Medical School Profiles

The following profiles consist of in-depth descriptions of the 122 fully accredited U.S. medical schools and the 16 Canadian medical schools. Each school profile consists of three distinct components: (1) a box containing the school name, address, phone, fax, e-mail and World Wide Web numbers, (2) a data capsule containing a summary of vital statistics for the first year class (for more details, see Chapter 6), and (3) the school's specific descriptive characteristics, which are identified in the next paragraph and are defined below.

How To Use These Profiles

No two medical schools are the same. They differ in many ways, including their origins, admissions procedures and requirements, curriculum, grading policies, facilities, and special programs; each school is unique in what it has to offer.

After making a tentative list of schools to which you would consider applying (using the data in Table 6.1 in the preceding chapter), you should review each school's qualities in the profiles presented here to see if you qualify for admission and if the school will meet your personal needs.

The admissions requirements will let you know if you can meet the school's specific requirements beyond those mandated for all medical school applicants. If you cannot meet these requirements, applying is an exercise in futility. For instance, if a school limits its students exclusively to state residents, it is pointless to apply unless you meet this criterion. This section also suggests elective courses that may be advisable for you to take in your junior or senior years to make you more eligible for admission to specific schools.

Students should become familiar with the curriculum of the schools to which they are interested in applying. It is also recommended that, when visiting school campuses for an interview, you inquire from current students what their reaction is to the existing curriculum. Specific information on the performance under this curriculum on both parts of the USMLE can be of special value in assessing its impact. Also, the faculty's attitude toward the curriculum and any prospective modifications that will be introduced may be solicited from your interviewer (near the end of the session). You may wish to evaluate your findings with fellow premeds who have visited the same school, to determine how factual your data is. It may even prove worthwhile to secure information in advance of your visit about the curriculum from previous interviewees, so that you can then obtain specific information that you feel needs elaboration.

Familiarity with information regarding grading and promotion policies, facilities, and special programs will provide you with source material for making further inquires at the time of your interview and help make your visits more meaningful.

Definitions

Following are definitions of terms pertaining to the various features used in outlining each school's characteristics:

Introduction

A brief historical overview for the school is provided. It will usually also indicate other schools for the health professions that are affiliated with the university, as well as some geographical features that are of special importance.

Admissions

Though the minimum requirement for most schools is at least three years (90 credit hours) of undergraduate study at an accredited college, the percentage of those accepted with only this background is small. The MCAT is required by almost all schools, although in exceptional circumstances admission can be secured without having taken this exam, or it may be made contingent on securing satisfactory scores when taken at a later date. Basic or minimum premedical science courses means one year of biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics plus appropriate laboratory work. Some schools have additional requirements such as English, mathematics, or certain advanced science courses especially biochemistry. These are indicated along with any recommended courses. Since an interview is almost always by invitation, it is not indicated in each entry as a prerequisite for admission. Transfer and advanced standing: Transferring from one American medical school to another may present problems because of variations in curricula and length of programs. When these issues present no problem and space is available, transfer can be made at the end of the academic year. American citizens studying at foreign medical schools may be considered for admission to advanced standing, usually into the third-year class, at some schools. Generally, they must have completed their basic science courses and have taken the Medical Sciences Knowledge Profile examination.

Curriculum

Each curriculum is indicated as to length and type. The classifications used (except where a school preferred not to be identified in this manner) are: traditional (basic sciences are taught during first two years using a departmental or nonintegrated format. The last two years consist of clerkships in major and minor clinical specialties with little or no time allotted for electives); semitraditional (basic sciences are taught in traditional manner. The third year is devoted to clerkships in major specialties. The fourth year is mainly devoted to electives. Clinical correlation with basic sciences is usually provided); semimodern (one of the two years devoted to basic sciences is presented using a core or organ systems approach. The third year is devoted to clerkships in major specialties and the fourth year is mainly for electives. Clinical correlation with basic sciences is emphasized and the student is introduced to patients early in the preclinical program); modern (both basic science years are presented using core or organ systems approach. The third year is devoted to clerkships in major clinical specialties and the fourth year consists mainly of electives. Clinical correlation with basic sciences is strongly emphasized and the student is introduced to patients very early in the preclinical program). The following terms will be useful in understanding the various school curricula:

Introductory basic medical science courses

generally means anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.

Advanced basic medical science courses

generally means microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology.

Clerkships

service on a hospital ward where the medical student works under direct supervision of a physician and becomes directly involved in the care of patients.

Major clinical specialties

usually medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, and psychiatry-neurology.

Minor clinical specialties

generally anesthesiology, dermatology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, radiology, and public health-preventive medicine.

Subspecialty

specialized area of major specialty; for example, subspecialties of surgery are orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, cardiac surgery, pediatric surgery, etc.

Preceptorship

service in a medical office or home situation where the student works under supervision of a family physician and becomes initiated into patient care in a nonhospital format.

Electives

unassigned time is usually provided during the fourth year. This permits students to select from a variety of educational options that can enhance that student's career.

Grading and Promotion Policies

The system used is not the same in all schools, so it is specifically identified for each school. Promotion usually is determined by a faculty committee and specific details concerning the policy of individual schools is outlined. Some schools require students to take only Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE. Others may require a passing total score for promotion to the third year and graduation.

Facilities

Teaching

Facilities are of two kinds: those used for basic sciences and those used in clinical instruction. The former usually contain teaching and research laboratories, lecture rooms, and departmental and faculty offices. Clinical teaching occurs in hospitals with major facilities usually located on campus adjacent to the basic science building. Other hospitals in the city or area may be affiliated with the school (for example, have a contractual arrangement whereby the medical school faculty partly or completely staffs the hospital and uses its beds in teaching). Campus hospitals are frequently owned by the school and are then referred to as university hospitals. Major teaching and affiliated hospitals are noted in the description and the number of beds indicated. Other: Facilities concern the research and library facilities associated with the medical school. Housing: Facilities include information for single and married students. Off-campus accommodations are available near most schools and the Office of Student Affairs of the school may be able to assist students in securing such facilities. Details as to size, furnishings, and rental costs may be given in the school catalog.

Special Features

This section deals with two topics, minority admissions and other degree programs. In the former, the extent of a school's recruiting efforts of underrepresented students is identified and special summer programs are noted. Under the latter heading, combined programs (especially MD-PhD programs) are identified, and any unique areas of graduate training that are not part of the traditional basic sciences are mentioned.

Introduction

The School of Medicine began in Mobile in 1859. After several relocations, its main Medical Center campus was established in Birmingham in 1945. Branch campuses are also present in Huntsville and Tuscaloosa. The first 2 years of the educational program take place at the main campus, while clinical teaching occurs on all 3 campuses. The School of Medicine is one of the 6 health schools making up the University of Alabama Medical Center. The others are schools of Dentistry, Optometry, Nursing, Health-Related Professions, and Public Health.

Admissions (AMCAS)

Additional courses beyond the basic premedical science requirements are one year each of mathematics and English on all three campuses.

Curriculum

4-year semitraditional. First and second years: Consist of education in the basic medical science as related to human biology and pathology. This is followed by an integrated study of organ system function and disorders. The humanities as related to medicine are also studied, and the skills necessary for physical diagnosis are developed. Third and fourth years: Consist of required rotations through clinical science disciplines, including participation in the cases of patients in both hospital and ambulatory settings (under faculty supervision). The clinical training curriculum requirements are similar.

Grading and Promotion Policies

A quartile system is used that distributes student performance across an upper, lower, and middle two quartiles. Obtaining a total passing score on Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE is required for promotion to the third year and graduation after the fourth, respectively.

Facilities

Teaching: The school is part of the university's Medical Center. The Basic Science Building contains teaching facilities and administrative and faculty offices. The major clinical teaching facility is the University Hospital (817 beds) in Birmingham. Other facilities utilized are the VA Hospital (479 beds), the Children's Hospital, the Cooper Green Hospital, the Eye Foundation Hospital, and various community hospitals. Other: The Lyons-Harrison Research Building, Tinsley Harrison Tower, and basic science research and education buildings are the primary research facilities. Clinical facilities utilized in Tuscaloosa are the Druid City Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and the Capstone Medical Center. The Huntsville Hospital and the Ambulatory Care Center in Huntsville are also used. Libraries: The Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences in Birmingham is a 4-story structure that contains more than 150,000 volumes. The Health Sciences Library at Tuscaloosa has about 10,000 volumes and subscribes to 475 journals. The library at Huntsville has about 9000 volumes. Housing: There are 178 modern apartment units in the Medical Center consisting of 28 efficiency, 84 one-bedroom, 62 two-bedroom, and 4 three-bedroom apartments. Preference is given to married students but consideration is given to single students for occupancy of the smaller units.

Special Features

Minority admissions: Minority Student Program to discover and encourage study of medicine among minority group members. Other degree programs: Dual MD-PhD and MD-MPH programs.

Introduction

This public, state-sponsored medical school is located on the university's 1200 acre campus in the Springhill section of Mobile. It occupies 13 buildings, including a 400-bed Medical Center, which contains a Level I trauma center. The first class was admitted in 1973 and 64 applicants are enrolled annually. A 150-acre park containing recreational facilities lies adjacent to the campus. The first 2 years are taught in the main campus in the Medical Sciences Building; the last 2 clinical years are spent the University of South Alabama hospitals and clinics.

Admissions (AMCAS)

Required courses include the basic premedical sciences, English, 1 year of college mathematics, and 1 year of humanities. Highly recommended is a course in calculus. Three years of college is required, but a bachelor's is preferred. Nonresidents should have competitive MCAT and grade point averages to be considered for an interview. Applicants are urged to take the MCAT in the spring of the year of the application and to have a basic science requirement completed when applying. This will facilitate prompt processing of the application. Transfer and advanced standing: None.

Curriculum

4-year semimodern. First and second years: The student is primarily concerned with the basic biomedical sciences. To give these studies more meaning, provision is made for student contact with patients during these preclinical years. Third year: Clerkships provide training in most of the basic problems with which patients present themselves. Students learn to apply scientific principles to the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease. Seminars, conferences, and clinical rounds with members of the teaching staff are important in giving the student a rounded perspective of human illness. Fourth year: Mostly elective in order to provide each student the opportunity to choose a program best suited to his or her individual needs. Each department makes available to the student a spectrum of general and special courses from which the student selects a minimum of 36 weeks of study, with the advice and approval of a faculty advisor. Research may be carried as an elective. Off-campus studies (local, elsewhere in the United States, and in other countries) may be elected with the prior approval of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, a departmental chair, and faculty advisor. Elective work need not be confined to the senior year, but may be carried out for no credit whenever possible during prior academic years.

Facilities

Teaching: The basic sciences are housed in the Medical Sciences Building on the 1200-acre university campus in the western section of Mobile. Clinical teaching is conducted at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, USA Knoll wood, and USA Doctors Children's and Women's Hospital. Other: Other facilities include the Moorer Clinical Sciences Building, University of South Alabama Cancer Center, Primate Research Laboratory, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Family Practice Center, Mastin Building, Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, and Psychiatric Building. Library: The Biomedical Library contains more than 65,000 volumes and receives about 2500 periodicals. Housing: Furnished residence halls on campus are available for unmarried students. A university-owned subdivision immediately adjacent to campus offers housing for both married and single students.

Special Features

Minority admissions: An active recruitment program is coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs. Other degree programs: Combined MD-PhD degree programs are offered in the basic medical sciences.

Introduction

Authorization for establishment of the College of Medicine was granted in 1962 and the first class was initiated in 1967. The University Medical Center, completed in 1971, was expanded in 1994. The new Arizona Health Sciences Library and Learning Resource Center was completed in 1992.

Admissions (AMCAS)

Basic premedical science courses plus 2 semesters of English are required for admission. Applicants for both entering and transfer openings will be considered only from Arizona residents and certified and funded WICHE applicants. Selection of candidates for admission is based on ability, motivation, maturity, integrity, interpersonal skills, and exposure to medicine. Transfer and advanced standing: Applicants must be matriculated in WHO-listed foreign medical schools, 2-year or 4-year U.S. LCME-accredited medical schools, or accredited schools of osteopathy and must have completed the basic sciences. All applicants must take the USMLE.

Curriculum

4-year semimodern. First year: A 40-week period when the basic sciences are presented. Patient contact is provided and behavioral sciences are emphasized. Second year: A 36-week period consisting of advanced basic science courses, behavioral sciences, and a continuation of the introduction to clinical sciences. Third year: A 48-week period when the clinical sciences are presented with at least 6 weeks of clerkships in each of the principal departments. Fourth year: A 33-week period for electives in the student's career path.

Biologic, cultural, psychosocial, economic, and sociologic concepts and data are provided in the core curriculum. Increasing emphasis is placed on problem-solving ability, beginning with initial instruction and carried through to graduation. Excellence in performance is encouraged and facilitated. Awareness of the milieu in which medicine is practiced is also encouraged. The learning environment encompasses lectures, small-group instruction, independent study, clinical clerkships, practice in physical diagnosis, computer-based instruction, and a variety of other modes for the learner. The Patient Instructor Program in the second year uses a unique method of clinical instruction. Real patients are trained to help students fine-tune their physical examination and history-taking skills. Students receive immediate feedback on their performance from the patient instructors, which helps to develop and improve the skills needed during the clinical years. Students learn in various settings at the University Medical Center, and a variety of community inpatient and outpatient settings.

Grading and Promotion Policies

An Honors/Pass/Fail system is in operation. A written evaluation that characterizes specific student performance is also recorded with the Office of Student Affairs. The major criterion for promotion is that the student passes all required courses in the curriculum during each academic year. The student may repeat a course only once. A passing score must be recorded for both Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE in order to graduate.

Facilities

Teaching: The Health Sciences Center complex is located adjacent to the university campus and consists of several interconnected buildings: Basic Science, Clinical Sciences, Outpatient Clinic, University Medical Center, Children's Research Center, the Health Sciences Library, and Cancer Center. Other: Additional facilities used are the Tucson VA Hospital and Tucson and Phoenix hospitals. Library: The Health Sciences Center Library houses 176,000 volumes and 3600 medical journals. It is the only major biomedical library in the area. Housing: Some rooms are available for single students in the residence halls and for married students at the Family Housing Project.

Special Features

Minority admissions: Disadvantaged, rural, and minority residents of Arizona are urged to apply for admission. Other degree programs: A combined MD-PhD program of study is also offered.

Introduction

In 1879 the Arkansas Industrial University established a medical department. This component became part of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1975. The latter incorporates 5 colleges, training physicians, nurses, pharmacists, health-related professionals, and graduate students.

Admissions (AMCAS)

Prerequisites include the minimum premedical science courses plus 3 semesters of English and 2 semesters of mathematics. Recommended courses include genetics, embryology, genetics, quantitative analysis, statistics, cell biology, psychology, anthropology, logic, history, and literature. Nonresidents should have a GPA above 3.5 and an MCAT score of 9 or higher in each subtest. Graduate students applying need an advisor's letter assuring graduation by August. Transfer and advanced standing: For the third year only, with very limited places available. Applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis and must demonstrate strong ties to the state of Arkansas.

Curriculum

4-year semitraditional. First year: (36 weeks) Introductory basic sciences as well as opportunity for patient contact by means of the introduction to the medical profession course. Second year: (32 weeks) Consists of the advanced basic sciences and courses in behavioral science, physical diagnosis, and mechanism of disease. Third year: (48 weeks) Consists of clerkship rotations through the major clinical specialties. Fourth year: (from 36 to 48 weeks) Open to more than 200 electives selected with advice of a faculty advisor. Research may be carried out as part of elective. Off-campus study locally or elsewhere in U.S. or abroad may be selected.

Grading and Promotion Policies

A letter grading system is used in basic sciences and required clinical rotations; a Pass/Fail system is used in electives. Subjective assessments are used by a Promotions Committee in determining a student's eligibility for promotion. A passing grade must be recorded on Step 1 of the USMLE for promotion to the third year.

Facilities

Teaching: Medical Center includes a 9-story Educational Building that provides basic science facilities. University Hospital (400 beds) is the principal site for clinical training. This facility is augmented by the Ambulatory Care Center and the Arkansas Cancer Research Center. The school is affiliated with the Arkansas Children's Hospital and VA Hospitals in Little Rock and North Little Rock. It cooperates with other Little Rock hospitals in its training programs. Other: T. H. Barton Institute of Medical Research, Arkansas State Hospital for Nervous Diseases, Arkansas Rehabilitation Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Jones Eye Institute, and the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute. Housing: All single freshman and sophomore students are required to live in the residence hall unless special exemption is received. Approximately 35 one-bedroom furnished apartments are available for married students.

Special Features

Minority admissions: The college's Office of Minority Student Affairs conducts programs designed to identify and assist prospective admission candidates among minority and disadvantaged students in the state. Other degree programs: Dual MD-PhD and MD-MS programs available, offered in conjunction with the Graduate School of the university. Medical Student Research Program enables students to work in selected areas of research. Work done under this program may be applied toward a PhD degree.

Introduction

This medical school was founded in 1885 and is part of a privately supported, nondenominational university. Its 31-acre campus is located in northeast Los Angeles, directly across from its major teaching hospital, which is one of the largest in the country. It is located 7 miles from the University Park campus and 3 miles from the Los Angeles Civic Center.

Admissions (AMCAS)

Minimum premedical science courses are required. A 1-semester course in molecular biology is also required as are 30 semester hours of social sciences, humanities, and English composition. Computer literacy, college mathematics, or calculus are strongly recommended. The student body comes from all parts of the United States, as well as from several foreign countries. Transfer and advanced standing: Only second-year students enrolled and in good standing at LCME-approved medical schools may be considered for admission for the third year. Such students must pass Step 1 of the USMLE.

Curriculum

4-year modern. First year: Students are progressively involved in patient care beginning with the first semester of the first year. An introduction to clinical medicine course begins in the freshman year and runs through the sophomore year. Doctor-patient relationships and interviewing are presented during the first year, and physical diagnosis and history-taking are discussed in the second. Groups of approximately 6 to 7 students are led by a faculty member who serves as a clinical tutor for their first 2 years. Basic sciences are taught largely in an organ system approach. Appropriate material in the basic sciences is presented during the study of these systems; patients are observed and examined for clinical illustration of the subject under discussion. Second year: The student studies the pathologic aspects of medicine, also predominantly in organ system approach. In addition, a student may begin an investigative project. Third year: Student participation is required in the clinical clerkships, such as internal medicine and general surgery. Elective study is provided in the third and fourth years. Fourth year: Consists almost entirely of work chosen by the student. In addition, students have an opportunity to engage in clinical or basic research through voluntary participation in a summer fellowship program between the freshman and sophomore years.

Grading and Promotion Policies

Grading basis is Honors, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory.

Facilities

Teaching: Instruction is conducted on campus, in the Medical Center, and in affiliated hospitals, community clinics, and institutions. Through the elective program, instruction is also provided at medical schools and hospitals in other states and countries. The 30-acre campus is located across the street from its chief teaching hospital, the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center (2105 beds). A 284-bed USC Hospital located on the Health Sciences Campus opened in 1991. Other: Additional clinical facilities include Norris Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Doheny Eye Institute, Hospital of the Good Samaritan, Eisenhower Medical Center, and Barlow, California Huntington Memorial, and Presbyterian Inter-Community Hospitals. Library: The library can house 300,000 volumes and seat 250 readers. Housing: Information is not available.

Special Features

Other degree programs: Several components of the school provide direct support to students, including the Student Health Service, the Offices of Curriculum, Minority Affairs, Student Affairs, and the Office for Women. Services include tutorial assistance, health and counseling services, extensive extracurricular academic and nonacademic programs, school and university student government, services for students with disabilities, sophisticated library and electronic resources, and various other services. Other degree programs: The school sponsors an MD-PhD and a Research Scholar program. Apply during the first or second year of medical school. An 8-year Baccalaureate-MD program is offered to high school seniors.

Introduction

This medical school, like its parent body, Loma Linda University, is owned and operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. It was founded in 1909. The campus includes basic science facilities and a Medical Center. The school is located inland not far from Los Angeles. The curriculum of the university is approved by LCME.

Admissions (AMCAS)

Required are the minimum premedical science courses plus English. The MCAT also is required. Preference is shown to members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, but it is a firm policy of the admissions committee to admit each year a number of non-church-related applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Christian principles. Applicants are sought who have critical judgment, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and are independent thinkers. After receipt of the AMCAS application, each applicant is requested to submit a supplementary application and arrange that the medical school receive a preprofessional evaluation and/or letters of recommendation from their undergraduate college. Invitations for an interview are extended to selected applicants both at the medical school campus and various sites throughout the country. Transfer and advanced standing: Accepted into the junior year if space is available, compelling reasons exist, and Step 1 of the USMLE has been successfully completed.

Curriculum

4-year semitraditional. First year: Consists of gross anatomy, courses entitled You and Your Patient, Information Science and Population-based Medicine, neuroscience, physical diagnosis, Cell Structure and Function, Medical Applications of the Basic Sciences. Students take biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Second year: Consists of physiology, microbiology, pathology, psychopathology, and physical diagnosis. Third year: Consists of 4- to 12-week rotations through the standard required clerkships plus family medicine, as well as a 4-week orientation to clinical medicine. Fourth year: This year includes 2 major specialty subinternships plus experience in emergency medicine, intensive care, neurology, and preventive medicine, as well as up to 22 weeks of electives. A unique feature of this school is the special interest in the student's professional growth. This approach to “whole-person” development involves both the faculty of medicine and religion.

Grading and Promotion Policies

Students are evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis; however, class ranks are determined on a percentile system. Passing Step 1 of the USMLE is required for promotion to clinical clerkships. Obtaining a total passing score on Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE is required for promotion to the third year and graduation after the fourth year, respectively.

Facilities

Teaching: School is located on the university campus. Clinical teaching takes place at University Hospital (500 beds) and several affiliated hospitals. Other: A medium-scale, general-purpose computer facility serves the students and faculty of the university in instructional and research functions. Library: Medical and related fields make up more than half of the holdings of the Del Webb Memorial Library located on campus.

Special Features

Minority admissions: The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, or handicap. Other degree programs: MD-MS and MD-PhD programs are available.

Introduction

The School of Medicine was founded in 1858 as the medical department of the College of the Pacific. It later became affiliated with the University City College, and subsequently, in 1882, was given the name Cooper Medical College in honor of the original founder. In 1908 it was adopted by Leland Stanford Junior University and relocated to outside San Francisco. Stanford University School of Medicine was established in 1958. A new Medical Center was opened in 1959 and is located on an 8800-acre campus.

Admissions (AMCAS)

The standard premedical courses are required. Strongly recommended, but not required, are knowledge of a modern foreign language. Spanish is especially useful. Courses in calculus, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and behavioral sciences are strongly encouraged. No preference is shown to California residents. Foreign applicants must have completed a minimum of 1 year of study in a U.S., Canadian, or United Kingdom accredited college or university. Transfer and advanced standing: Transfer students are not accepted.

Curriculum

4-year modern. The goals of the curriculum are to develop outstanding clinical skills and the capacity for leadership in the practice of scientific medicine, and to prepare as many students as possible for careers in research and teaching. Stanford's flexible curriculum is its major innovative approach to medical education. It was designed to create an environment that encourages intellectual diversity and to provide opportunities for students to develop as individuals. While traditional courses and clerkships are required for graduation, the duration of study leading to the MD degree may vary from 4 to 6 years. Students have flexibility in sequencing courses by demonstrating competency through examination. This curriculum stimulates self-directed learning, and provides students time to pursue an investigative project, obtain teaching experience, perform community service, explore special interests, or obtain advanced degrees.

Grading and Promotion Policies

The grading system is Pass/Fail/Marginal Performance in the basic sciences and clinical clerkships. Narrative evaluations are used in the clerkships. Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE must be passed in order to graduate.

Facilities

Teaching: The school is part of the Stanford University Medical Center and consists of 26 departments. The major clinical teaching facilities are Stanford University Hospital (663 beds), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (152 beds), Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (791 beds), and the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital (1000 beds). Library: The Lane Medical Library contains more than 280,000 volumes and more than 3000 periodicals. The Fleischmann Learning Resource Center is an independent study center offering media and computer-based programs. SUMMIT (Stanford University Medical Media and Information Technologies) produces faculty- and student-authored programs. Housing: Apartments are available for single and married students.

Special Features

Minority admissions: The school believes that a student body that is both highly qualified and diverse in terms of culture, class, gender, race, ethnicity, background, work and life experiences, skills, and interests is essential to the education of physicians. Because of its strongly belief in the value of diversity, the school especially encourages applications from African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and mainland Puerto Ricans, as well as from others whose backgrounds and experience provide additional dimensions that will enhance the school's program. An early matriculation program, which includes preclinical coursework and research opportunities, has been developed for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Other degree programs: Combined MD-PhD programs are offered in most basic medical sciences as well as in cancer biology, epidemiology, immunology, neurobiology, and medical information sciences.

Introduction

This medical school admitted its first class in 1968. Its educational goal is to provide students with a medical knowledge base that enables them to choose to pursue a career in primary care, specialty practice, public health, research, or administration. While most of the facilities necessary for earning the medical degree are located on the University of California Davis campus, most of the school's clinical space is at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Admissions (AMCAS)

Requirements include the basic premedical science courses plus 1 year each of English and mathematics that includes integral calculus. First preference goes to residents and next to WICHE applicants. Transfer and advanced standing: Currently enrolled students in good standing at U.S. or Canadian medical schools may apply for admission to the third year of study. Applications are considered on a space available basis.

Curriculum

4-year semimodern. The curriculum seeks to provide a balanced blend of basic and clinical sciences. First year: Consists of the introductory basic medical sciences, immunology, and general pathology. These are combined with social sciences, an introduction to the art of communicating with patients, and clinical medicine. Second year: Provides for a transition between basic and clinical sciences with the presentation of pathology, nutrition, pharmacology, microbiology, human sexuality, pathological basis of disease, and physical diagnosis, as well as laboratory diagnostic techniques and community health. Third year: Consists of clerkship rotations in the major specialties, maternal and child health, and psychiatry. Fourth year: Electives and elective clerkships, with required courses in medical ethics, medical economics, and medical jurisprudence.

Grading and Promotion Policies

Pass/Not Pass first 2 years; Honors, Pass, Fail 3rd and 4th years. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory in elective courses. At the end of each year, the medical school's Promotion Board evaluates each student's record. Students must record a passing total score on Step 1 of the USMLE for promotion to the third year and record a score on Step 2 to graduate.

Facilities

Teaching: The basic sciences are taught at the Medical Sciences I complex in Davis. Clinical facilities are provided by the University Medical Center (523 beds), which has over 100 specialty clinics. Other: Clinical instruction also takes place at a number of affiliated hospitals and family practice centers. In 2006 the medical school will relocate to a new single campus in Sacramento opposite UC Medical Center. Library: The Health Sciences Library is located adjacent to the School of Medicine and has more than 142,000 volumes and 3700 periodicals. The library has terminal access to MEDLINE, an on-line retrieval system for medical periodical information. A branch library is operated at the Sacramento Medical Center. Housing: Some on-campus housing is available at residence halls for unmarried students; a number of 1- and 2-bedroom units are available for married students.

Special Features

Minority admissions: An active recruitment program is coordinated by the Medical Education Student Services. A 2-week summer prematriculation program is offered. Other degree programs: Combined MD-PhD programs are offered in a wide variety of disciplines including biomedical engineering, biophysics, endocrinology, genetics, nutrition, and psychology. The MD-MPH degree program is offered through the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, the UC School of Medicine-Davis, and an MD-MBA through the UC, Graduate School of Management.

Introduction

The school became part of the University of California in 1965. Prior to this time it was known as the California College of Medicine, which traces its roots to a private institution founded in 1896. The school is located between Los Angeles and San Diego. Approximately 425 medical students are enrolled.

Admissions

The Admissions Committee screens for applicants whose record indicates the potential to meet the rigorous demands of the curriculum. In addition to scholastic achievement, attributes deemed desirable include leadership and participation in extracurricular activities, evidence of exposure to clinical medicine, research and community service. Consideration is given to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Preference is given to California residents. Transfer and advanced standing: The school does not accept transfer students.

Curriculum

4-year modern. The school is dedicated to the nurturing of humanistic, caring physicians with state-of-the-art clinical expertise and skills. In additon to the basic sciences in the first two years, substantial clinical material has been integrated into the curriculum through the development of a series of “Patient-Doctor” courses. These courses are longitudinal multi-disciplinary experiences broadly designed to prepare students for their medical careers. In the first year, students work with standardized patients to develop interview and physical examination skills. These clinical skills are further strengthened in the second year by working in the community with patients. In addition, clinically oriented courses are designed to complement the material covered in the basic science courses. During the clinical years, students go through the core clinical services of internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, pediatrics, emergency medicine, radiology, and neurology. Clinical advisors guide students in the selection of 20 weeks of electives tailored to the students' career goals and educational needs. The content themes are ethics, humanities, communication skills, physical diagnosis, and medical economics.

Grading and Promotional Policies

The School of Medicine uses an Honors/Pass/Fail grading system. To satisfy the requirement for the MD degree, students must also pass both Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and successfully pass a Clinical Practice Examination (CPX) prior to graduation.

Facilities

UCI Medical Center offers a full scope of acute and general care. The Medical Center houses: a most sophisticated neonatal unit, University Children's Hospital, an Emergency Department, a Neuropsychiatric Center, and the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Medical Center has five neighborhood health centers located throughout Orange County.

Special Features

Minority admissions: The school has a multicultural community, composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Programs, classes, workshops, lectures, and everyday interactions are enriched by acceptance of one another.