Curriculum Phases & Courses

This page serves as a comprehensive guide to the required courses for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) and provides a detailed description of each course and curriculum sequencing by year.

Students may access the Student Handbook or Course Catalog for more information.

Phase 1 (Year 1)

Biomolecular Origins of Medicine (MEDI 8100)

An eight-week course that introduces salient macromolecules that lie at the interface of human health and disease. The interconnectedness of these macromolecules within cells and across tissues is a major course focus.

Foundations of Immunology (MEDI 8103)

The Foundations of Immunology is a three-week course covering the basic immune function and broad immunological responses to various invaders.

Foundations of Pathology (MEDI 8105)

Foundations of Pathology is a 3-week course covering the foundational pathology knowledge required for student success in Phase 1. The course covers various cell-based processes that govern the cell’s response to stress/injury and lays the foundation of neoplasia, the ultimate cell dysregulation.

Foundations of Pharmacology (MEDI 8106)

The Foundations of Pharmacology is a 4-week course covering the foundational pharmacology knowledge required for student success in Phase 2. The course focuses on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and autonomic pharmacology, extending to encompass major drugs/drug classes and their effects on the various organ systems.

Foundations of Microbiology (MEDI 8104)

The Foundations of Microbiology is a 4-week course focusing on the fundamental knowledge required for student success. The course covers a broad overview of the clinically important microbes, their structure, virulence factors, and relevant pathologies.

Keystones in Function and Structure (MEDI 8107)

Keystones in Function and Structure is a longitudinal course covering principal knowledge of the broad concepts surrounding anatomical terminology and imaging, histological concepts, embryological precursors, and physiological phenomena underpinning the ARCHES curriculum.

Clinical Skills I (MEDI 8120)

The Clinical Skills I course is a longitudinal supervised practical experience designed to provide medical students with the opportunity to learn patient-centered communication, medical history-taking, physical exam techniques and professionalism necessary to deliver high quality, age appropriate, gender and culturally sensitive patient care.

Early Clinical Experience I (MEDI 8122)

Early Clinical Experience I is a longitudinal course in which Phase 1 students begin onsite clinical training at primary care clinical sites. Throughout Phase 1 students will apply their developing clinical skills, integrated with the ARCHES curriculum, to care for patients with a wide range of concerns, presentations, and conditions. Students will also spend dedicated time working with various health care professionals, staff, and team members at their preceptor’s clinic to understand how interprofessional collaboration occurs in real practice.

Integrated Principles of Medicine I (MEDI 8160)

Integrated Principles of Medicine I is a 22-week course that weaves the foundational threads of Art of Healing, Embracing Whole Health, and Health Systems Science. Within Art of Healing, students develop professional behaviors, ethical thinking, and critical analysis through engagement with the arts and humanities. Whole Health teaches an operating philosophy for health and human flourishing, grounded in the understanding that health does not arise solely from clinical encounters, but emerges from the dynamic interaction of individuals, relationships, culture and systems with a key emphasis on trust. Specifically, students begin engagement with five integrated domains: communication and coaching with an emphasis on motivational interviewing, functional nutrition and human biology, positive psychology and human flourishing, personal health and sustainable professional practice, leadership in Whole Health. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health care structures and processes.

Phase 2 (Year 1 and 2)

Blood and Lymphoreticular System (MEDI 8101)

This four-week course focuses on the blood and lymphoreticular systems, as well as disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other relevant clinical information linked both to healthy function and disease states affecting this system.

Cardiovascular System (MEDI 8102)

This six-week course focuses on the cardiovascular system, as well as disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other relevant clinical information linked both to healthy function and disease states affecting this system.

Respiratory System (MEDI 8110)

This 5-week course focuses on the respiratory system required for student success in Phase II. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other clinical information linked both to healthy function, disorders, and disease states affecting this system.

Renal and Urinary Systems (MEDI 8109)

This four-week course focuses on the renal and urinary systems, as well as disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other useful clinical information related to both healthy function and disease states affecting these systems.

Multisystem Process Disorders I (MEDI 8108)

This one-week course focuses on the interconnected nature of the human body, and the disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other useful clinical information related to both healthy function and disease states affecting the human body.

Research I (MEDI 8140)

Research I is a longitudinal course that provides first-year medical students with the foundational skills necessary to develop a well-structured research protocol. The course trains students to apply their knowledge of the foundations of medical research to progressively build their research protocol through team-based learning, faculty mentorship, and hands-on activities. Students will learn to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, apply appropriate study designs, and consider ethical principles in research. This course serves as the first step in equipping students with the necessary tools to engage in meaningful scientific inquiry and evidence-based medicine.

Clinical Skills II (MEDI 8121)

The Clinical Skills II course is a longitudinal supervised, practical experience designed to provide the medical student with the opportunity to learn patient-centered history-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, interpretation of clinical tests, documentation, and management plan needed to provide personalized patient care techniques.

Early Clinical Experience II (MEDI 8122)

Early Clinical Experience II is a longitudinal course in which students continue their onsite clinical training by rotating at primary care clinical sites. They will have the opportunity to apply, as their skill level allows, their clinical skills training along with the respective ARCHES content to care for patients with a variety of concerns, presentations, and conditions. Students will spend focused time with various health care professionals and staff and team members at their clinic preceptor’s site to gain a sense of how interprofessional interactions take place.

Integrated Principles of Medicine II (MEDI 8161)

Integrated Principles of Medicine II continues to weave the foundational threads of Art of Healing, Embracing Whole Health, and Health Systems Science. Within Art of Healing, students develop professional behaviors, ethical thinking, and critical analysis through engagement with the arts and humanities. Whole Health teaches an operating philosophy for health and human flourishing, grounded in the understanding that health does not arise solely from clinical encounters, but emerges from the dynamic interaction of individuals, relationships, culture and systems with a key emphasis on trust. Specifically, students begin engagement with five integrated domains: communication and coaching with an emphasis on motivational interviewing, functional nutrition and human biology, positive psychology and human flourishing, personal health and sustainable professional practice, leadership in Whole Health. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare structures and processes.

Gastrointestinal System (MEDI 8202)

Gastrointestinal (GI) Systems is a 6-week course designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, and clinical management of disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system. The course integrates the respective ARCHES letters to support discussions and activities which will allow learners to apply within early clinical experiences, laboratory exercises, IPM, and other disciplines to prepare students for their clerkships.

Endocrine System and Metabolism (MEDI 8201)

This four-week course focuses on the endocrine system and metabolism, as well as disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other useful clinical information related to both healthy function and disease states affecting these systems.

Reproductive Systems and Breast Health (MEDI 8205)

This six-week course focuses on the reproductive systems and breast health, as well as disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other useful clinical information related to both healthy function and disease states affecting these systems.

Skin, Musculoskeletal, and Connective Tissue Systems (MEDI 8206)

This seven-week course focuses on the skin, musculoskeletal, and connective tissue systems, as well as disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and clinical information related to healthy functions and disease states affecting this system.

Multisystem Process Disorders II (MEDI 8203)

This one-week course provides an additional opportunity for students to learn about the interconnected nature of the human body, and the disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other useful clinical information related to both healthy function and disease states affecting this system.

Research II (MEDI 8240)

This course develops applied epidemiologic and biostatistical reasoning within research and clinical contexts. Research II moves beyond abstract theory to cultivate quantitative thinking designed to strengthen clinical judgment, evidence-based decision-making, and the critical interpretation of medical literature. Students learn to recognize diverse study designs, identify threats to internal and external validity, and distinguish statistical significance from clinical relevance. The curriculum provides an analytic framework to evaluate both conventional and complementary medical approaches through evidence-informed lens. These principles are applied directly to the students’ own research projects through structured application and guided feedback.

Clinical Skills III (MEDI 8220)

The Clinical Skills III course is a supervised, practical experience designed to provide the medical student with the opportunity to continue to advance in their clinical skills including patient-centered history-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, interpretation of clinical tests, documentation, and management plans needed to provide personalized patient care techniques. Systems taught integrate with other courses within the ARCHES.

Early Clinical Experience III (MEDI 8222)

This longitudinal course is a continuation of Early Clinical Experience II. Students will continue to gain clinical skills experience and knowledge through supervised patient contact and will continue to work with clinicians who understand the whole health principles along with other health care team members.

Integrated Principles of Medicine III (MEDI 8260)

The longitudinal Integrated Principles of Medicine III advances into more complex realms of whole person care, ethical considerations, and social determinants of health, refining communication skills and ethical reasoning while expanding perspectives on public and population health and the crucial role of self-care and resilience. Significant emphasis is placed on mastering communication in increasingly complex scenarios to maintain empathy and provide support in challenging patient conversations. The course explores focused organ systems and conditions spanning continuity of care while teaching techniques to protect students' own emotional health during intense clinical scenarios. Ongoing self-care and resilience skill-building continue as strategies for managing stress and maintaining balance. Students explore how socioeconomic, educational, environmental, employment, and social support factors influence individual and community health, including health care disparities. Special sessions address multifaceted approaches to obesity, maternal morbidity/mortality, and tailoring care strategies to diverse patient contexts and needs. Concepts of human-centered care design, resource optimization, and value-based delivery are introduced to evolve students' perspectives on health care systems. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Nervous System and Special Senses (MEDI 8204)

This eight-week course focuses on the nervous system and special senses, as well as disorders that impact on them. Students will learn relevant anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology, pathophysiology, genetics, and other useful clinical information linked both to healthy function and disease states affecting this system. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Behavioral Sciences (MEDI 8200)

This three-week course focuses on the behavioral sciences, as well as disorders that impact them. Students will learn relevant human coping styles, human behavioral development, salient neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, genetics, and other useful information in the context of normal and disordered behavioral functioning. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Research III (MEDI 8241)

In Research III, students initially focus on collecting and assimilating data, similar to Research II. The course concludes with students preparing initial draft materials (e.g., posters, white papers) to present their research findings. This proactive approach allows students to gather feedback for revisions, identify data gaps, and update their project timelines and milestones. Like in Research I and II, students share progress and concerns with their small groups for guidance. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Clinical Skills IV (MEDI 8221)

The Clinical Skills IV course is a supervised, practical experience designed to provide the medical student with the opportunity to learn the neurological system patient-centered history-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, interpretation of clinical tests, documentation, and management plan needed to provide personalized patient care. At the end of the course the students will have a summative OSCE (objective structured clinical exam) which assesses many of the exam techniques and skills taught in clinical skills I-IV.

Early Clinical Experience IV (MEDI 8223)

This longitudinal course is a continuation of Early Clinical Experience III. By this phase, students are expected to have become competent in practicing basic clinical skills. Students will continue to gain experiences and knowledge through supervised patient contact and will continue to work with clinicians who understand the whole health principles along with other health care team members.

Integrated Principles of Medicine IV (MEDI 8261)

Integrated Principles of Medicine IV continues to weave the foundational threads of Art of Healing, Embracing Whole Health, and Health Systems Science. Within Art of Healing, students develop professional behaviors, ethical thinking, and critical analysis through engagement with the arts and humanities. Whole Health teaches an operating philosophy for health and human flourishing, grounded in the understanding that health does not arise solely from clinical encounters, but emerges from the dynamic interaction of individuals, relationships, culture and systems with a key emphasis on trust. Specifically, students begin engagement with five integrated domains: communication and coaching with an emphasis on motivational interviewing, functional nutrition and human biology, positive psychology and human flourishing, personal health and sustainable professional practice, leadership in Whole Health. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare structures and processes.

USMLE Step I Review (MEDI 8270)

The USMLE Step 1 Review course is an intensive 8-week program designed to prepare medical students for the USMLE Step 1 exam. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Phase 3 (Year 3)

Research IV (MEDI 8242)

During this two-week course, students will interface with their research mentor(s) to obtain suggested edits of their assembled research materials. Future directions of their study will also be discussed and formalized. The final version of research materials resulting from these mentoring sessions will be communicated and discussed within small student groups. Recertification of CITI modules or other research credentials required for clerkship matriculation will also occur in Research IV. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Transition to Clerkship (TRCK 8200)

This one-week course, held at the beginning of Phase 3, will initiate, and simulate the beginning of inpatient, emergent, sub-specialty, and consultation clinical practice that students will learn, practice, and apply for their clerkships. Students will be in small groups to actively learn and practice focused patient-centered care with the use of simulation, standardized patients, and other assets. In addition, this course will equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed during their clerkships and to further their journey from competency to proficiency.

Clerkship Course Information

Students will complete a total of seven required clerkships. Six of the clerkships will occur concurrently during phase 3 and include Internal Medicine (INTM 8300), Surgery (SGRY 8300), Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGN 8300), Pediatrics (PEDI 8300), Psychiatry (PSCH 8300), Family Medicine (FMED 8300). The seventh clerkship, Emergency Medicine (EMRG 8300), can be completed at the end of phase III or anytime during phase IV.

Internal Medicine Clerkship (INTM 8300)

This eight-week clerkship features Internal Medicine. Imbedded within the clerkship is 2 weeks of neurology. This course is designed to help students focus on the care of adults who come to the hospital, including those in the emergency department, admitted to the hospital, and being seen by consultant teams. Students will be expected to carry an increasingly larger patient caseload over time.

Surgery Clerkship (SGRY 8300)

This eight-week clerkship will allow students to learn how common inpatient and outpatient procedures are performed, their indications, their associated risks, and how to interpret results.

Family Medicine Clerkship (FMED 8300)

This clerkship provides students with direct outpatient-centered care encounters. Students will be assigned to respective family medicine clinics and will participate in patient care activities with the attending clinician and health care team providers with outpatient care, documentation, clinical reasoning, and management plans. Students will have opportunities to integrate their organ-based knowledge, clinical skills, and whole health principles with clinical reasoning and patient-centered management plans.

Psychiatry Clerkship (PSCH 8300)

This rotation is four weeks long and features common mental health challenges as well as a survey of mind-body approaches and psychotherapies. This clerkship provides clinical experience evaluating and treating mental health conditions across different medical settings. Students will develop skills in psychiatric interviews, diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of behavioral emergencies.

Integrated Principles of Medicine V (MEDI 8360)

Integrated Principles of Medicine V continues to weave the foundational threads of Art of Healing, Embracing Whole Health, and Health Systems Science. Within Art of Healing, students develop professional behaviors, ethical thinking, and critical analysis through engagement with the arts and humanities. Whole Health teaches an operating philosophy for health and human flourishing, grounded in the understanding that health does not arise solely from clinical encounters, but emerges from the dynamic interaction of individuals, relationships, culture and systems with a key emphasis on trust. Specifically, students begin engagement with five integrated domains: communication and coaching with an emphasis on motivational interviewing, functional nutrition and human biology, positive psychology and human flourishing, personal health and sustainable professional practice, leadership in Whole Health. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare structures and processes.

Obstetrics/Gynecology Clerkship (OBGN 8300)

Students spend six weeks in Obstetrics/ Students will see common health problems that affect women and learn about prenatal and postpartum care. Students will gain experience in managing and caring for patients during pregnancy, labor and delivery, the postpartum period, gynecological exams, contraception, and common gynecological conditions.

Pediatrics Clerkship (PEDI 8300)

Students spend six weeks in pediatrics. Pediatrics includes three weeks of inpatient experience (which will include care of newborns) and three weeks of outpatient experience. The pediatrics clerkship provides clinical experience in the management of pediatric patients from birth through adolescence.

Integrated Principles of Medicine VI (MEDI 8361)

Integrated Principles of Medicine VI continues to weave the foundational threads of Art of Healing, Embracing Whole Health, and Health Systems Science. Within Art of Healing, students develop professional behaviors, ethical thinking, and critical analysis through engagement with the arts and humanities. Whole Health teaches an operating philosophy for health and human flourishing, grounded in the understanding that health does not arise solely from clinical encounters, but emerges from the dynamic interaction of individuals, relationships, culture and systems with a key emphasis on trust. Specifically, students begin engagement with five integrated domains: communication and coaching with an emphasis on motivational interviewing, functional nutrition and human biology, positive psychology and human flourishing, personal health and sustainable professional practice, leadership in Whole Health. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare structures and processes.

Phase 4 (Year 4)

USMLE Step II Review (MEDI 8470)

The USMLE Step 2 Review course is a focused 4-week program aimed at preparing medical students for the USMLE Step 2 exam. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Emergency Medicine Clerkship (EMRG 8300)

Students spend four weeks in emergency medicine. The clerkship provides clinical experience in evaluating and managing patients with urgent and emergent medical conditions. Students will train in emergency departments, refining their diagnostic, procedural, and treatment skills under the supervision of attending physicians.

Integrated Principles of Medicine VII (MEDI 8460)

This course will offer immersive learning integrated with clerkship rotations, blending foundational principles with advanced content. Students will explore health care topics like healing, research, and health systems using asynchronous and synchronous learning involving case-based discussions based on clerkship experiences. Integrated Principles of Medicine VII will introduce "grand rounds style" case presentations, fostering comprehensive medical diagnoses focusing on whole health, social determinants, and ethics. The curriculum will prioritize self-care, resilience, and humanistic medicine to support students' well-being alongside clinical education. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Medical Bridges (MEDI 8471)

To complete the medical school experience, and to ensure essential competency skills typically needed for residency, students will have a round of curricular experiences over two weeks designed to consolidate experiences they have learned. This course will include a list of common procedural skills (e.g., a ‘core’ of skills) that all students will demonstrate, perform, document (if applicable), and present. Also, students will demonstrate, perform, document (if applicable), and present skills and/or team skills aligned with their respective residency discipline. A final exam will involve an objective structured clinical examination with a mix of standardized patients (e.g., a mockup of a busy night on call) or simulation systems and relevant cases. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.