Preclerkship Curriculum
The preclerkship curriculum is a seven semester sequence of courses. During the first three semesters, students are immersed in introductory basic science concepts. Students are also introduced to physical examination, doctor-patient interactions, and the principles of osteopathic palpatory diagnosis and manipulative therapy.
What follows is a sequence of courses with an emphasis on learning content presented in a series of courses dealing with body systems. These courses provide integrated presentations of basic and behavioral science concepts and clinical aspects of each body system.
Students are required to master clinical skills associated with their body systems courses and to participate in college clinics with supervision. Students are provided their first clinical exposure in family practice clinics during semesters 4 and 5. The students observe and selectively participate in patient care and office management under the direct supervision of the physician.
Semester 1 (Summer)
Students begin in the summer learning basic gross anatomy.
Semester 2 (Fall)
Students examine the foundations of medical science in a program co-administered with the College of Human Medicine. Students also learn about basic doctor/patient relationships and begin to learn the skills of manipulative medicine.
Semester 3 (Spring)
Students continue gaining scientific knowledge and begin to learn the basic skills of a physician, and advance their skills in osteopathic manipulative techniques.
Semester 4 (Summer)
Students begin to learn about osteopathic systems biology and medically related fields of radiology and pharmacology. Students also delve into the details of body system biology and gain experience in family medicine and clinical settings.
Semester 5 (Fall)
Students continue to learn about body systems biology and extend their manipulative skills and techniques.
Semester 6 (Spring)
Students further their examination of body systems and analyze philosophical and conceptual issues related to the practice of medicine, including legal issues and special circumstances (disability and chronic illness).
Semester 7 (Summer)
Students complete their examination of systems biology and engage in case studies to complete their foundation of medical knowledge.