A New Model for Medical Education

A Unique Partnership

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine represents a new way forward in medical education. A unique, public-private partnership between a cutting-edge research university and a major health care institution, the school educates physician thought leaders through inquiry, research, and discovery.

A Dynamic, Patient-Centered Curriculum

With the patient as a central focus, the unique curriculum stresses the importance of research, evidence-based medicine, health systems science and interprofessional teamwork, chronic disease management, wellness and prevention, and public health.

This approach trains physicians to make patients the central focus, reduces the amount of passive learning, and includes real-life cases analyzed in facilitator-guided, small-group discussions.

The school places an emphasis on acquisition, integration, and application of knowledge for lifelong learning, along with peer teaching, communication, and professionalism.

Value Domains

The school has four “value domains” that are interwoven throughout the four-year curriculum.

These value domains—basic science, clinical science, research, and health systems science and interprofessional practice—are addressed in each block, rotation, and clinical experience.

They also drive our educational goals and objectives, ensuring a solid foundation in the basic and clinical sciences, the development of clinical skills, and experiences in every major clinical discipline.

The value domains also allow graduates the flexibility of pursuing any career option in medicine.