Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Academics

4-year semimodern. First and second years: The basic sciences are covered in the first 2 years. The body is divided into organ systems to permit integration of the basic science disciplines with one another and with the clinical aspects. Behavioral science, preventive medicine, pathogenesis, foundations of medicine, and ethics are also taught during this interval. Third year: This year is devoted to rotation through the major clinical specialties. Also included are courses in community practice and in neurology. Fourth year: Consists of 4 weeks devoted to clinical rotation in emergency room, and 4 weeks in an acting internship. A 3-week update course in clinical science is offered at the end of the year. The balance of the year consists of 4-week rotations in various electives. The purpose of allotting two-thirds of the senior year of electives is to allow those students who have definite goals to pursue them flexibly. This option also permits those who have not yet defined their goals adequate choices to explore possible career pathways. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from individual faculty members, should they wish to design courses of special interest.