This is Iowa Curriculum

Fall Semester - M1/PA1 Year

MEDICAL GROSS ANATOMY *

This course introduces the form and function of the human body by using clinical language and includes a complete dissection of the human body with a regional focus that emphasizes the relationships to the living system.

CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (CAPS) I †

The first of a 3-semester sequence designed to develop knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required for attaining clinical excellence. Students learn the art and science of medicine in a similar way to how they will practice medicine in the future.

MEDICINE AND SOCIETY (MAS) I †

The first of a 3-semester sequence in which students are introduced to social determinants of health and investigate the influence and impact of culture and community on health care.

FOUNDATIONS OF CELLULAR LIFE *

A study of the things that happen in a single generalizable cell of the human body through foundational lessons to help solve clinical problems through advanced application exercises.

MECHANISMS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE (MOHD) I: HUMAN ENERGY AND GENETICS *

The first of a 4-course sequence which emphasizes the normal physiological and genetic processes of oxygenation, metabolism, and genetics.

Typical M1/PA1 Schedule

Table detailing schedule for typical M1 or PA1 student

Spring Semester - M1/PA1 Year

CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS II †

CAPS II will reinforce and advance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes introduced in CAPS I through communication skills, clinical reasoning developed in small groups, and sessions with simulated patients.

MEDICINE AND SOCIETY II †

Students will explore adverse circumstances that are threats to health and methods of health promotion and disease prevention, which are shaped by societal values and views. A range of issues will be explored through a local and global perspective.

MECHANISMS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE II *

This course focuses on the mechanisms of normal biology, underlying immunology and inflammation, musculoskeletal and integumentary function, and neuropsychiatry.

MECHANISMS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE III *

This course emphasizes abnormal development and disease introduced in MOHD I through large group sessions, small group case analysis, and interactive virtual patient modules.

Fall Semester - M2/PA2 Year

CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS III †

CAPS III advances clinical reasoning skills gained through focused patient encounters and interactions with special patient populations.

MEDICINE AND SOCIETY III †

MAS III focuses on health services organization and delivery, with an emphasis on community dimensions of medical practice and patient safety.

MECHANISMS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE IV *

MOHD IV explores abnormalities or disruptions leading to disease within and among mechanisms of immunology/inflammation, locomotion/integument, and neuropsychiatry.

MECHANISMS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE KEYSTONE *

This course transitions from classroom instruction to clinical practice. Foundational knowledge gained from previous courses is approached from the perspective of common clinic encounters and diagnostic and management decisions regarding clinical problems.

The Carver College of Medicine’s innovative curriculum features the integration of basic sciences with clinical application and experiences that increase a student’s ability to individually tailor their educational experience.

Students begin their supervised clinical clerkships after just three semesters of preclinical instruction, rather than the more common four-semester format.

The goal of the curriculum is to develop enduring attitudes, skills, and knowledge that will provide focus and direction for tomorrow’s physicians in a future that cannot be easily predicted.

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*Selectives=ANES, DERM, OPHT, ORTH, OTO, PATH, RAD, URO

**Step 1 and 2 must be completed by August 31 of M4 year

Clinical Training

The second major phase of the medical curriculum consists of supervised, hands-on clinical training at the bedside in inpatient hospital units, outpatient clinics, and communities throughout the state. Clinical training begins in January of the second year and extends until graduation. Students complete 44 weeks of Core Clerkships.

Core Clerkships

Family and Community Medicine

Internal Medicine (Inpatient/Outpatient)

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology

Clinical Pediatrics

Clinical Surgery

Clinical Psychiatry

Clinical Neurology

Emergency Medicine

Beyond the Core

As students conclude the Core Clerkships, they move on to third phase of the curriculum during their final 18 months of medical school. During this phase, students complete at least one clerkship in Critical Care Medicine, and an Advanced inpatient Sub-Internship. Students finish 32 weeks of advanced electives, chosen in consultation with their Specialty Specific Advisor, to explore career options and prepare for residency.

Selectives

Selectives are two-week clerkships introducing students to specialized disciplines. During the clinical years, students are required to complete at least five selectives which include the following:

Anesthesia

Dermatology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Otolaryngology

Pathology

Radiology

Urology

United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Our Medical Student Counseling Center provides support and resources as students prepare for USMLE Step exams. Time away from clinical training for study is incorporated in students' schedules. Students routinely take USMLE Step I and II exams after completing the Core Clerkships.