Each course in the curriculum is assigned to one of these five major strands organized for horizontal and vertical integration of content within courses.
Human Biology and Disease
While focusing heavily on Steps 1 & 2, the Human Biology and Disease Strand introduces students to the foundational sciences and teaches an integrated approach to anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology through the Organ Systems courses. This strand continues through dedicated learning during Steps 3 and 4 to tie newly acquired clinical knowledge back through foundational science.
Strand Leaders: Robert Poppiti, M.D., and Saby Moulik, Ph.D.
Assistant Strand Leader: Amilcar Castellano, M.D.
Clinical Medicine
While focusing heavily on Steps 3 and 4, the Clinical Medicine strand centers on patient care. However, the foundation for this strand is developed during Steps 1 and 2 through the Clinical Skills courses and primary care preceptorships, where students learn and practice patient-centered communication, physical exam and history-taking skills, and clinical reasoning.
Strand Leader: Maria Stevens, M.D.
Assistant Strand Leader: Gloria Coronel-Couto, M.D., FACP
Medicine and Society
The Medicine and Society strand incorporates the Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP) initiative to address societal needs and demands on health care. Courses in this strand help students develop cultural competency by incorporating socio-cultural norms and individual patient values in clinical decision-making.
Strand Leader: Nana Aisha Garba, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Strand Leader: Lizzeth Alarcon, M.D.
Professional Development
Professionalism is taught as part of a formal curriculum in the Professional Development Strand of the curriculum, which incorporates specific courses on professional behavior, humanism, and health systems science.
Strand Leader: Rebeca Martinez, M.D.
Assistant Strand Leader: Tessa Haspil-Corgan, M.D.
Research
The Research Strand teaches students the fundamental building blocks of performing and interpreting research as applied to medicine and health through courses teaching principles of epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, translational medicine, and research practices and procedures.
Strand Leader: Juan Lozano, M.D., M.Sc.
Assistant Strand Leader: Marcia Varella, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.S.