christopher Reisig

This course delves into complex ethical issues encountered in medical practice, emphasizing respect for patient autonomy and decision-making. Topics include end-of-life care, informed consent, and resource allocation. Instructional methods involve case-based discussions, seminars, and reflective writing. Assessment includes participation in discussions, written assignments, and presentations. The course is conducted over several sessions during the spring semester of the third year.

Course Director: Dr. Barrie Huberman

The AoC program requires students to pursue in-depth study in a specific area of interest within medicine, such as global health, research, or medical education. Students engage in a mentored project tailored to their chosen concentration. Assessment is based on project completion, presentations and a scholarly project. Students begin exploring areas of interest during phase 1, decide on a project during phase 2 and complete the project during phase 3. The coursework is divided into a four-month block (Block 1) during the spring semester of the third year and a two-month block (Block 2) during the fourth year.

Course Director: Dr. Philip Katz

This course introduces students to the principles of health policy, including healthcare systems, structural determinants of health, policy development, and the impact of policy on patient care. Instructional methods include lectures, policy analysis workshops, and discussions with policymakers. Assessment involves policy briefs, participation in debates, and written examinations. The course is two weeks long and offered in the fourth year. 

Course Director: Dr. Nathaniel Hupert

The Translational Science course aims to bridge the gap between basic scientific research and clinical application. Students learn how advances in foundational sciences translate into new treatments, diagnostic tests, and clinical approaches to human disease. Instructional methods include lectures, case studies, and research projects. Assessment is conducted through quizzes. The course is structured into several units, each dedicated to a specific aspect of translational science. The course is conducted over several sessions during the spring semester of the third year.

Course Director: Dr. Henry Murray

This course prepares final-year medical students for the transition to residency, focusing on advanced clinical skills, professional development, and practical knowledge. Topics include patient handoffs, medical documentation, and interprofessional collaboration. Instructional methods encompass simulation exercises, workshops, and seminars. Assessment includes practical evaluations, participation in simulations, and reflective writing. The course is conducted over two weeks, just prior to graduation. 

Director: Dr. Kevin Ching