1. Introduction to the Pre-Clerkship Curriculum
Medical School Years 1-2
David J. Karras, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Professor and Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine
Associate Dean for Pre-Clerkship Education

2. Is there a doctor in the house?
Am I a doctor?
Is there a doctor in the house?

3. Pre-Clerkship Curriculum Overview
Year 1: Normal human structure, function, and development
Year 2: Disease mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment
Throughout the pre-clerkship years
Patient assessment and communication skills
Introduction to diagnostic reasoning
The physician’s role in society, medical ethics, societal impacts on health, healthcare systems, and professionalism
Culminates in readiness to participate in the care of patients in hospital and outpatient settings – the Clerkship Years

4. First Year Curriculum Block Start Course Name 1 August
Fundamentals of Clinical Anatomy and Imaging 2
October
Fundamentals of Medicine
A: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
B: Fundamentals of Cellular Structure and Function 3
January
Biological Systems I:
Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Renal Systems 4
February
Biological Systems II:
Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, Reproductive Systems; Bone and Skin 5
April
Biological Systems III:
Nervous System 6
May
Biological Systems IV:
Immunology and Inflammation
All year
Doctoring 1

5. Second Year Curriculum
Block
Start
Course Name 7
August
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 8
September
Diseases of the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Renal Systems 9
November
Diseases of the Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems 10
January
Diseases of the Nervous System 11
February
Diseases of Hematology, Oncology, Immunologic Disorders, and Musculoskeletal Disorders
All year
Doctoring 2
March-May
Board Study (Independent – 6 weeks)

6. Doctoring: Introduction to the Culture and Practice of Medicine
Spans Years 1-2
Introduction to clinical skills
History-taking
Physical examination
Communication skills
Clinical reasoning and diagnosis
Reflections, group discussions
Coordinated with the pre-clerkship block schedule and integrated wherever possible

7. Clinical Threads
Critical issues affecting the practice of medicine, societal concerns, the role of physicians, and your development as a medical professional
Social Determinates of Health, Medical Ethics, and Population Health
Health Systems Science
Patient-Centered Care and Communication
Quality of Care and Patient Safety
Inter-Professional Education
Professionalism and Professional Identity Formation

8. Clinical Threads Span years 1-2 Concentrated in “Thread Focus” weeks
Introductory lectures during “Doctoring”
Cases and discussions integrated into Block and Doctoring activities

9. Year 1: Block Dates (Inclusive)
Course Name
Start
End 1
Anatomy & Imaging
Monday 8/13/18
Monday 10/1/18 2
Fund. Medicine
Wednesday 10/3/18
Friday 12/21/18 3
Biological Systems I
Thursday 1/3/19
Friday 2/15/19 4
Biological Systems II
Monday 2/18/19
Friday 3/29/19 5
Biological Systems III
Monday 4/8/19
Friday 5/10/19 6
Biological Systems IV
Monday 5/13/19
Monday 6/10/19
Summer break
Tuesday 6/11/19
Friday 8/9/19
Year 2 begins
Monday 8/12/19

10. Year 1: Tentative Exam Dates
Block
Course
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3/Final 1
Anatomy & Imaging
Friday 8/31/18
Monday 10/1/18 2
Fund. Medicine
Wednesday 10/24/18
Tuesday 11/20/18
Friday 12/21/18 3
Bio. Systems I
Monday 1/28/19
Friday 2/15/19 4
Bio. Systems II
Monday 3/11/19
Friday 3/29/19 5
Bio. Systems III
Friday 5/10/19 6
Bio. Systems IV
Monday 6/10/19
Doc
Doctoring
Friday 12/6/18* on-line exam
Friday 5/23/19* on-line exam
Exam dates may change: Always check the course syllabus!

11. Learning Approaches in the Pre-Clerkship Years
Lectures
Live, all are captured on video and available later the same day
Occasionally, only a prerecorded lecture is available (no live lecture)
Small-group activities
workshops and laboratories
case-based discussions
Clinical Reasoning Conferences
clinically-focused, self-directed group problem-solving
Simulation sessions
Standardized patient sessions
Clinical mentoring and clinical correlation with real patients
Self-directed and independent learning

12. Grades in the Pre-Clerkship Years
Final grade in all courses is reported as Pass or Fail only
Numerical final grade in each course is retained by Deans’ office
utilized in determining class rank and awards
identify and counsel students
Points may be deducted from final course grade for excessive and unexcused absences or lateness, or for unprofessional behavior.
Grade components are described in the syllabus of each course

13. Attendance Expectations
Participation and engagement in the learning environment are components of your professional responsibilities
Attendance is required at all small-group activities
workshops
laboratories
conferences
simulation sessions
Attendance is required at all Doctoring activities
Attendance is encouraged, but not required, at lectures (other than Doctoring)
class capture and PowerPoint slides are available for all lectures

14. Attendance Expectations
We understand that life happens outside of school
Unexpected absences or lateness may be unavoidable
Unanticipated problems may arise
No excuse required (and no penalty) for
2 or fewer absences/lateness in required sessions, per block
4 or fewer absences/lateness in required sessions, per semester

15. Attendance Expectations
Excessive absences or lateness is considered
>2 unexcused absences/lateness in one Block
> 4 unexcused absences/lateness in one semester
2 points will be deducted from the final course grade for each excessive unexcused absence or lateness
Excessive absences or lateness may be referred to Honor Board or Academic Standards and Promotions
Excessive absences or lateness may be reflected in Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
Details of attendance polices are in each course syllabus

16. Pre-Clerkship Electives
Opportunities to enhance and enrich your education beyond the required curriculum
Grow professionally
Remind yourself why you went into medicine
Gain insight into potential specialties
Grow personally
Reflect on your experiences
Dig into the interpersonal and societal aspects of medicine

17. Pre-Clerkship Electives
Humanities
self-reflection, mindfulness, healthy cooking
narrative medicine, visual reflection
history of medicine
Clinical Experiences
addiction medicine
primary care medicine
specialty-specific electives
global medicine

18. Pre-Clerkship Electives
Optional
participation and attendance are expected once registered
Meeting times vary – check the elective description!
all are in the afternoon
most are on Fridays, will not conflict with scheduled activities
Electives scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoons may conflict with your Doctoring College day
do not sign up for a elective on your Doctoring College day!
these electives will be held on other days in future semesters

19. Textbooks
Mandatory and recommended references are included in the syllabus of each course
Library has reserve copies of all required texts as well as on-line access with limited user licenses

20. Textbooks List price (before discount): $226
Discount price (30% off): 158

21. Any Questions?