MUSC s Core Curriculum has been recognized as a model for other schools who are beginning to develop similar programs. Arana and Medio have presented the MUSC Core Curriculum at national medical education meetings and have been asked to describe the Core Curriculum in detail at the 2000 American Medical Association meeting. Programs promote personal, professional development Through a series of optional Core Curriculum sessions, residents can learn how to manage student loan debt, deal with job recruiters, develop financial plans or determine their insurance needs. Implemented into the Core Curriculum last summer, the sessions are designed to promote residents personal and professional development. Other topics include alternative and complementary medicine, preparing income taxes and assessing career opportunities.
Optional sessions are open to residents' spouses and partners.
We want to provide residents with valuable advice and guidance as they make some important decisions in their lives, Medio said. The concept of the Core Curriculum has extended beyond the classroom to include a series of social activities and an auxiliary organization for residents spouses and partners. Traditionally residents tend to socialize only with other residents and spouses in their program. The auxiliary, Medio said, provides an opportunity for interaction with others outside their programs and allows residents and their families to develop a greater sense of belonging to the MUSC community. Medio and the GME office staff have worked with the auxiliary group to conduct a variety of events including a night at the Riverdogs, a halloween party, hayride, golf tournaments and family picnics.