The design of the curriculum is based on a proven systems-based integrated academic model. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, guiding students to develop a holistic, and more importantly, an osteopathic approach to medicine. In utilizing a systems approach to medical education, basic biomedical science disciplines are integrated with clinical sciences in a fashion that reflects clinical relevancy, rather than broken down into individual segregated disciplines. The overall curriculum is scheduled in blocks with intervening periods of integrations, reflection, wellness, and time for scholarly activity and electives. Weekly schedules follow a format of faculty guided Student Directed Learning during most afternoons and group Active Learning Sessions most mornings. Assessments are formative and summative with an emphasis on learning of material and competency of skill. MCOM continually correlates basic scientific information and methodology with fundamental clinical application.
Students are exposed to clinical settings and simulation beginning in their first semester and continuing throughout the first two years of coursework, giving them the opportunity to prepare for the “real world” of medicine. We believe that by adding early clinical exposure, simulation, and active learning in a team or small group setting early in the curriculum, we strengthen the students’ ability to think critically, solve clinical problems and develop the skills they will require to continue to learn throughout their careers. Professionalism and ethics are key components for a physician and are emphasized throughout the entire curricular experience at MCOM.
Third and fourth-year students are placed at one of our regional centers throughout the state and region to ensure continuity and coordination of clinical education within RVU’s vast and growing clinical training network. The competency-based curriculum is designed to fulfill our mission of training students who are competent and ready to enter graduate medical education and training, with an emphasis on preparing students to become primary care physicians.
MCOM has a dedicated faculty; established affiliations with medical centers, hospitals, and health care systems; a structured and supported rural medicine program; and a mission to educate the finest osteopathic physicians possible.
