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program for the M.D. degree is divided into four phases, each of a
year's duration. Medicine I, occupying the first year (mid August
to early June), emphasizes normal human structure, function, growth,
and development. Medicine II, occupying the second year (August to
May), stresses pathological conditions. Medicine III occupies the
third year (July to July) and consists of clinical education and training.
The fourth year (Medicine IV), lasting from August to mid-May, consists
of approximately one-sixth required clinical education and training
with the remainder open for electives at Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical Center and at approved medical schools elsewhere in the USA
and abroad. Elective opportunities are offered also in M-1 and M-2.
REGISTRATION
IN COURSES OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IS RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS
ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY.
MEDICINE
I AND II
The
curriculum is viewed as a dynamic and evolving entity, and course
titles, content, or duration of emphasis may be subject to modification
for the sake of improving the learning experience.
Each
course in M-1 and M-2 is designed and implemented by a faculty committee,
and each phase of the curriculum is supervised by a faculty coordinator.
M-1
Curriculum
The first year of medical school, from mid-August
to early June, focuses on the normal human structure, function,
growth, and development.
- Foundations of Clinical Medicine
- Medical Bioethics
- Population Medicine
- Medical Biochemistry
- Human Genetics
- Gross & Developmental Anatomy
- Physiology
- Histology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Immunology
- Neurosciences
Total
Courses: 11
M-2
Curriculum
The second year, from early August to late
May, emphasizes the pathologic manifestations in the treatment of
diseases. All students participate in the following courses:
- Foundations of Clinical Medicine
- Medical Bioethics
- Pharmacology
- Pathogenesis
- Microbiology
- Hematology/Oncology
- Endocrine
- Renal
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
- Behavioral Sciences II
- Central Nervous System
- Women's Health
- Gastrointestinal
- Musculoskeletal
Total
Courses: 15
MEDICINE
III
M-3
Clerkships
During the third year, students receive clinical
training by rotating through the various hospitals and ambulatory
services. This rich clinical experience is supplemented by didactic
presentations on practice related topics. All students participate
in the following clerkships:
- Internal Medicine (12 weeks)
- Surgery (8 weeks)
- Pediatrics (8 weeks)
- OB/GYN (6 weeks)
- Psychiatry (6 weeks)
- Neurology (4 weeks)
- Family Medicine (4 weeks)
Total
Rotations: 15
MEDICINE
IV
M-4
Curriculum
M-4 is an elective year, with 232 electives
offered. Each elective is four weeks long.
The School of Medicine, in an effort to serve best the needs and
goals of the individual student, offers M-4 students the option
of choosing electives during the majority of their senior year.
The elective curriculum has been arranged primarily to allow those
students who have definite goals to pursue them logically without
adherence to a required curriculum. At the same time, it allows
those who have not yet defined their goals an adequate assortment
of electives with which to explore career options. Where standard
elective choices seem too limiting, students are encouraged to approach
individual faculty members to develop courses that more closely
approach individual needs. A member of the M-4 Committee is available
to advise each student and to approve of each student's program.
The
year is divided into nine four-week periods. The required rotations
which must be served at the Medical College of Virginia Campus are
an acting internship, and completion of the Update of Basic
Sciences and Clinical Medicine and Step 2 Board Review courses.
The
electives catalog is available on the web. Click
here to view the electives catalog.
Final USMLE Policy to be placed in VCU bulletin, student handbook, and on the website.
1. All students are required to take U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 prior to the start of the M-III year. Students are required to pass Step 1 for promotion to the M-IV year. If a student fails Step 1, he/she will be allowed to complete their current M-III clerkship and be required to take time off during the M-III year in elective status to study for and retake the exam. The time off will be individualized for each student after discussion with the curriculum office and approval by the promotions committee.
2. All students are required to take U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 CK and CS for the first time after completion of their M-III year or by December 1. Students are required to pass USMLE Step 2 CK and CS for graduation. Students who do not pass Step 2 CK or CS within one year of completion of all other requirements for the MD degree will be dismissed from school.
If you are a student at
another institution and are interested in participating in an elective
at Virginia Commonwealth University, please contact Isaac Wood,
M.D., Associate Dean, Office of Student Activities and Electives,
(804) 828-9784.
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