Clinical Years Experiences and Educational Program Objectives

The third year of the MD Program curriculum at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health begins with a transition as medical students move from classroom-based learning in the first two years to an apprenticeship model with clerkship experiences through a series of rotations in Madison and across the state.

Students have their first extended exposure to the culture of medicine and the expectations of independent learning and critical thinking in a clinical setting. Owing to our Statewide Campus, students are given the opportunity to examine the unique health care needs of the diverse populations across Wisconsin.

Core and required clerkships provide broad exposure to many aspects of clinical medicine and public health. Part of the learning experience involves documentation and self assessment of their learning across competency areas, including tracking required clinical experiences.

Students are assessed on their clinical skills through the Year End Professional Skills Assessment exam (OSCE stations), and by the standard student clinical performance evaluation.

The fourth year of medical school provides students with the opportunity to experience a community preceptorship where they are immersed in a community-based clinical environment in a one-on-one relationship with a physician mentor.

During this experience, students develop a greater understanding of the value of community resources in patient care and insights into the relationships between clinical care, public health and health of the community. Students are able to tailor their education, through electives, research and extramurals, while evolving interests and career choices as they move toward their specialty and residency decisions.

Students take Step 2 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination during their fourth year to assess their application of medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science with emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

At the completion of the School of Medicine and Public Health Medical Education Program, the graduating medical student will be able to:

Medical Knowledge

1. Demonstrate mastery of basic science processes as they pertain to normal structure and function of the body at the molecular, cellular, organ and systems levels
2. Integrate knowledge of core concepts in basic, clinical and population health sciences
3. Identify and solve clinical problems by applying knowledge of mechanisms of disease, diagnostics, prevention and therapeutic interventions 
4. Identify the role of socioeconomic, environmental, cultural, and other population-level determinants of health on the health status and health care of individuals and populations 
5. Explain how public policy and population based prevention initiatives can influence health determinants and outcomes
6. Differentiate between individual and population-based approaches to health locally, nationally and internationally

Problem Solving and Clinical Skills (Patient Care) 

1. Perform comprehensive evaluations including age-specific and gender-appropriate wellness exams
2. Conduct focused histories and physical exams appropriate to a patient's presenting concerns
3. Formulate a complete and thoughtful differential diagnosis and assessment based on the findings from the history, physical and diagnostic testing
4. Incorporate evidence-based practice into clinical decision making regarding health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, therapy, and management plans
5. Counsel and educate patients and their families about health conditions and disease prevention and management
6. Use evidence-based community-engagement strategies to improve community health and reduce health disparities

Lifelong Learning (Practice Based Learning and Improvement)

1. Identify and appraise the most current and relevant evidence from multiple sources to create a coherent assessment of a patient, community or population
2. Use self assessment as well as feedback from peers and faculty to identify strengths and limitations in knowledge, skills and attitudes
3. As an independent learner, use appropriate resources to obtain information needed for effective patient care and population-level health

Systems Based Practice

1. Demonstrate a clinical perspective that recognizes the impact of multiple systems on patient health
2. Identify community assets and system resources to improve the health of individuals and populations
3. Participate in quality assessment and improvement plans to enhance medical care as well as community and population health

Professionalism

1. Adhere to ethical principles and exhibit ethical decision making in all aspects of practice
2. Address self-care and personal issues that affect one's ability to fulfill the professional responsibilities of being a doctor
3. Demonstrate compassion and sensitivity to patients' and colleagues' culture, values, belief system, age, gender, and disabilities
4. Accept constructive feedback gracefully, using feedback to make improvements and be able to provide meaningful feedback to peers and the school
5. Assume responsibility, behave honestly, and perform duties in a timely, organized, respectful and dependable manner

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

1. Communicate effectively, in both oral and written formats, with medical professionals, patients and families
2. Identify and bridge cultural gaps in patient encounters to help minimize potential contribution to disparate care
3. Demonstrate team building and leadership traits, exhibiting respect for team members and utilizing negotiation and conflict management skills when necessary
4. Effectively tailor and present evidence-based public health practices, programs, and policies to specific audiences, including patients, communities, stakeholders, media, and policy-makers