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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Foundations of Pathology (MEDI 8105)

  The Foundations of Pathology course covers 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Foundations of Pharmacology (MEDI 8106)

  The Foundations of Pharmacology course covers 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Foundations of Microbiology (MEDI 8104)

  The Foundations of Microbiology course focuses 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Early Clinical Skills & Experiences I (MEDI 8124)

  The Early Clinical Skills and Experiences I course is a supervised practical experience designed to provide medical students with the opportunity to learn patient-centered communication, medical history-taking, and professionalism necessary to deliver high quality, age appropriate, gender and culturally sensitive patient care. In addition to sessions with the clinical skills center, students begin 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.

• Integrated Principles of Medicine I (MEDI 8160)

  Integrated Principles of Medicine I 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. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health care structures and processes. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Phase 2 (Year 1 and 2)

• Blood and Lymphoreticular System (MEDI 8101)

  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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Cardiovascular System (MEDI 8102)

  This 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Multisystem Process Disorders I (MEDI 8108)

  This 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Renal and Urinary Systems (MEDI 8109)

  This 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Respiratory System (MEDI 8110)

  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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Early Clinical Skills & Experiences II (MEDI 8125)

  The Early Clinical Skills and Experiences II course is a supervised, practical experience designed to provide the medical student with the opportunity to learn cardiovascular and respiratory systems patient-centered history-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, interpretation of clinical tests, documentation, and management plan needed to provide personalized patient care. The students continue their clinical exposure in the primary care setting along with the opportunity to practice their clinical skills through supervised patient contact.

• Research I (MEDI 8140)

  Research I 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.

• Integrated Principles of Medicine II (MEDI 8161)

  Integrated Principles of Medicine I 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. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health care structures and processes. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Gastrointestinal System (MEDI 8202)

  Gastrointestinal (GI) Systems course is 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Endocrine System and Metabolism (MEDI 8201)

  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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Reproductive Systems and Breast Health (MEDI 8205)

  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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

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

  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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Multisystem Process Disorders II (MEDI 8203)

  This 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Early Clinical Skills & Experiences III (MEDI 8224)

  The Early Clinical Skills and Experiences III course is designed to provide the medical student with the opportunity to learn the gastrointestinal, reproductive, dermatological, and musculoskeletal systems patient-centered history-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, interpretation of clinical tests, documentation, and management plan needed to provide personalized patient care. Students will continue to gain clinical skills experience and knowledge through supervised patient contact, but within the inpatient setting and will continue to work with clinicians who understand the whole health principles along with other health care team members.

• Research II (MEDI 8240)

  In this longitudinal course, students will dedicate time to gathering and organizing data for their research project outlined in Research I. They will continue self-directed research efforts, obtaining feedback from small groups periodically. Additionally, students will explore the clinical application of research through case studies and vignettes, creating items related to their projects as a milestone activity. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Integrated Principles of Medicine III (MEDI 8260)

  The longitudinal Integrated Principles of Medicine III course 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. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health care structures and processes. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Nervous System and Special Senses (MEDI 8204)

  This 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 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.

• Research IV (MEDI 8242)

  During this 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.

• Early Clinical Skills & Experiences IV (MEDI 8225)

  The course is a continuation of Early Clinical Skills and Experiences III. By this phase, students are expected to have competence in practicing basic clinical skills. Students will continue to gain experiences and knowledge through supervised patient contact in the inpatient setting and will continue to work with clinicians who understand the whole health principles along with other health care team members within the inpatient setting. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Integrated Principles of Medicine IV (MEDI 8261)

  Integrated Principles of Medicine IV course 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. Health systems science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health care structures and processes. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• USMLE Step I Review (MEDI 8270)

  The USMLE Step 1 Review course is an intensive 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)

• Transition to Clerkship (TRCK 8200)

  This 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. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

• Clerkship Course Information

  Students will complete a 48-week clinical training program. The curriculum encompasses core clerkships in Internal Medicine (INTM 8300), Surgery (SGRY 8300), Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGN 8300), Pediatrics (PEDI 8300), Psychiatry (PSCH 8300), Family Medicine (FMED 8300) complemented by two 2-week selective experiences to explore specialized areas of interest. The emergency medicine clerkship can be done at the end of Year 3 or during Year 4.

• Internal Medicine Clerkship (INTM 8300)

  This eight-week clerkship features Internal Medicine. 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. They will also be assigned to ambulatory or inpatient consult services featuring various medical specialties, and they will spend time advancing their knowledge in geriatrics and palliative care. This course is graded on an Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail scale.

• Surgery Clerkship (SGRY 8300)

  This eight-week course is divided into 4 weeks of inpatient and 4 weeks of surgical subspeciality care that will allow students to learn how common inpatient and outpatient procedures are performed, their indications, their associated risks, and how to interpret results. This course is graded on an Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail scale.

• 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 observe and assist 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 and Behavioral Health Clerkship (PSCH 8300)

  This rotation is four weeks long and features care of 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. Students will develop skills in psychiatric interviews, diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of behavioral emergencies. This course is graded on an Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail scale.

• Integrated Principles of Medicine V (MEDI 8360)

  This longitudinal 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 V 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 an Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail scale.

• Obstetrics/Gynecology Clerkship (OBGN 8300)

  Students spend six weeks in Obstetrics/Gynecology including inpatient and outpatient experiences. 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 inpatient experience (which will include care of newborns) and outpatient experience. The pediatrics clerkship provides clinical experience in the management of pediatric patients from birth through adolescence. This course is graded on an Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail scale.

• Integrated Principles of Medicine VI (MEDI 8361)

  This longitudinal course builds on Integrated Principles of Medicine V and will continue to offer immersive learning integrated with clerkship rotations, blending foundational principles with advanced content. Students will explore healthcare topics like healing, research, and health systems using asynchronous and synchronous learning involving case-based discussions based on clerkship experiences. Integrated Principles of Medicine VI will continue with "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 an Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail scale.

Phase 4 (Year 4)

• Emergency Medicine Clerkship (EMRG 8300)

  Students spend four weeks in emergency medicine either at the end of year 3 or during year 4 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• Selective and/or Elective Rotations I – VIII

  As part of the fourth phase of the curriculum, students can choose their curriculum, based on their career plans and interests. Students may choose to complete rotations in other specialty areas, such as intensive care, medical, and surgical specialties they would like to cover in greater depth. Students will also continue to build their leadership, entrepreneurship, and teaching skills. These courses are graded on an Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail scale.