In 1993, after five years of study and planning, the school implemented a new curriculum that substantially reduced the use of lecture in favor of problem-based learning. The curriculum emphasizes problem solving, self-directed learning and early clinical experiences and integrates the basic sciences into clinical cases. The third year includes six eight-weeks core clerkships. The fourth year consists of advanced clinical selectives, advanced biomedical selectives and general electives. A 10-week summer vacation falls between Blocks four and five.
Students work in groups of eight with a faculty tutor.
Lectures and laboratory experiences introduce basic concepts that correlate with the cases. Each week includes about 10 hours of problem-based learning and no more than 10 hours of lectures and labs. Introduction to Patient Care themes change with each block and focus on building students' clinical skills, increasing their understanding of health care and introducing psychosocial issues. Introduction to Patient Care also emphasizes small group learning with supporting lectures and laboratory experiences. Introduction to Patient Care includes an ambulatory care rotation during Blocks two through six.