Phase 1

Foundations of Medicine

The first phase of the curriculum is Foundations of Medicine and this takes place over 18 months, year one August-May and year two August-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 Director: Richard MacDonald, PhD