Curriculum Renewal

It has been almost 15 years since the Zucker School of Medicine set out to transform the way medicine is taught and learned. Over the past decade and a half, the school's unique curriculum, with its case/problem-based learning, small group sessions, and hands-on approach, has helped students sharpen their critical thinking, develop clinical skills, and prepare for the challenges of meeting the needs of our population.

However, a lot has changed in the relatively short time since the Zucker School of Medicine graduated its first class in 2015. We have seen advancements in all areas, including the delivery of healthcare, and the COVID pandemic exposed the inequity of the healthcare system, forcing us to examine how we at the ZSOM are addressing the community's healthcare needs.

In 2008, when we launched our mission to prepare the next generation of physicians, we thoroughly examined and defined tomorrow's healthcare climate. Today, we ask you to join us on a new journey called Curriculum Renewal: Courage to Change. Together, we will assess our accomplishments, imagine the future, and build upon our firm foundation by addressing emerging societal trends, innovations in healthcare and technology, meeting the needs of future learners and educators and most importantly, our patients. Curriculum renewal will shape how we prepare our medical students for tomorrow's healthcare industry and inform the school's mission and vision into 2035 and beyond. 

Your dedication and commitment are critical to the success of our school and future healthcare professionals, and we look forward to your continued support and participation as we embark on this engaging journey together.

David Battinelli, MD
Dean, Zucker School of Medicine

Samara Ginzburg, MD
Vice Dean & Dean for Education, Zucker School of Medicine

Lawrence G. Smith, MD, MACP
Founding Dean, Zucker School of Medicine