Structure-Function begins with a review of cell and molecular biology, genetics, and signal transduction, then addresses gross and microscopic anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology in a consecutive sequence of organ systems. Scientific Basis of Medicine in the second year begins with an overview of immunology, microbiology, and infectious diseases and then details the pathology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology specific to each organ system. The Medical Decision Making course occupies three short blocks of time the initial week of the first year, two weeks later in the first year, and two more weeks near the end of the second year. This innovative course allows students to develop the knowledge and skills in information management, epidemiology and biostatistics, and clinical problem-solving essential to the contemporary practice of medicine. The class is divided into four colleges, each led by an experienced clinician.
Colleges meet two afternoons per week throughout the first two years.
One afternoon offers learning experiences centered around clinical skills development and the provision of an integrated biopsychosocial perspective on illness and patient care. Activities in both tracks incorporate health promotion and disease prevention as a guiding principle of the practice of medicine. These small, student-directed sessions are designed to stimulate critical reasoning skills in clinical decision making and promote the application of basic scientific information in real medical cases. Information management skills are developed and reinforced. The third year consists of required clinical clerkships at the hospitals and outpatient practices affiliated with the Medical School.