Curriculum

Academics → MD Program → Curriculum

Basic Science

Term I

ANATOMY AND EMBRYOLOGY

This comprehensive course in Anatomy and Embryology offers medical students a deep dive into the human body’s structure and developmental origins. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical exploration, students will study the anatomical organization and embryonic development of major regions such as the thorax, abdomen, head/neck, and limbs. Emphasis is placed on the correlation between anatomy and diagnostic imaging, enhancing understanding of clinical conditions and imaging techniques.

Medical scenarios are integrated to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, preparing students for real-life medical challenges. The course also covers embryology, detailing the process from conception to the development of complex organ systems.

By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and embryology, equipped with essential skills for their medical careers.

HISTOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of cellular and tissue structures. Students will explore the organization and functions of cells, tissues, and organs, examining their physiological and pathological aspects. Key topics include cell biology, tissue types, organ systems, and their functions.

Students will learn to identify and analyze cell types and interactions, utilizing techniques such as histological staining and imaging. The course emphasizes the relationship between structure and function, and how cellular components maintain homeostasis and facilitate biological processes.

Additionally, the course highlights recent advances in histological and cell biological research and fosters practical laboratory skills. By course end, students will have a thorough grasp of histology and cell biology, applicable to various scientific and medical fields.

BIOCHEMISTRY

This essential course provides a comprehensive exploration of the biochemical foundations of life and their relevance to medicine. Designed for future healthcare professionals, it covers the molecular processes governing human physiology and pathology.

Students will study biomolecules—proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates—and their roles in cellular function. The course delves into genetic information, gene expression, and cellular regulation, as well as metabolism and energy production.

A key objective is connecting molecular biochemistry with clinical practice, emphasizing its application in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Students will also learn about pharmacological interventions and the development of new therapies.

By course end, students will have a solid understanding of biochemistry’s role in health and disease, equipping them to make informed clinical decisions in their medical careers.

Term II

MEDICAL GENETICS

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of genetics and its impact on medicine. Students will learn the principles of Mendelian genetics, genetic variation, and the molecular mechanisms of genetic disorders.

Key topics include inheritance patterns, genetic testing, counseling, and genomic technologies. The course also covers the ethical and social considerations of genetic information in clinical practice.

Through case studies and practical e-labs, students will learn to assess and interpret genetic data, identify individuals at risk, and provide informed care. The course addresses complex diseases, pharmacogenomics, and personalized medicine, highlighting the role of genetics in tailoring healthcare.

By course end, students will understand how genetics shapes medicine and patient care, preparing them for comprehensive and advanced medical practice.

PHYSIOLOGY

This foundational course provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles governing the human body’s functions. Students will explore the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems, learning how they work individually and together to maintain homeostasis.

Key topics include physiological processes, cellular and molecular mechanisms, and regulatory pathways. The course covers the body’s adaptation to various conditions and its response to disruptions and diseases. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course includes practical laboratory work, allowing students to apply physiological concepts through experiments and simulations. This hands-on experience enhances comprehension and critical thinking.

The clinical relevance of physiology is emphasized, showing how concepts relate to diagnosing and treating medical conditions. This knowledge is essential for making informed clinical decisions and providing optimal patient care.

By course end, students will have a deep appreciation of the human body’s intricacies and a solid foundation for their medical careers, equipped with the skills to understand the physiological basis of health and disease.

NEUROSCIENCE

This course provides medical students with a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system’s structure and function. It covers the brain and nervous system, offering insights into the principles underlying human behavior, cognition, and physiological processes.

Students will learn to diagnose and manage neurological disorders such as strokes, neurodegenerative diseases, and traumatic brain injuries. Emphasizing clinical relevance, the course helps students connect basic science with patient care.

By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in neuroscience, enabling them to excel in clinical practice, make informed treatment decisions, and contribute to advancements in neurology.

Term III

RESEARCH IN MEDICINE

This course equips medical students with the knowledge and skills to understand, critically evaluate, and contribute to medical research. It fosters an appreciation for evidence-based medicine and promotes engagement in scholarly activities that advance healthcare practice and patient outcomes.

The curriculum includes interactive lectures, workshops, group discussions, guided research projects, and presentations. Students will work individually and collaboratively on research activities, guided by faculty mentors.

By course end, students will appreciate the significance of research in medical practice, critically evaluate scientific literature, and contribute to advancing medical knowledge through their own research endeavors.

PUBLIC HEALTH

This course provides medical students with a comprehensive understanding of the broader healthcare landscape, focusing on preventive care, community health, and sociopolitical factors influencing public health. It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical perspectives to address population-level health issues and contribute to healthier communities.

Key topics include epidemiology, healthcare policy, health disparities, environmental health, infectious disease control, health promotion, and global health. Students will learn to analyze health data, evaluate public health interventions, and engage with community stakeholders to implement evidence-based strategies.

By course end, students will appreciate the social determinants of health, understand healthcare’s role in addressing community needs, and recognize the importance of public health in preventing and controlling diseases. This knowledge will be invaluable in making a positive impact on individual and population health in their medical careers.

MICROBIOLOGY

This essential course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms and their role in human health and disease. Students will learn the fundamental principles of microbiology, including microbial structure, function, growth, and genetics, as well as mechanisms of pathogenicity and the immune response.

Key topics include the structure and function of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, along with their role in infectious diseases. The course emphasizes disease transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Through engaging lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on labs, students will develop proficiency in clinical microbiology, diagnostic techniques, antimicrobial agents, and infection control strategies. Special emphasis is placed on antimicrobial resistance and responsible antibiotic use.

By course end, students will be equipped to recognize, diagnose, and manage infections, contributing to their future roles as proficient and compassionate healthcare providers. This course is a crucial step toward becoming well-rounded and informed medical professionals.

Term IV

MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS

This course offers medical students a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical dimensions of medical practice. In today’s intricate healthcare environment, where medical advances bring complex dilemmas, this course equips students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to navigate these challenges.

Topics include patient rights, informed consent, medical malpractice, confidentiality, end-of-life decisions, organ transplantation, and emerging healthcare issues. Real-world case studies and scenarios illustrate the intersection of law and ethics in medicine.

Emphasis is placed on ethical reasoning, effective communication, and professionalism. Through discussions, case analyses, and ethical dilemmas, students develop a strong ethical foundation to guide their future practice.

Aspiring physicians need to navigate medical law and ethical dilemmas, making informed and morally sound decisions. This course explores key legal principles, ethical frameworks, and practical applications essential for their medical careers.

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

This course explores the intersection of human behavior, psychology, and medical practice, providing medical students with a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping patient interactions, healthcare decisions, and overall well-being.

Students will delve into the dynamics of human behavior in healthcare, examining psychological processes in patient-provider relationships, communication, and the impact of stress on health. Emphasis is placed on empathy, cultural competence, and ethical considerations in patient care.

Topics include patient-centered communication, health behavior change, psychological aspects of pain, coping strategies, and societal influences on health disparities and access to care. Ethical challenges in healthcare, such as patient autonomy and informed consent, are also addressed.

By course end, students will integrate behavioral science principles into clinical practice, effectively communicating with diverse patients, addressing behavioral challenges, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care.

IMMUNOLOGY

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the immune system’s crucial role in maintaining human health and combating diseases. Understanding immunology fundamentals is essential for future healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat, and prevent medical conditions.

Students will study cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying immune responses, system regulation, and interactions with other body systems. Real-world clinical scenarios and cutting-edge research challenge students to apply their knowledge, preparing them to diagnose and treat various immunological conditions effectively.

Term V

PATHOLOGY I

In this course, students explore the intricate world of diseases, understanding their origins, manifestations, and impacts. Through detailed examination of cellular and tissue abnormalities, students sharpen diagnostic skills and gain insights into disease underpinnings.

The curriculum covers various body systems, focusing on how they are affected by pathological processes. Students learn about disease diagnosis, progression, and treatments, connecting clinical presentations with underlying pathology.

Through lectures, discussions, e-laboratory work, and case studies, students gain a comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms. This course lays the foundation for further studies in clinical medicine and specialties, providing invaluable insights for future medical practice.

PHARMACOLOGY I

The Pharmacology course offers a comprehensive exploration of pharmacological principles and their practical applications in medical practice. Understanding how drugs interact with the human body is essential for safe and effective patient care. This course equips future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about drug therapy, assess risks and benefits, and optimize patient outcomes.

Through lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, students cover a broad spectrum of topics—from drug mechanisms of action to therapeutic uses and potential adverse effects. The curriculum includes pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and individual variations in drug responses, providing students with a solid foundation in pharmacology.

PATIENT-DOCTOR RELATIONSHIP

This fundamental course in medical education focuses on essential skills and principles for establishing meaningful connections with patients and gathering critical medical information through effective history taking. Emphasizing interpersonal communication in healthcare, the course instills values of empathy, respect, and patient-centered care.

Students gain knowledge and skills related to building effective patient relationships and conducting comprehensive medical histories. The course plays a foundational role in medical education, emphasizing communication, empathy, and patient-centered care.

Term VI

PATHOLOGY II

Systemic Pathology offers a comprehensive understanding of pathological processes underlying diseases affecting various organ systems. This course equips medical students with the knowledge to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases.

Through lectures, seminars, case studies, and interactive discussions, students analyze clinical cases, examine tissue specimens, and engage in group discussions. This hands-on approach enhances their ability to interpret clinical findings and laboratory results, laying a solid foundation for diagnosing and treating diseases.

PHARMACOLOGY II

Pharmacology II provides an in-depth exploration of pharmacological principles in clinical practice. This advanced course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to make evidence-based drug therapy decisions, assess individual patient responses, and optimize treatment outcomes.

Students learn to consider safety, efficacy, and patient-centered care when making drug therapy decisions. Through case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, students develop expertise in assessing drug therapy outcomes and optimizing patient care.

PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS

The Physical Diagnosis course is designed to provide medical students with essential skills and knowledge for performing comprehensive and accurate physical examinations. Through guided learning and practice, students develop proficiency in assessing organ system health, recognizing normal and abnormal findings, and integrating clinical observations into patient care plans.

Clinical Science

Term VII

INTERNAL MEDICINE

The 12-week clinical clerkship in Internal Medicine aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of adult medical care. The clerkship focuses on familiarizing students with various aspects of patient care for adults, including conducting interviews, performing physical examinations, presenting findings, formulating differential diagnoses, and creating evidence-based care plans that prioritize value. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical abilities and critical thinking skills in the context of patient illnesses.

Term VIII

SURGERY

The Surgery Clerkship is a fundamental component of medical education, immersing students in the field of surgery and providing essential skills and knowledge for evaluating, diagnosing, and managing surgical conditions. This intensive clinical rotation exposes students to various surgical specialties, emphasizing hands-on experience, critical thinking, and effective communication within a surgical context.

Students observe and actively participate in a range of surgical procedures, from routine interventions to complex surgeries in specialties such as general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and urology. They learn to assess patients preoperatively, manage preparations, and provide postoperative care, including wound management and monitoring for complications.

By the clerkship’s end, medical students develop a comprehensive foundation in surgical practice, enabling effective collaboration in surgical teams, application of evidence-based strategies, and confident approach to surgical care. This experience is pivotal for students aspiring to become well-rounded physicians capable of providing quality surgical care and contributing to the advancement of surgical medicine.

Term IX

PAEDIATRICS

The Pediatrics clinical clerkship offers aspiring healthcare professionals a comprehensive understanding of pediatric medicine, focusing on the care of infants, children, and adolescents. This course aims to equip students with foundational knowledge and clinical skills essential for excelling in pediatrics.

 

The clerkship includes outpatient and inpatient responsibilities. Students work with general pediatricians, learning to obtain pediatric histories and perform physical examinations on children of different ages. They become proficient in assessing childhood development and providing anticipatory guidance to children and their families.

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

The Obstetrics and Gynecology course provides medical students with a comprehensive understanding of women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and related disorders. It aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for excelling in obstetrics and gynecology.

Students work in ambulatory, inpatient, and surgical settings, experiencing a wide spectrum of obstetrical and gynecological care. They deliver preventive care, apply screening practices, and communicate health education to patients, collaborating with healthcare team members.

Under close faculty supervision, students assume increasing responsibility for ambulatory and inpatient care. They participate in prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care, as well as surgical procedures. The course explores ethical dilemmas and cultural factors in reproductive health and decision-making.

Through supervised clinical sessions, students learn practical skills such as pelvic examinations, prenatal assessments, and basic gynecological procedures.

By course end, students will be well-prepared to diagnose, treat, and manage various reproductive health issues, serving as a foundation for specialization in obstetrics and gynecology or other medical fields.

Term X

PSYCHIATRY

The Psychiatry Clerkship offers an immersive experience emphasizing patient evaluation and treatment across multiple settings. Students engage in diverse opportunities for comprehensive and enriching experiences.

This dynamic and engaging clerkship provides medical students with a foundational understanding of psychiatric medicine. It aims to equip students with knowledge, skills, and empathy to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health conditions across diverse patient populations.

Through clinical experiences, didactic lectures, interactive discussions, and case-based learning, students gain insight into the complexities of psychiatric care and its role in healthcare. The clerkship fosters a compassionate and well-rounded approach to psychiatric care, preparing students to provide high-quality mental health support in various healthcare settings.

Learning opportunities include community-based settings, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry treatment programs, emergency departments, consultations/liaison services, residential treatment programs, correctional facilities, and more.

FAMILY MEDICINE

The 6-week Family Medicine course is tailored for fourth-year medical students, providing comprehensive and continuous care for patients of all ages and genders, along with their families. Integrating various sciences, it considers psychosocial, cultural, and community factors influencing health.

This clerkship offers a comprehensive clinical experience, aiming to provide students with a solid foundation in family medicine principles and practice. Students gain a deep understanding of diverse patient populations and medical conditions encountered in family medicine.

Active engagement in assessment, diagnosis, and management of various medical issues across the lifespan is emphasized. Through hands-on experience in primary care settings, students develop skills for comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Under supervision, students attain competencies primarily through ambulatory clinical experiences, focusing on managing chronic diseases, promoting health maintenance, and diagnosing new issues. The rotation enhances clinical skills and familiarity with coordinated healthcare by family practitioners. Emphasis on screening, prevention, and research activities further enriches the course.

Term XI-XII

Electives

Elective courses in the MD Program offer students the opportunity to explore specialized areas of medicine that align with their interests and career goals. These courses provide a broader and more diverse learning experience beyond the core curriculum, allowing students to deepen their knowledge in specific fields, develop new skills, and gain exposure to emerging medical trends and technologies. Elective courses are designed to enhance the overall medical education experience, allowing students to tailor their education to their personal interests and career aspirations.