Class of 2017 Preclinical Studies
Blocks of Basic Science- First Year of Study
The first year of the pre-clinical curriculum is based on the building blocks of the basic sciences. Each Block is composed of inter-related disciplines. The curriculum focuses on normal structure and function, and it is primarily lecture- and laboratory-based with courses incorporating small-group interactive learning in the form of Case-Based Learning or “CBL.”
The Medicine, Person, Society and Doctoring (“MPSD”) course runs continuously through first and second years, and continues into the third Clerkship year. This course addresses the fundamentals of the doctor-patient relationship and includes instruction in Medical Interviewing. Important topics covered include Professionalism and Medical Ethics.
First Year: Building Blocks of Medical Science 2016-7 | # of Weeks |
Block 1: "Molecules to Cells": Biochemistry, Genetics, Early Embryology | 8 |
Block 2: "Cells to Tissues": Head & Neck Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Cell Biology & Cell Physiology | 8 |
Block 3: "Human Structure & Function": Gross Anatomy, Systems Embryology, Histology & Physiology | 11 |
Block 4: "Invasion & Defense I": Immunology and General Pathology | 7 |
Block 5: "Invasion & Defense II": Medical Microbiology and Fundamentals of Pharmacology | 10 |
Horizontal Curriculum Threads
MPSD: Medicine, Person, Society & Doctoring |
Case Based Learning | Peer Tutoring Program |
Human Systems- Second Year of Study
The second-year curriculum is based on human systems and concentrates on abnormal structure and function. The curriculum changes from a primarily lecture-based one to a curriculum that emphasizes independent study and problem-solving. Most lectures are available online on Moodle, our virtual curriculum platform. The curriculum includes on-line exercises, as well as small-group interactive exercises that are held in class.
Curricular threads run through the entire year.
Second Year: Human Systems 2016-7 | # of Weeks | Introduction to Phsyical Examination (Clinical Days) |
Neurological | 4 | |
Respiratory | 3 | |
Cardiovascular | 3 | MPSD |
NBME Exam Week | 1 | Case Based Learning |
Renal | 3 | |
Hematological | 3 | Pharmacology |
Gastrointestinal | 3 | USMLE Step 1 Prep Course |
NBME Exam Week | 1 | |
Endocrine | 4 | Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics |
Reproductive | ||
Musculoskeletal/Derm | 2 | |
Psychiatry | 1 | Peer Tutoring Program |
NBME Exam Week | 1 | |
NBME Comprehensive Exam & USMLE Step 1 Study Period | 6.5 | Nutrition Elective |
Medicine, Person, Society & Doctoring (MPSD) includes Psychiatry in the second year.
Clinical Hospital Days
During the second year of study, students begin their training in the clinical setting. Students are divided into small groups that spend one day a week in a hospital outpatient setting. The mornings are spent with an assigned tutor. History-taking and physical examination skills are taught and students practice seeing patients under the guidance of their tutor. Afternoons are spent viewing clinical procedures and investigations appropriate to the body system being studied.
Assessment
The Program uses the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Customized Exam Service for all final examinations throughout the first and second year of studies. We strongly believe in both formative and summative assessment ; therefore, students will be assessed with graded quizzes and exercises during each Block and System, prior to the Final Examination. At the end of the second year of study students complete the NBME Comprehensive Exam, followed by the USMLE Step 1 Exam. Students must achieve a passing grade on both these examinations to progress to the third year of study.