The Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine in an effort to best serve the needs and goals of the individual student, offers elective time in the senior year.  Elective courses have been developed so that students who have well defined career goals can pursue same without adherence to a rigid curriculum.  At the same time, they allow those who have not yet defined their goals an adequate assortment of courses with which to explore career options.  Where standard elective choices seem too limiting, students and preceptors are encouraged to develop unique courses which more closely approach individual needs. 

The objective of the Electives Committee is to provide a curriculum of maximum flexibility with as little administrative encumbrance as possible.  An M-IV Advisory Committee has been appointed to serve as consultants and assist students in their course selections; along with your M4 Advisor.  Please do not hesitate to call upon them for assistance.

The senior year is divided into nine four-week periods, three of which must be served in the following required rotations:  The Acting Internship required to be taken at VCU Medical Center of VCU, the VA Medical Center, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, the Family Practice A.I. (which has different locations, qualifies as a VCU & INOVA A.I.), Urgent Care month, and the last course of the year (Update Course).  The three required courses must be taken at the VCU Medical Center of Virginia Commonwealth University, the different locations for the Family Practice A.I., INOVA Fairfax Hospital, or VA Medical Center.  Time Period I required ONLY for those that did not pass Step 1 and in academic difficulty.