MD Curriculum
Please refer to the Medical School Handbook for greater detail on the MD curriculum.
ASCEND includes three major phases: the Pre-Clerkship Phase, the Clerkship Phase, and the Integration and Transitions Phase.
Pre-Clerkship Phase
The Pre-Clerkship Phase of ASCEND supplies students with foundational knowledge in basic sciences through early clinical exposure and collaborative learning sessions. At 17 months, the Pre-Clerkship starts with acclimation and immersion sessions and progresses through a series of foundational blocks that cover core scientific principles. This is followed by organ systems-based modules that leverage a mix of didactics, workshops, and lab activities.A typical week includes ample flexibility, allowing students to explore their own passions.
It culminates with the Periodic Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (PEAKS 1) assessment, as well as preparation for the USMLE Step 1 Licensure Examinations.
Clerkship Phase
The 13-month Clerkship Phase features core clerkships in various medical fields, focusing first on acute and emergent patient care, followed by a phase dedicated to chronic disease management, health maintenance, and preventive health.
Each clerkship offers immersive experiences for our MD students. This includes real-time patient care, diagnostic skills, and inter-professional collaboration. After every six-week rotation, the Clerkship Phase also includes Coaching, Advising, Mentoring, and Preparation (CAMP) weeks that provide periods for reflection, mentorship, and self-care. This approach integrates clinical experience with guidance and wellness, ensuring continuous professional development. Elective opportunities allow students to explore areas of clinical interest further. The Clerkship Phase concludes with assigned PEAKS 2 assessment weeks, which are aimed at evaluating student competencies and readiness for the Integration and Transitions Phase.
Integration and Transitions Phase
The Integration and Transitions Phase of ASCEND spans 15 months and represents the final segment of medical education at the School. Focused on preparing students for post-graduate training, it includes a two-month Chronic Care clerkship along with other advanced clinical experiences, as well as faculty-mentored scholarly projects.
For more information, please refer to the Medical Student Handbook.
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