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Phase I (Years 1 and 2)

Phase I begins with orientation, continues for eight consecutive blocks, and provides students with a solid foundation in the four value domains: basic science, clinical science, research, and health systems science and interprofessional practice.
Phase I also includes dedicated time to conduct independent research and to participate in a wide range of interprofessional health care educational experiences.

Curriculum - Phase 1

Year 1 Block Schedule
Normal Structure and Function

Year 1 is focused on normal structure and function. Blocks are eight weeks in duration, followed by a week of exams and an additional week of special studies. There is also a winter break allotted.

Block I

Functional biology of cells and tissues

Interviewing and physical exam I

Fundamentals and foundations of research

Introduction to Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice

Block II

Human Body I

Interviewing and physical exam II

Research tools

Teaming and leadership




Block III

Human Body II

Interviewing and physical exam III

Research application

Healthcare and public health systems

Block IV

Biology of the nervous system

Interviewing and physical exam IV

Research outcomes

Quality improvement and patient safety

Block I: August - October (8 weeks)

Functional Biology of Cells and Tissues
Cell biology, Histology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Hematological system, Musculoskeletal anatomy, Pharmacodynamics, and Pharmacokinetics

Interviewing and Physical Exam I
Patient Centered Interviewing, Introduction to the Physical Exam (Musculoskeletal Exam including Ultrasound), Universal Precautions

Fundamentals and Foundations of Research
The Scientific Method, Thinking Like a Scientist Physician, Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research Principles, The Protection of Human Subjects in Research, The Use and Protection of Animals in Research, Research Live, and the Medical Scholar Series

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice
Systems Thinking, Health Systems Science (HSS) and Population Health, HSS and Leadership in Healthcare Improvement, HSS and Professional vs. Team Advocacy, TeamSTEPPS Overview, Fishbowl Simulation, Academic Differences & Similarities, and Programs of Study and Practice Roles/Scopes

Block II: October - December (8 weeks)

Human Body I
Cardiorespiratory anatomy, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Early Embryology

Interviewing and Physical Exam II
Patient- and Doctor-Centered Interviewing, Vital Signs, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Exam (including ultrasound), Normal Aging Process, Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE)

Research Tools
Biostatistics and Epidemiology (part I), Research Live and the Medical Scholar Series

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice
Roles of Team Members, Communication Skills, Academic Differences and Similarities among Professions, Community Service, Healthcare Team Leadership

Break

Block III: January - March (8 weeks)

Human Body II
Abdominopelvic anatomy, GI Tract, Liver and Biliary, Renal, Endocrine, Pharmacology, and Reproduction

Interviewing and Physical Exam III
Patient- and Doctor-Centered Interviewing (Personal & Social Histories), Abdominal Exam (including ultrasound), Male and Female Genitourinary Exams, Breast Exam, Sexual Development, Obstetrical Exam (including ultrasound), Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE)

Research Application
Biostatistics and Epidemiology (part II), Research Live, the Medical Scholar Series, research mentor and project selection

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice 

Sources of Data and Leading Causes of Death, Population-Based Diets & Clinical Nutrition, Social and Structural Determinants of Health, Integration of Public Health and Health Care Delivery, U.S. Healthcare Delivery System, Organizational Ethics and Professionalism Issues in Health Systems Science, and Medico-Legal Issues in Health Care

Block IV: March - May (8 weeks)

Biology of the Nervous System
Nervous system anatomy, Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Special Sensory Structures

Interviewing and Physical Exam IV
Patient and Doctor Centered Interviewing (Review of Systems), head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT) and Dental Exam (including ultrasound), Mental Status Exam, Neurological Exam (including ultrasound of spine), Pediatric Development, Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE)

Research Outcomes
Research prospectus preparation and presentation, the Medical Scholars Series

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice
Clinical Informatics & HIT, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Application of Foundational Skills to Health Systems Science, Introduction to Patient Navigation

Research (3 weeks)

Break (4 weeks)

Year 2 Block Schedule
Abnormal Structure and Function

Year 2 is focused on abnormal structure and function. Blocks are six weeks in duration, followed by a week of exams and an additional week of special studies. There is also a winter break allotted.

Block V

Fundamentals of pathobiology

Interviewing and physical exam V

Research project

Health systems science

Block VI

Pathobiology of the human body 

Interviewing and physical exam VI

Research project

Ethical and legal issues in healthcare




Block VII

Pathobiology of the human body II 

Interviewing and physical exam VII

Research project

Public health and health policy

Block VIII

Pathobiology of the human body III 

Interviewing and physical exam VIII

Research project

Public health and health policy

Block V: July - August (6 weeks)

Fundamentals of Pathobiology
Cells and Tissues, Necrosis, Neoplasia, Inflammation, Immunological Diseases, Infection, Microbiology, Virology, Skin Disorders, Therapeutics

Interviewing and Physical Exam V
Clinical Skills Review (Complete History & Physical Exam), Fundamentals of Case Presentation I, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Adult Immunizations,  Dermatology Exam (including ultrasound), Medication Adherence, Motivational Interviewing I, Clerkship Competency Series: Gown & Glove, Universal Precautions,  Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE)

Research
Individual Student Research Project

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice
Overview of Health Systems Science, Human Factors in Healthcare/Patient Safety, On-Site Shadowing of Inpatient Nursing, High-Fidelity Simulation Scenario, Boots on the Ground: Community Lessons in Leadership and Change Agency

Block VI: September - October (6 weeks)

Pathobiology of the Human Body I
Pulmonary, Heart and Vascular Disease; Hematology, Therapeutics.

Interviewing and Physical Exam VI
Fundamentals of Case Presentation II, Motivational Interviewing II: Smoking Cessation, Exam Findings in Cardiopulmonary Disease, ECG and Chest X-ray Interpretation, Clerkship Competency Series: ABG's, Venous Blood Draws (including ultrasound guided), Oxygen Therapy, Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE)

Research
Individual Student Research Project

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice
Ethical Principles in Healthcare, Model of Decision Making, Legal Aspects of Medical Practice, Codes of Ethics, Workplace Ethics, Moral Courage, Autonomy, Dignity, Veracity, Distributive Justice, Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Ethics Health Care Team Challenge, Boots on the Ground: Community Lessons in Leadership and Change Agency

Block VII: November - December (6 weeks)

Pathobiology of the Human Body II
Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract, Endocrine, Liver, Pancreas, Renal, Male and Female Genital and Urinary (GU) Systems, Breast, Microbiology, Virology, Therapeutics

Interviewing and Physical Exam VII
Fundamentals of Case Presentation III, Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine; Menstrual, OB & Sexual History; Exam Findings in GI and GU Disease (including ultrasound findings), Review: Breast Exam, GU Exams; Clerkship Competency Series: Nasogastric Tube, Foley Catheter; Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE)

Research
Individual Student Research Project

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice
Didactics and small group sessions on public health and health policy, Boots on the Ground: Community Lessons in Leadership and Change Agency

Break

Block VIII: January - February (6 weeks)

Pathobiology of the Human Body III
Head and Neck Medicine, Skeletal muscular system, Disorders of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems and Therapeutics

Interviewing and Physical Exam VIII
Fundamentals of Case Presentation IV; Exam Findings in head, ear, eyes, nose and throat (HEENT), Dental, Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Diseases (including ultrasound); Mental Status Exam II, Clerkship Competency Series: Suturing & Wound Care, Lumbar Puncture (including ultrasound); Introduction to Electronic Medical Records; Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE)

Research
Individual Student Research Project

Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice
Didactics and small group sessions on public health and health policy, Boots on the Ground: Community Lessons in Leadership and Change Agency

Research (8 weeks)

Step 1 Prep and Testing (6 weeks)