The curriculum at UWSPMH strives to engage students in a learning process that will help them become highly competent and compassionate physicians with a lifelong thirst for learning.
We draw on diverse teaching methods in a learner-centered environment. Our “classrooms” extend beyond the modern Health Sciences Learning Center and Clinical Sciences Center to experiential opportunities in the Madison community, in many urban and rural parts of the state, and with underserved populations in the United States and abroad.
Christine S. Seibert
Associate Dean of Medical Education
Curricular Transformation
These are exciting times for curriculum at UWSMPH. Building on our traditional strengths, the Medical Education Office led by Associate Dean for Medical Education Christie Seibert, MD, together with our faculty educators, are planning for significant changes in year 1, year 2 and continued enhancements to the clinical years.
Beginning in Fall 2008 for year 1 and Fall 2009 for year 2, the preclinical curriculum will be delivered in integrated blocks of related material. In a week between blocks, innovative learning opportunities will help students make key connections across the diverse skills and knowledge they are acquiring as they approach their clinical years.
In years 3 and 4, students rotate through required and elective clerkships and a preceptorship at sites throughout the state, gaining broad exposure to many aspects of medicine and public health. As students advance through their clinical years, they have increased opportunities to tailor their electives to personal interests and career goals.
Medical students will get a firm grounding in important aspects of public health and the links between public health and medicine. Added curriculum in areas such as professionalism, cultural competence and interdisciplinary teamwork will help prepare students to provide first-rate care in a changing health care environment. A greater emphasis on integrating content and active learning will further challenge students to think broadly and apply what they learn.
