The Academic Program

The Faculty of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is committed to providing our students the best preparation for the practice of medicine in the 21st century, using teaching and learning methods that are highly effective and innovative. A phased plan for revision of the curriculum has been approved by the Faculty. The revised third year curriculum was implemented in July 2006 and the revised fourth year will be implemented in July 2007. The revised first year will be implemented in August 2007, and the revised second year will be implemented in August 2008.

Students who enter VUSM in August 2007 will follow the curricular plan as outlined below

Click on the course title for additional information about the course

Year 1 (required courses)

Molecular Foundations of Medicine 8 weeks	Structure, Function & Development 8 weeks	Structure, Function & Development 9 weeks	Micro and Immuno 6 weeks
Patient, Profession & Society	Patient, Profession & Society	Patient, Profession & Society	Patient, Profession & Society
Emphasis	Emphasis	Emphasis	Emphasis

	Foundations of the Profession (2 weeks) Intersessions (3 weeks)
	Electives
	Winter Break and Spring Break

Year 2 (required courses)

Disease, Diagnosis & Therapeutics 19 weeks	Disease, Diagnosis & Therapeutics 8 weeks	Neuroscience 10 weeks
Physical Diagnosis	Physical Diagnosis	Physical Diagnosis
Emphasis	Emphasis	Emphasis
Patient, Profession & Society Preventive Medicine & Clinical Epidemiology	Patient, Profession & Society	Patient, Profession & Society

	Introduction to Clinical Medicine ( 2 weeks) 2 Intersession weeks
	Electives
	Winter Break and Spring Break

Year 3 (sample of schedule)

Medicine
11 Weeks

Surgery
11 Weeks

Pediatrics
5 1/2 Weeks

OB/GYN
5 1/2 Weeks

Psychiatry
5 1/2 Weeks

Neurology
5 1/2 Weeks

	Intersessions (1 week)
	Winter Break and Spring Break There will be a one week break before the start of the fourth year.

Year 4 (sample of schedule)

July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr
Sub-I	Emer Med	Elective	Primary Care	Off	Elective	Interview	Capstone	Elective	Elective

Course Details

Molecular Foundations of Medicine

Integrated presentation of topics in Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics
Lecture, labs, clinical correlations and weekly problem-based learning sessions

Structure, Function and Development

Integrated presentation of topics in Gross Anatomy, Histology, Embryology and Physiology
Lectures, labs, clinical correlations and problem-based learning exercises
- Lab will include whole body dissection and prosections
- Clinical correlations and PBL sessions will emphasize the integration of the disciplines

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Microbiology and Immunology

Integration of medical microbiology and the principles of host defense
The course will utilize a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lecture
- Lab
- Problem of the Week
- Small group discussions of microbial topics

Patient, Profession and Society (Year 1)

Classroom and experiential components
Block 1
- Focus on patient's experience of illness and MD-patient relationship
- Clinical preceptorship
Block 2
- Assignment of patient with chronic illness to each student
- Communication skills
Block 3
- Focus on health systems - policy, law and economics
- Students will rotate through interdisciplinary clinics
  - Diabetes
  - CHF
  - Asthma
  - Cystic fibrosis

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Emphasis Program

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A two year required program that allows students to explore an area of their own interest in depth. Each student carries out a scholarly project under the supervision on a mentor, and presents this work at the end of the second year at an annual Emphasis Forum. Students work on their projects during the summer between first and second years, supported by a stipend

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Foundations of the Profession

Two week course introduces the foundations of medicine in the 21st century

Professionalism
Evidence Based Medicine
Health Systems
Cultural Competence
Communications Skills
Decision Making
Interdisciplinary Teams
Lifelong Learning and Self-reflection
Safety and Quality Improvement

Experiential component

CPR and basic emergency skills
Simulations
Introduction to community health services

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Intersessions

Each week will focus on a chronic illness or topic chosen because it illustrates basic science principles covered in prior blocks.
Will provide comprehensive integration of basic science, clinical medicine and the social, cultural and economic aspects of medicine.
Format similar to Foundations
- Large group discussions, case presentations and review of readings
- Small group discussions
- Large group debrief

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Electives

Students are required to take 3 one-semester electives during the first two years.

Disease, Diagnosis and Therapeutics

Integrated approach to pathology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, laboratory diagnosis and imaging

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Patient, Profession and Society (Year 2)

The second year of this course will focus on preventive medicine and public health, and clinical epidemiology.
It will utilize lectures and small group journal clubs
Students will continue to follow their assigned patients

Neuroscience

Integration of basic neuroscience, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, psychiatry and neuro-imaging.
Neurologic exam and mental status exam will be introduced earlier in the year and advanced during this block.

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Intersessions (Year 3)

Purpose
- To provide coverage of cross-disciplinary topics
- To provide coverage of basic science pertinent to the following clerkship
Thus, intersessions are divided into 2 segments
- 2 ½ day segment for the entire class
- 2 ½ day segment that is clerkship specific
Assessment
- Required attendance
- Pass/Fail
- Must pass all intersessions to be promoted to fourth year

Capstone course

Four weeks long
February of fourth year
Core component
- Carefully selected cases that provide integration of basic sciences, clinical medicine, ethics, social issues, public health, etc.
Elective or specialized component
- More directed towards the individual student’s interests

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