The first addresses initial reproductive events and the fundamental mechanisms of early development. The second subunit will examine the processes by which we become biologically, socially and emotionally independent. The third subunit examines the behavioural perspective in detail. Basic issues of critical thinking, information management skills, clinical skills and communication skills are introduced and further developed in the subsequent units. In this component of the programme students participate in the direct care of patients as they learn about the management of health and illness.
All prior objectives apply, but the health-care problems are real patients.
The Clerkship programme consists of rotations in Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and in elective time of which one-half must be spent in clinical medicine. It is anticipated that further rotations will be developed in rural, under-serviced and remote areas. The elective experience can be spent in various activities utilizing local, regional or distant resources. This unit will offer opportunities for students to integrate, consolidate and reflect on their learning to date and to prepare for their future roles as resident and practicing physician. Content will include complex issues such population health, ethics and technological assessment of standard and novel diagnostic, therapeutic and evaluative procedures.