The schedule provides considerable flexibility and opportunities for selecting elective courses. The electives make it possible to construct a program of medical education which best meets the needs, abilities, and goals of the individual student. Faculty advisers assist in the selection of courses so that the choice is directed toward the fulfillment of specific goals. Students also are permitted to take courses as electives in divisions of the University of Louisville other than the School of Medicine, class schedule permitting. In addition to the courses listed, students with a research interest are permitted to participate in an approved research activity for credit.
Elective courses constitute an integral part of the student's total program in medical school.
Freshman students take two credit hours and sophomore students four credit hours of elective courses. Virtually every member of the full-time clinical faculty participates in the program, as do many members of the basic sciences faculty. Students may select an intensive exposure to any of the clinical areas or a research experience in any of the basic science or clinical areas. During this time, a student also may select courses from the Freshman and Sophomore elective program. Especially capable students enrolled in the School of Medicine may work toward an M.S. or Ph.D. degree while they are pursuing the M.D. degree.