Year 1 Structure

Block Structure

The Year 1 curricular structure includes 40 weeks of instruction as displayed in the diagram above. The five blocks for Year 1 include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal, integumentary, human behavior and the nervous system. The Practice of Medicine runs concurrently with the blocks for both fall and spring, which includes ambulatory care experiences.

Block 1 - Foundations and Principles of Medical Science I - MED 631 - 8 weeks

This block prepares students for the subsequent organ/systems-based blocks by introducing foundational principles of science and medicine, and developing their clinical problem solving skills. Limited to M.D. students.

Block 2 - Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems I - MED 632 - 10 weeks

CRR Systems I provides medical students a strong foundation in the basic sciences of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems with integrated clinical science applications. Limited to M.D. students.

Block 3 - Gastrointestinal, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems I - MED 633 - 8 weeks

This block gives students a solid foundation of knowledge relating to the digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems, including nutrition and integrative metabolism. Limited to M.D. students.

Block 4 - Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems - MED 634 - 6 weeks

The Musculoskeletal and Integument block provides students with an integrated understanding of the back and limbs from both basic science and clinical perspective. Limited to M.D. Students.

Block 5 - Nervous System and Human Behavior I- MED 635 - 8 weeks

The course provides a systematic introduction to and overview of neuroscience, the head and neck region, and human behavior, using lectures, labs and clinical experiences. Limited to M.D. students.

Practice of Medicine - Fall - MED 621 - 18 weeks

This course provides an introduction to History and Physical Exam skills. Students will integrate basic science knowledge with ethical principles, professionalism, communication and clinical skills.

Practice of Medicine/Preceptorships - Spring - MED 622 - 22 weeks

This course is a continuation of MED 621 where students continue to develop History and Physical Exam skills and apply them in a preceptorship setting and includes Ambulatory Care Experiences. Limited to M.D. students.

Notes:

Students are required to take Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam before they graduate. Students must receive a passing score on Step 1 before progressing to the third year and must pass Step 2 in order to graduate.