FOUNDATIONS Curriculum
Core Scientific Disciplines
Instruction is anchored in the following core scientific disciplines that are integrated vertically throughout the curriculum at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems-based levels:
- Biochemistry & Nutrition - Molecular building blocks, metabolism, and nutrition in health and disease
- Genetics - Genome structure, gene expression, and genetic contributions to health and disease
- Physiology - Organ system function, homeostasis, and regulatory mechanisms
- Pathology - Mechanisms of disease, tissue injury, and clinical manifestations across organ systems
- Pharmacology - Drug classification, mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetic principles
- Immunology - Immune system development, function, and immunopathology
Structural and Systems Foundations
A second set of disciplines are incorporated into the curriculum to examine human structure, function and development:
- Gross Anatomy & Embryology - Human structure from embryologic development through adult anatomy
- Cell Biology & Histology - Cellular structure and function integrated with tissue organization, linking subcellular processes to microscopic and organ-level structure in health and disease
Clinical and Professional Foundations
Clinical preparation is embedded longitudinally through distinct disciplines that support patient-centered care:
- Clinical Skills
o Patient-provider interactions and physical diagnosis
o Clinical reasoning and decision-making
- Evidence-Based Medicine
o Evidence appraisal and interpretation of data
o Application of biostatistics to patient care
- Behavioral Sciences - Psychosocial determinants of health and patient behavior
FOUNDATIONS Curriculum
The Preclerkship Phase of the curriculum is designed in organ system blocks and cohesively blends learning of normal and abnormal to teach the spectrum of human health and disease in engaged learning formats. Learners engage in early clinical experiences in the hospital, community, and simulation settings to enhance application of basic science concepts in each block. In the Flex Scholarly Concentration course, students complete a mentored scholarly project within a pathway that aligns with their educational interests and professional/career goals: Research, Global Health, Health Humanities, and Physician as Teacher. Students achieve distinction in their selected pathway.
The Immersion Phase (Year 3) is comprised of 7 core clinical clerkships in family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. Students choose up to 3 selectives for additional immersion in a specialty of their choice.
The Enrichment Phase (Year 4) is comprised of required advanced clinical rotations, a wide variety of electives and the Internship 101 Capstone course, all designed to prepare learners for the transition to increased levels of responsibility in their future specialties. While both the Immersion Phase and Enrichment Phase curricula undergo continuous quality improvement, these phases do not represent a major curriculum modification.
Core Elements
- Team-Based Learning
- Early Clinical Application
- Ultrasound and Procedures Training
- Health Systems Curriculum
- Patient-Centered Medical Home
- Telehealth
- Advocacy
- Longitudinal Senior Mentor Experience
- Clinical Immersion Experiences
- Careers in Medicine Program
College of Medicine Block/Course Descriptions
