Block 1: Foundations of Medicine Autumn and Winter (Year One) Autumn quarter consists of two components, with anatomy

study throughout. The first component, molecular foundations of medicine and structure of cells and tissues (histology), builds a vital foundation for the scientifically trained physician of the future. The second component, exploration of molecular processes, continues with developmental biology, applied biochemistry and genetics, with open time in the schedule for students to explore scholarly concentration topics and/or elective coursework. Winter quarter includes the immune system, the organization of the nervous system and the function of neurons, and anatomy of the head and neck. Principles

of pharmacology and drug action and an introductory look at microbiology and infections of the respiratory system, provide the background for integrated organ system units to follow. Clinical correlates in combined basicclinical science sessions illustrate how basic science discovery translates into clinical practice. Courses in the Foundations of Medicine block include: Foundations of Medicine Foundations of I Medicine II The Nervous Applied Biochemistry System (NBio (Bioc 200) 206) Immunology in Cells to Tissues (Inde Health & Disease 216) (Imm 205)

Intro to Human Molecular Foundations of Health & Disease Medicine (Bioc 205) (Inde 220) Gross Anatomy Genetics (Gene 202) of Head & Neck (Surg 203B) Development & Disease Mechanisms (DBio 201) Gross Anatomy (Surg 203A) Block 2: Human Health & Disease Spring (Year One), Autumn and Winter (Year Two) Study units are organized by organ system and integrate histology, physiology, pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Organ system units cover normal structure and function, response to

disease (including infection), and treatment (therapeutics). Morning sessions are correlated with problem-based cases and physical diagnosis skill training in the afternoon Practice of Medicine block. Final unit on multi-organ systems provides pathophysiologic integration of material from prior units. The Faculty Faculty members are chosen for their excellence and leadership in their respective clinical disciplines or fields of biomedical research. The Stanford medical school has more than 700 full-time faculty (two of whom are Nobel Laureates). We also have over one thousand adjunct clinical faculty who practice in the neighboring communities. Organ Systems

The Human Health & Disease course approaches each organ system by block or thread, separated by quarter, as described below. Spring, Year One Pulmonary System Winter, Year Two Brain and Behavior Hematology & Cardiovascul Genitourinar Hematopatholo ar System y System gy Endocrine Multi-systemic System Diseases Reproductiv e System/ Women's Health Block 3: Practice of Medicine Autumn, Year Two Renal System

Throughout Year One and Year Two, afternoon session, two days per week The Practice of Medicine runs concurrently with Blocks 1 and 2, with clinical correlations to morning sessions to reinforce basic science concepts. Diverse teaching formats include large group lectures with team learning activities, small group (8-12 learners) discussions, smaller groups (2-3 learners) for clinical skills instruction, and one-on-one instruction. Variety of instructional methods include clinical problem-based cases, multistation exercises, simulations with standardized patients, videotaping with instructor feedback, and computerbased instruction. Topics are organized within seven threads:
1.

Communication: Interviewing, history taking, psychiatric interviewing, sexual

history taking, alternative medicine issues, cultural competency. 2. Physical Exam: Normal surface anatomy, normal adult and child examination, gynecologic examination, geriatric examination, clinical procedural skills. 3. MD in Society: Health care system, public health, bioethics, advocacy, public policy, international medicine, end of life care, domestic violence, preventive medicine. 4. Quantitative Medicine: Epidemiology, information management, biostatistics, evidencebased medicine (EBM), introduction to clinical investigation, critical appraisal, exposure to scholarly concentrations. 5. Nutrition: Principles of nutrition science followed by clinical

applications in a series of web-based modules. 6. Medical Practice: Skills training, professionalism, exposure to specialists, clinical teams, hospital information systems, clerkship mechanics. 7. Clinical Correlation: Multisystem problems, development of problem lists, differential diagnoses, integration of basic science concepts. Block 4: Clinical Clerkships Begins as early as May of Year Two

Minimum of 15.5 required clinical months Flexible scheduling with opportunity for broad clinical experience and/or continuation of scholarly concentration project.

Clinical correlations in clerkships provide review of basic sciences.

Block 5: Reflections, Research, and Advances in Patient Care (RRAP) Offered throughout the later years of medical school, this block - currently under development - will bring back the newest advances in basic science and reemphasize basic science applications for physicians. Scholarly Concentrations Scholarly Concentrations, a new feature of the Stanford medical school curriculum analogous to "majors," provide medical students with independent, creative scholarly experiences in areas of personal interest. This required component of the curriculum develops critical thinking, skills in evaluation of new data, and hands-

on experience with the methods by which new scholarly information is generated.