By helping students develop a perspective on patients that encompasses their biological, psychological and social needs, the curriculum will ensure that students learn the interpersonal skills essential to a successful patient-doctor relationship. The emphasis on patient contact allows students to apply basic medical knowledge as they acquire it. Early involvement in various health care settings exposes students to the roles and responsibilities of the health care team and other health professionals. The curriculum is Integrated and Multi-disciplinary. Each undergraduate course provides students with relevant basic science, clinical medicine and community health perspectives.
Students take an active role in acquiring knowledge.
At the outset, students are told what they will be required to learn, how their learning will be assessed, what resources are available to them and how their instructors can help them as advisors and mentors. Much of the learning occurs in small groups, with formal lectures limited to approximately two hours per day. Independent study time during regular class hours is scheduled into each week. Structured Problem-based Learning, in combination with the emphasis on patients, provides students with opportunities to learn in situations that are similar to those they will encounter in the real world. The problem solving skills that are developed will be useful throughout their careers.