Today's medical students are experiencing an exciting time, as the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison is undergoing an MD Program curricular transformation.
Building on our traditional strengths, the Medical Education Office — led by associate dean for medical education Christine Seibert, MD, together with our faculty educators — is planning for significant changes in year 1 and year 2. We're also continuing to make additional enhancements to the clinical years.
Overarching goals of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health curricular transformation are:
- Increasing integration between courses and disciplines
- Enhancing clinical prevention and population health throughout the curriculum
- Incorporating more active learning opportunities to promote self-directed, lifelong learning
Broad Medical Training — Core Skills and Electives
Beginning in fall 2008 for Year 1 and fall 2009 for Year 2, the preclinical curriculum at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health is being delivered in integrated blocks of related material. In a week between blocks, innovative learning opportunities will help medical students make key connections across the diverse skills and knowledge they acquire as they approach their clinical years.
In Years 3 and 4, medical students at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health rotate through required and elective clerkships and a Preceptorship at sites throughout Wisconsin, gaining broad exposure to many aspects of medicine and public health. As medical students advance through their clinical years, they have increased opportunities to tailor their electives to personal interests and career goals.
Adapting to Change in Medicine and Public Health
Medical students at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health 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 our medical 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 here at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.