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First 100 Weeks

Educaton FOW

curriculum overview:

the first 100 weeks

First 100 Weeks: Years 1 and 2
curricular components
  • mechanisms of health, disease, and intervention (mhdi)
    physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, therapeutics
  • structure
    anatomy, pathology, embryology, histology, imaging, bedside ultrasound
  • patient, physician, and society (pps)
    curricular themes and drivers*
  • required clinical experiences
  • Form and Function in Health and Disease, Introduction to Organ Systems, Principles of Pharmacology, Core Clinical Skills
  • Reflection, Integration, and Assessment (RIA)
  • Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, Genetics, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems, Cells of Hematologic System
  • Reflection, Integration, and Assessment (RIA)
  • Metabolism, Gastrointestinal System
  • Reflection, Integration, and Assessment (RIA)
  • "Cardiac, Pulmonary, Renal Systems
  • Reflection, Integration, and Assessment (RIA)
  • Summer Vacation Experiences
  • Immunology, Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal System
  • Reflection, Integration, and Assessment (RIA)
  • Microbiology, Microbiome, Infectious Disease
  • Reflection, Integration, and Assessment (RIA)
  • Nervous System,
    Brain and Behavior
  • Reflection, Integration, and Assessment (RIA)
  • USMLE Step 1 Independent Study Period

The FIRST 100 WEEKS is an integrated curriculum built upon experiential and active small group case-based sessions and early meaningful patient interactions. The First 100 Weeks is composed of seven core courses, inclusive of biomedical, clinical, and social sciences, EMT training and certification, two longitudinal clerkships, a six-week independent study period to prepare for USMLE Step 1, and a transition course to help prepare students for the Second 100 Weeks. The seven core courses each include three curricular components: (1) Mechanisms of Health, Disease, and Intervention (MHDI), (2) Structure, and (3) Patient, Physician, and Society (PPS). The MHDI component includes normal and abnormal molecular, cellular, and organ physiology, scientific discovery, as well as pharmacology and therapeutics. The Structure component of each course integrates normal and abnormal anatomy, pathology, embryology, histology, imaging, and bedside ultrasound. The PPS component of each course is comprised of the social sciences, inclusive of the five curricular drivers, and core clinical skills, inclusive of the three curricular themes. In addition to required coursework, there is sufficient time during the First 100 Weeks for in-depth pursuit of individual interests, such as research, community service, certificate programs, and international health.


Typical Week of Study