University of Arizona College of Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine Academics

4-year semimodern. First year: A 40-week period when the basic sciences are presented. Patient contact is provided and behavioral sciences are emphasized. Second year:A36-week period consisting of advanced basic science courses, behavioral sciences, and a continuation of the introduction to clinical sciences. Third year: A 48-week period when the clinical sciences are presented with at least 6 weeks of clerkships in each of the principal departments. Fourth year: A 33-week period for electives in the student’s career path. Biologic, cultural, psychosocial, economic, and sociologic concepts and data are provided in the core curriculum. Increasing emphasis is placed on problemsolving ability, beginning with initial instruction and carried through to graduation. Excellence in performance is encouraged and facilitated. Awareness of the milieuinwhichmedicineispracticedisalsoencouraged. The learning environment encompasses lectures, smallgroupinstruction,independentstudy,clinicalclerkships, practice in physical diagnosis, computer-based instruction, and a variety of other modes for the learner. The Patient Instructor Program in the second year uses a unique method of clinical instruction. Real patients are trained to help students fine-tune their physical examination and history-taking skills. Students receive immediate feedback on their performance from the patient instructors, which helps to develop and improve the skills needed during the clinical years. Students learn in various settings at the University Medical Center, and a variety of community inpatient and outpatient settings.