Mission-Driven MD Program Course Descriptions
Phase One (MS1)
SCoPE
SCoPE is a 6-week immersive course that launches first-year medical students into the profession of medicine. SCoPE prepares students to succeed in Phase 1.1 and establishes a school culture that embraces:
- Social Connection
- Collaboration
- All backgrounds, perspectives, and walks of life
- Self-reflection and self care
- Grit
The course emphasizes clinical and communication skills, foundational science concepts, life-long learning, and professional identity formation. Students experience a variety of learning methods that will be employed throughout their education, including problem-based learning, simulation, team- based learning, standardized patients, and clinical immersion with reflective practice. Community is fostered through intensive team-building exercises and learning within students’ Learning Communities and Houses.
Essentials 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3
In the Essentials series, students will embark on a journey through the fundamental principles of medical science and develop critical thinking skills essential for their future careers as healthcare professionals. The courses will focus on the integration of basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and cell biology, to foster a comprehensive understanding of the human body's structure and function. Active learning techniques, including problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), and evidence-based medicine (EBM), will be employed to engage students in practical scenarios, encouraging them to analyze and solve medical cases collaboratively. By the end of the series, students will possess a solid grasp of essential medical concepts and be equipped with critical thinking skills that will serve as a solid foundation for their medical education.
Doctoring 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
The Doctoring series is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to equip aspiring medical professionals with essential clinical skills, foster humanistic values, and cultivate empathy, communication, and professionalism. These courses recognize the importance of not only technical proficiency but also the art of medicine, where understanding patients' emotions, cultural backgrounds, and social contexts play a vital role in providing compassionate and holistic healthcare.
Phase Two (MS2)
Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships
A longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) is an innovative and comprehensive approach to medical education that offers students a unique and extended clinical experience. Unlike the traditional block-style rotations, where medical students rotate through various specialties for a few weeks each, LICs allow students to follow patients over an extended period, often several months or even a year. During this time, students immerse themselves in the care of these patients across different settings, enabling them to observe the patient's medical journey and progress throughout their treatment.
Longitudinal integrated clerkships provide a transformative learning experience for medical students. By combining extended clinical exposure, holistic patient care, and faculty mentorship, LICs equip future physicians with the skills and qualities necessary to become compassionate, competent, and patient-centered healthcare professionals.
Phase Three (MS3)
During this phase, students continue to gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties and further develop their clinical skills, while continuing to deepen their understanding of medical science. These years will allow students to pursue deep knowledge while also focusing on individualized learning and differentiation.
Phase 3 consists of:
Sub-Internships: Immersive experiences where medical students function as interns or residents. They work closely with the medical team, take on more responsibilities, and actively participate in patient care under the supervision of attending physicians.
Advanced Internal Medicine: Students continue their studies in internal medicine, building upon the foundational knowledge from earlier phases. They delve deeper into the diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex medical conditions.
Critical Care Course: In this course, students learn how to care for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). They develop skills in managing patients with life-threatening conditions, including those requiring life support and specialized monitoring.
Advanced Science Selectives: These courses allow students to explore specific areas of interest in more depth. They may include specialized topics in medical research, advanced pharmacology, genetics, or other relevant subjects. These electives offer an opportunity for students to differentiate themselves and tailor their education to align with their career aspirations.