UNMC_Acronym_Vert_sm_4c
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Curriculum

Our curriculum produces physicians whose strong foundation in basic, clinical, and health systems sciences prepare them to work collaboratively with other health professionals to promote health and reduce suffering for the patients and populations throughout Nebraska and the surrounding region.

The College of Medicine curriculum enhances the acquisition of enduring knowledge and skills while integrating the emerging knowledge and abilities critical to becoming a 21st century physician. The curriculum outcome is a physician who is well prepared to excel in residency training, professional practice, and as a productive citizen of Nebraska.

Hear more about how the College of Medicine prepares its students through a three-phase interactive and experiential curriculum.

Video Transcript

Phase 1: Foundations of Medicine

The first phase of the curriculum is Foundations of Medicine and this takes place over 18 months: Year one from August to May and year two from August to March. This first phase integrates basic, clinical and health systems sciences into blocks that are organized by the organ systems of the human body. In each organ systems-based block students will learn about normal structure and function of an organ system followed by the pathologic and clinical manifestations present when those systems act abnormally, similar to how a physician approaches patients in clinical practice. Focus is also placed on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases for both patients and populations. Collectively, this learning constitutes the foundation of the practice of medicine and lays the groundwork for subsequent phases.

Phase 1 Co-Directors:

Phase 1 Coordination: Office of Medical Education

Learn more about Phase 1

Phase 2: Clinical Applications

The Clinical Applications phase, which is 12 months in duration, provides students with extensive clinical learning experiences in six of the core disciplines of medicine. In these clinical experiences, students begin to apply the knowledge and skills learned from the first phase toward formally caring for patients in both the hospital and ambulatory clinic settings. Clinical rotations range from 6-12 weeks in length over the course of Phase 2.

Phase 2 begins with the Acute Care & Clinical Transitions block is followed by the required clinical clerkships. We schedule clerkships via a lottery system and students will be given the opportunity to give input as to the order they wish to complete these clerkships.

Phase 2 Director: Amy Cutright, MD

Phase 2 Coordinator: Nick McCormick

Learn more about Phase 2

Phase 3: Career Preparation

Phase 3 is the final phase of the curriculum and takes place over 13 months. This phase provides individualized training for students in their career specialty choice with the goal of preparing students for success in residency training and beyond. After enrolling in a self-selected Specialty Track, students will work with faculty from that specialty to create individualized learning experiences based upon the students’ backgrounds, anticipated plans, and other interests.

Phase 3 Director: Justin Siebler, MD
Phase 3 Director: David O'Dell, MD
Phase 3 Education Coordinator: Vanessa Larson

For general inquires about Phase 3, please contact the Associate Dean of the Office of Medical Education: Geoff Talmon, MD

Learn more about Phase 3

Foundational Principles

These foundational principles guide the work of the curriculum oversight committees.