Block Description

The Personalized Active Learning (PAL) Block is a required one-credit course designed to provide students with curricular time to pursue flexible individualized independent learning activities to further their medical education. Students will select one or more activities according to one’s need and/or desire and be engaged in, at minimum, 45 hours of activities over the course of a five-week block. The activity hours must collectively add up to no less than 45 hours.

Sample Activities

  • Block/Course/Competency remediation work
  • Community Clinical Experience (CCE) work
  • Clinical experience*
  • Research
  • Global Health
  • Rural Health
  • Service Learning
  • Certificate of Distinction work (e.g., Health Humanities, Healthcare Leadership)
  • Dual degree program work (e.g. MD/MPH, MD/PhD)
  • Leadership training (e.g., AAMC conference, COM Committee, Military Officer Training)
  • Other (PAL Director approval required)
  • Enrichment Elective* (e.g., Step 1, Medical Spanish, more) – see PAL Bulletin

Learning Objectives:

Educational Program Objectives are a subset of more broadly defined physician competencies, which represent general domains of performance for which the profession and the public hold physicians accountable.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM-P) measures these outcomes both quantitatively (via United States Medical Licensing Exam <USMLE> style assessments) and qualitatively (via behavioral competency assessments).

  • Identify personal learning needs and interests through reflection, self-assessment, and
    feedback to guide individualized professional growth.
  • Develop and implement personalized learning plans with measurable objectives and timelines in collaboration with PAL preceptors and course directors.
  • Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with PAL preceptors, faculty, and peers to enhance learning and professional development.
  • Engage in self-directed and experiential learning activities that broaden and deepen
    foundational medical knowledge and skills.
  • Apply time management and organizational strategies to balance academic, clinical, and
    personal responsibilities.
  • Reflect on progress toward personal learning goals and evaluate outcomes to refine future learning plans.
  • Show integrity in all interactions with peers and professional colleagues.

*These activities may require an Affiliation Agreement with the clinician's representing institute.