Year One: Normal Human Biology
The first year of medical school emphasizes the normal structure and function of the human organism. Students acquire the vocabulary and conceptual framework necessary to understand and apply basic science to clinical situations.
Molecular Foundations of Medicine combines:
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Biochemistry
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Cell and Molecular Biology
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Nutrition
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Genetics
It provides an integrated home for the introduction of rapidly developing information in biomolecular science and genetics, and relates clinical applications such as nutrition to the underlying science. The course includes small-group activity and develops critical reading skills by presenting current research on medical problems.
The traditional basic science course Human Anatomy has a markedly clinical emphasis. Students work in small dissection groups to learn basic human anatomy. Professors discuss the body as it appears during a physical exam and on x-rays, MRIs and CTs.
The multidisciplinary Neuroscience course combines the structure and function of the brain with clinical correlations from neurology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology and psychiatry. For example, ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists teach eye and ear exams in combination with presentations on the histology and functions of these organs.
Building on an understanding of cellular processes and anatomy, students examine cell and tissue structures in Microscopic Anatomy. Concurrently, students investigate the functions and regulation of the human body in Physiology. These courses teach clinical correlations such as blood pressure, pulmonary function testing and electrocardiography.
The new yearlong course Medical Literature Curriculum I: Integration of Basic and Clinical Science features the reading of a series of cases from the medical literature. The goal of the course is to make the student conversant in the language of medicine and to provide a conceptual and experiential framework for the student’s education and future training. Additional expected benefits of the approach include facilitation of integration of the basic science curriculum, smoother transition from basic science to clinical clerkships, and promoting independent, self-structured learning.
The yearlong Practice of Medicine integrates doctoring skills with the science underlying the practice of medicine. This course uses small group and panel discussions, skill sessions, readings and papers to teach:
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Doctoring skills: interviewing, examining and communicating with patients
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Reasoning skills: diagnostic and critical
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Ethics, law and society in medicine (e.g., Human Genome Project, end-of-life issues)
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Emergency skills: CPR, First Aid and Automatic External Defibrillator
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Medical Informatics: using electronic databases (e.g., Medline) to access medical information
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Population concerns, research design, biostatistics, preventive health concepts, and evidence-based medicine (basing medical decisions on scientific data)
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