The block-based curriculum for years one and two has been designed to increase integration of normal human biology with disease processes and clinical skills from the first week of medical school onward. Basic science is taught in the context of its application with planned reiteration. Instruction is coordinated throughout sequentially-taught blocks.

• Instruction is driven by cases explored via problem-based learning, laboratories, conferences, clinical skills workshops, and independent study accompanied by 10 hours of lecture a week.
• Contact time is limited to 24 hours a week to allow time for independent study and electives.
• All but one of the thematic blocks is taught in two "passes". There is planned redundancy as well as progressive depth and expectations of competency. Most blocks are 8 weeks in length.
• Curricular Threads are woven into the fabric of each block, and include
  
  • Doctoring principles and clinical skills
  • Anatomy, histopathology and embryology
  • Genetics and genomics
  • Population medicine, informatics and clinical reasoning
  • Pharmacology
• Special issues are addressed across the curriculum in all four years:
  • Gender-specific health
  • Geriatrics
  • Complementary and alternative medicine
  • Cultural components of health and disease
  • Cancer prevention and survivorship
  • Nutrition
  • Professionalism
• Progress through this curriculum is evaluated on a pass/fail basis with computer based exams and performance exams at the end of each block. Regular assessments during each block allow students to track their understanding and adjust study practices or emphasis as indicated.

Block 1: HB&D 401 Foundations of Medicine I (8 Weeks)

Pathologic processes, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, basic immunology, and critical appraisal.

Thomas Drake, MD, Pathology
Sally Krasne, PhD, Physiology

Block 2: Cardiovascular, Renal, and Respiratory Medicine I (8 weeks)

Anatomy, histopathology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, imaging, and selected pathophysiologic mechanisms plus clinical assessment of these systems.

John Tormey, MD, Physiology
Jan Tillisch, MD, Medicine/Cardiology

Block 3: Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Medicine I (8 weeks)

Anatomy, histopathology, biochemistry, nutrition, genetics, and selected pathophysiologic mechanisms, coupled with clinical assessment of these systems.

Nancy Wayne, PhD, Physiology
Janet Pregler, MD, Medicine

Block 4: Musculoskeletal Medicine (5 weeks)

Anatomy, imaging, histopathology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related to this system with a focus on rheumatology and physical medicine.

Shaleen Metten, PhD, Pathology
Quynh Pham, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Block 5: Medical Neurosciences I (5 weeks)

Neuroanatomy, histopathology, neurobioloby, neurology, imaging, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical assessment of the neurological systems

Carolyn Houser, PhD, Neurobiology
Chris DeGiorgio, MD, Neurology

Block 6: Foundations of Medicine II (8 weeks)

Basic pharmacology; microbes, host defense and immunity; immune disorders; clinical trials & epidemiology; infectious diseases, including classification of pathogens & therapeutics; cancer, including classification, causes & therapeutics of other blood disorders.

Larry Feldman, PhD, Microbiology & Immunology
Matt Leibowitz, MD, Medicine/Infectious Diseases

Block 7: Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, & Reproductive Medicine II (8 weeks)

Endocrinology; reproductive health & disease; breast; GI diseases; gender-specific diseases; skin diseases; common infectious diseases; therapeutics; and prevention, including nutrition.

Greg Brent, MD, Medicine/Endocrinology
Jonathan Hiatt, MD, Surgery

Block 8: Medical Neurosciences II (5 weeks)
Neuroanatomy, neurobiology, psychopathology, neurology, and psycho pharmacology.

Margaret Stuber, MD, Psychiatry
Michael Sofroniew, MD, PhD, Neurobiology

Block 9: Cardiovascular, Renal & Respiratory Medicine II (8 weeks)

Pathology & pathophysiology of these systems; including hypertension, developmental disorders; therapeutics - pharmaceuticals and other treatments; clinical trials & epidemiology; prevention; common infectious agents.

Joshua Goldhaber, MD, Medicine/Cardiology
Michael Sopher, MD, Anesthesiology

Assessment Week (1 week)

This one-week block of assessment concludes the second year to provide feedback to students in preparation for the USMLE and clerkships.

LuAnn Wilkerson, EdD, Department of Medicine

Open Period (8 weeks)

This is a period of flexible time during which electives could be offered. Some possible electives/activities include Spanish, studying for USMLE, early clerkship rotations, research, remediation, vacation, etc. A subcommittee will design the structure more specifically.

Thread Chairs and Content Consultants

• Clinical Skills/Doctoring I- Lacey Wyatt, MD, Family Medicine
• Clinical Skills/ Doctoring II - Art Gomez, MD, Internal Medicine
• Anatomy/Embryology/Histopathology - Shaleen Metten, PhD, Pathology
• Clinical Reasoning - Carl Stevens, MD, Medicine/Emergency
• Pharmacology - William Melega, PhD, Molecular & Medical Pharmacology
• Genetics - Linda McCabe, PhD, Genetics