The transition from Pre-clerkship curriculum to the third year of medical school is a key milestone in a student’s medical school experience. Through nearly two years, students have spent the majority of their time in class, conducting research, building and refining their Doctoring skills, practicing in the Center for Simulation and Innovation, shadowing physicians at various clinics and hospitals, as well as working in their community, applying what they have been learning in classes. The knowledge and foundation for the practice of medicine has been built, but their exposure to patients has been limited and has primarily consisted of observation.
In April of their second year, College of Medicine – Phoenix students begin transitioning to their third year — Clerkships. This involves working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Through our distributive clinical model, students will work with our clinical faculty at a wide variety of sites throughout the greater Phoenix area, as well as rural sites. Every student must complete rotations in Family and Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, Neurology and Ambulatory Care during this period.
These same students will then advance to their fourth year, which continues applied practice in Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Sub-internships in selected specialties, electives and even “away” rotations within their chosen specialties — where they study and practice at other medical schools around the nation.