Academic Standards and Curriculum

The primary goal of UNR Med is to develop caring, responsible, skillful, and knowledgeable physicians capable of delivering high quality health care. Students are taught to be sensitive to the needs of their patients, their patients' families, and to their own needs as individuals and as physicians. The curriculum emphasizes interpersonal skills development that will heighten this sensitivity. We encourage students to develop self-directed learning skills of critical thinking, problem solving, self-assessment, information appraisal, and to prepare for lifelong learning as a physician. It is expected that UNR Med graduates will feel a responsibility not only to treat the ill but also to become leaders in the effort to promote and maintain health in the community in which they practice.

Annual curriculum modification is the prerogative of the medical school based on changing requirements of accrediting authorities and the new developments in medical education delivery. The course and exam schedules are developed by the Office of Medical Education and affirmed by the Medical Education Committees with input from the students. The goal is to meet educational objectives through integration and thoughtful planning. Every effort is made to ensure adequate and appropriate timing of exams to allow for mastery of course content.

The full information for the M.D. degree program is contained within the University of Nevada, Reno's Course Catalog. The current four year curriculum plans can be viewed at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Curriculum site. Academic standards are set by the faculty of UNR Med, and decisions regarding achievement of standards will be determined by UNR Med faculty, the SPCC, and the Dean.

Institutional Objectives for Medical Students

UNR Med has established Medical Education Program Objectives for all medical students. These objectives are an overall guide of what we expect our students to learn. All of our student courses, blocks, clerkships, and electives are aligned with these objectives. The competency domains that define the objectives are:

  • Knowledge for Practice
  • Interpersonal and Communication Skills
  • Professionalism
  • Personal and Professional Development
  • Patient Care
  • Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
  • Interprofessional Collaboration
  • Systems-Based Practice