Academic Counseling

As each new class matriculates at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, a Promotions Committee is appointed that monitors the academic progress of the class throughout its four years at Vanderbilt. The committee is composed of five faculty members, representing both the basic science and clinical departments. The performance of each student is reviewed and recommendations may be made for counseling with Dean Rodgers. In addition, the committee reviews any reports of unprofessional or unethical behavior. If a student's performance is deemed marginal for either academic or professional reasons, that student may be placed on probation. If such problems do not resolve, the Promotions Committee may recommend to the Dean and the Executive Faculty that the student be dismissed from the School of Medicine.

In each of the basic science courses, tutors are available to students in need. Students may request tutoring through the course directors, and course directors may suggest to certain students that tutoring would be in their best interest. The course directors themselves are often a source of good advice and suggestions.

Students who are concerned about their performance or who have issues that might interfere with their ability to study should not hesitate to speak to Dean Rodgers. The door is always open, and occasionally a word of encouragement is all that is needed.

Curriculum Counseling

Each year, Fall and Spring Curriculum Fairs are held for the first and second year students. The primary purpose of these events is to provide information and advice about the selection of electives. Faculty instructors for the electives are present to answer questions and several appointed Curriculum Advisors are also available to assist students in choosing electives that match their interests.

The third year requirements are fairly rigid, but advice is available to rising third year students from upper level students and from Dean Rodgers on when to schedule the various clerkships based on an individual's interests and needs.

The fourth year curriculum has lots of room for choice and innovation. Fourth year students may seek scheduling advice from faculty members chosen by each of the clinical departments. The list of these advisors is distributed at the fourth year scheduling meeting held in the spring of the third year, and remains available in Dean Rodgers' office.