Curriculum Outline
The curriculum at TCOM is presented using an organ systems approach in
which basic science topics pertinent to a particular organ system of the body
are presented in an integrated fashion. For instance, in a course such as
Cardiopulmonary System 1, Gastrointestinal System 1, or Nervous System 1,
presentations include the physiology, anatomy, histology, embryology, and
introductory pathophysiology of that organ system. In year 2 courses, the
pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical microbiology, radiology, surgery, and
clinical medicine topics are again integrated into courses focused on major
organ systems. Throughout the four-year curriculum, the emphasis is on
developing the student as an independent thinker capable of life-long learning.
Lectures are de-emphasized in favor of directed student self-study assignments
followed by interactive sessions with faculty where the emphasis is on
application of learned concepts to case-based clinical problems.
Semesters 1 and 2 courses focus primarily on basic science topics, but also include significant integration with clinical science instruction and are devoted to learning the preclinical sciences in the context of patients' clinical problems. The first several weeks address basic knowledge in cell and molecular biology, and biochemistry. Students then move through a sequence of organ system courses, in which the content of the basic sciences is organized around normal human structure and functions with an introduction to key clinical problems affecting each organ system. The final two courses of the first year curriculum focus on the study of the mechanisms of disease. These courses introduce students to the basic principles of pathophysiology and clinical microbiology.
First-Year (Semesters 1 and 2) Course Outline
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|
Cellular Science
|
Hematopoietic System 1
|
Courses during semesters 3 and 4 focus on pathophysiology and clinical
science in each of ten organ systems. Review materials that help students
prepare for their board examinations are provided throughout year 2 and a
comprehensive review course is provided during the final three weeks of semester
four.
Second Year (Semesters 3 and 4) Course Outline
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|
Renal System 2
|
Endocrine System 2 Reproductive System 2 Nervous System 2 Musculoskeletal and Skin System 2 Fundamentals of Behavioral Science Correlative Basic Science & Clinical Medicine Clinical Medicine 4 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 4 |
Courses devoted to osteopathic manipulative medicine and clinical medicine run in parallel to the systems courses throughout both years 1 and 2 of the curriculum. The Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine courses introduce students to the principles of osteopathic medicine and the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of manipulative medicine. The aim of the Clinical Medicine courses is to introduce the students to the proper approach to the patient to obtain a thorough history and physical exam. In year 2, students are introduced to the hospital-based, team approach and hone their skills of focused history and physical exam, order writing, interpretation of laboratory data, and retrieval of evidence-based information using electronic resources. In addition, students are exposed to actual clinical instruction by participating in hospital rounds, by working alongside community physicians, and by participating in required community service assignments and observing various health-related services in the community.
Medical Ethics forms a core element of the Clinical Medicine series in Years 1, 2, and 3. In this series of lectures, small group discussions, and plenary sessions students are asked to critically examine key issues related to awareness of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity, death and dying, patient rights, and other major real life scenarios that impact the physician-patient relationship.
The last 23 months of the curriculum consist of clerkship rotations and preceptorship assignments. Each student rotates through a series of core clinical clerkships. These clinical rotations are scheduled in TCOM-affiliated teaching hospitals, TCOM clinics and physicians' offices in or near the Fort Worth/Dallas area, or at other affiliated hospitals throughout the state of Texas. The remaining time is spent in elective clerkships. Please note: the length, distribution and sequencing of courses and clerkships are subject to change from what is listed in this catalog. The most current clerkship information is available in the Office of Clinical Affairs. Semester 8 includes a one-week period of on-campus clinical and classroom activities to round out each student's education.
Third Year (Semesters 5 and 6) Core Clinical
Rotations
Clinical Skills (2 weeks)
Family Medicine (8
weeks)
Internal Medicine (8 weeks)
Manipulative Medicine (4
weeks)
Obstetrics and Gynecology (6 weeks)
Pediatrics (6
weeks)
Psychiatry (4 weeks)
Surgery (8 weeks)
Selective (4 weeks)
Fourth Year (Semesters 7 and 8) Core and Elective
Rotations
Emergency Medicine (4 weeks)
Geriatrics (4
weeks)
Primary Care Partnership selective (4 weeks)
Subspecialty Internal
Medicine (4 weeks)
Elective Clerkships (6 X 4 weeks)
Fourth Year (Semester 8)
Graduation Preparation &
Documentation
This page last updated Jan 29, 2008
