Curriculum

 The course contents in first year are designed to provide students with better understanding of the art and science of medicine, starting with the study of the normal structure and function of the different organ systems of the human body – from molecular to cellular mechanisms that are important in maintaining homeostasis. Also included is the understanding of the important non-biological determinants of poor health and the economic, psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to the development and/or continuation of illnesses. Clinical scenarios are provided to enable students apply the learned principles and concepts to the underlying causes of illnesses, and to enable students develop communication and clinical reasoning skills. The appropriate ethical approach to patient care as well as the use of evidence-based medicine is likewise offered as early as first year.

 The course contents are designed to provide students with the understanding of the normal and altered structure and function of the human body, including the role of genetic, developmental, metabolic, toxic, infectious, immunologic, neoplastic, degenerative, and traumatic factors that may contribute to the body’s disorder/illness (pathogenesis). The principles and concepts of therapeutics are also taught. The ability to obtain an accurate medical history, perform a complete physical examination and develop interpersonal and communication skills are also taught with patient exposures initiated in the second semester. Similarly, students are provided with protected time for self-directed learning to enhance their skills in medical informatics and lifelong learning.

 The course contents are designed to provide students with the understanding of the principles and concepts of diseases of different clinical specialties, its epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, therapeutic and diagnostic maneuvers, differential diagnosis, management, and their continuing correlation with basic medical sciences. In a typical day, more than half of the time is spent in school providing large and small group discussions. The remaining time is spent in the clinics where students, under the supervision of clinical preceptors, are exposed to simulated and real patients through clinical simulations, bedside and desk-side teaching, grand rounds, mini-lectures and small group discussions. Principles & procedures of common diagnostic & therapeutic examinations of different age groups are taught as well as communication and interpersonal skills. Likewise, knowledge of the theories and principles that govern jurisprudence and ethical decision-making are given due emphasis.

 The clerkship program consists of fifty-two weeks of modular rotations in the Departments of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Community and Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, and Clinical Simulation Training. Under the supervision of the clinical/field preceptor, the student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the twelve outcomes of the medical program.

 In the expanded clerkship program, the clerkship duration of 52 weeks will be extended to 72 weeks (or one and half years) of clerkship, with the following subjects, to wit;