Advanced physical examination skills are also taught as students learn to examine in-depth the cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neurologic systems as well as to perform examinations of the breast, pelvis, and male genitalia. Students practice writing complete histories and physicals as well as focused progress notes as they master the skills necessary to document their findings in an appropriate format. Most significantly, greater integration of skills is expected as students progress through the program. Experiences in the Clinical Skills Program are scheduled to coincide with units in the basic sciences to facilitate the integration of skills with basic science knowledge. The laboratory experiences are primarily clinical encounters in hospital settings, nursing homes, or on campus.
Students meet in groups to discuss assigned readings and complete two essay assignments.