Through many patient-centered learning activities throughout the first two years, our students develop lifelong learning skills and strategies that prepare them for their clinical years.
In a small group learning environment with facilitator guidance, teams of students work through patient cases that evolve over each week to acquire knowledge of human biology in health and disease, as well as in clinical sciences. Previous department-based courses such as biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology are integrated and presented in the context of clinical problems to encourage a more logical sequence of learning and to highlight the clinical relevance of the basic sciences. This helps students learn in a context that more directly applies to how they will care for patients
Students work in teams to learn human anatomy through cadaver dissection, simulation, virtual anatomy tools, and ultrasound.
Large-group interactive sessions are held to facilitate student learning using patient-centered approaches. Faculty guide students through a wide range of topics in medical science and practice.
Under supervision of experienced clinicians, students learn and practice communication and physical examination skills. Students are able to test their skills every few weeks with the assistance of trained volunteers who serve as patients.
In addition, students study population and community health in their first two years in order to learn to put the principles of community and public health into action through collaborative, service-learning projects with local community partners.
