Curriculum

Semesters 1 and 2

The first year (semesters 1 and 2) centers on normal human structure and function and these are offered as integrated courses of closely related topics – gross anatomy, biochemistry and genetics, cell biology, histology and embryology, neuroscience and physiology along with the Clinical Applications course and the Introduction to Clinical Medicine – Doctor, Patient and Society.

Semesters 3 and 4

During the 2nd year (semesters 3 and 4) the courses are more integrative and advanced as students master the content of host defense and microbial pathogens – microbiology, virology, immunology and mycology. And the bulk of the 2nd year involves mastering the tools for diagnosis and therapy – through in depth study of pathophysiology and Therapeutics 1 and 2 and the continuation of Clinical Applications and the Introduction to Clinical Medicine courses.

Semester 5

The 5th semester is the capstone semester for the foundations of medicine program and as the formal Advanced lntroduction to the Clinical Sciences (AICM). Students are immersed in the tools for diagnosis and therapy and during the 15 weeks they master the clinical skills – techniques for conducting the physical examination, refined diagnostic skills and expanded critical thinking skills demonstrated through oral and written presentations in a patient care setting. The clinical case studies and the exposure to direct patient care and physician interactions represent an important hands-on component of the program. Finally, a full review of the Foundations of Medicine program and formal preparation to sit for the USMLE Step 1 are incorporated into this Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine.

Successful completion of the foundations of medicine, the Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine and achieving a passing score on the USMLE step 1 leads to the completion of the clinical clerkships.

Years 3 and 4

These represent the clinical clerkships that are devoted to the study of health and disease in the various clinical departments of our affiliated teaching hospitals. During the 75 weeks of clinical medicine, the student must complete six core rotations consisting of either 12 or 6 week blocks - as follows:

Internal Medicine	12 weeks
Surgery	12 weeks
Pediatrics/neonatology	6 weeks
Psychiatry	6 weeks
OB/Gyn	6 weeks
Family Medicine	6 weeks
Total:	48 weeks of core rotations
Elective rotations	27 weeks*

*Of these 27 weeks, at least 8 weeks must be an elective in internal medicine and 4 weeks must be an elective in surgery

The order in which clerkships are completed offers flexibility – to enable students to complete electives at the time of their choosing. All cores however must be completed no later than the 4th month of the final year of studies. Following completion of the core rotations, students must prepare for and successfully complete the USMLE Step 2 (CK – clinical knowledge) and (CS – clinical skills) in order to qualify for graduation and proceed to residency training.

Graduation

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is awarded upon successful completion of the Foundations of Medicine curriculum, the Clinical Sciences Clerkships and the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 (CK) and (CS). The entire program consists of 10 fifteen (15) week semesters (150 weeks).

The foundations of medicine program and the Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine will be conducted at the Trinity School of Medicine campus in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The 75 weeks of Clinical Clerkships will be offered at ACGME approved clerkships in teaching hospitals affiliated with TUSOM.

Residency Training

Graduating students will register for the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) which is a paired choice system for matching applicants to available residencies that takes place every March. Students train in a residency program for two to five years during which time they sit for the USMLE Step 3. Upon completion of their residency (fellowship) and passing USMLE Step 3, candidate physicians are prepared for licensure.