Preclerkship (FLEX) Curriculum

Years 1 and 2 Course Overview

In 2009 a preclinical integrated curriculum was implemented in the College of Medicine (COM) that replaced traditional basic science courses overseen by departments with a comprehensive, organ system-based integrated curriculum (IC) of basic science and clinical science content administered through a coordinated, central governance model. Building on the success and lessons learned from the IC, the current preclerkship (FLEX) curriculum seeks to merge foundational medical science concepts of the traditional year 1 and year 2, enhance problem-solving, increase active clinical application and earlier clinical immersion in the preclinical phase.

Various topics of behavioral health taught by Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences faculty occur throughout the curriculum in small group sessions in clinical skills I-IV, Foundational, Gastrointestinal, Endocrine and Women and Pediatric Health courses. Behavioral Health has its own dedicated course in the final block prior to students taking USMLE Step 1. Students have the option to complete a Health Humanities scholarly concentration during the FLEX phase of the preclerkship curriculum, which occurs just after USMLE Step 1 completion, and just prior to beginning the traditional third year clinical clerkships. The Health Humanities concentration includes instruction from Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences faculty members. Department faculty also serve as instructors in medical ethics and fundamentals of patient care activities that are on-going throughout the first two years of medical education.

Medical Student Links

The below links connect to helpful information for medical students interested in learning about psychiatry in general as well as specifics on how to excel as a medical student interested in psychiatry. Through these links, students will also find information on applying to psychiatry residency, finding mentorship, attending national meetings, and becoming involved in student initiatives and programs.

American Psychiatric Association

Association for Academic Psychiatry

Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network

Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
 
Psy-Q: An open access question bank dedicated to the advancement of psychiatric medical education and research. 

Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry: A repository of interactive eModules on various topics in psychiatry, including the psychiatric interview and the mental status exam.