Fourth Year Course Bulletin
Academic Year 2013 -2014
July 1, 2013 – May 2, 2014
Released March, 2013
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Summary of TCMC 4th Year Curriculum:
Rotation
Weeks
Medicine Subinternship
4
Other Subinternship
4
Acute Care – Emergency Medicine
2
Acute Care –Critical Care
2
Interprofessional Selective (IPE)
2
Senior Seminar
1
Electives (20 weeks)
20
Core Weeks
2
Total Weeks 37
Students must complete 37 weeks of study within the 44 weeks allocated for the year.
Students are required to complete:
 MD 900: Medicine Subinternship
 A second Subinternship of their choice (including an additional 4 weeks of MD 900)
 One Subinternship must be done in the TCMC system
 2 weeks of Emergency Medicine – this requirement can be filled by MD 911, MD
913, or MD 919
 2 weeks of Adult Critical Care Medicine – this requirement can be filled by MD 912,
MD 913, or MD 903.
 MD 915: Interprofessional Selective
 MD 999: Senior Seminar, one week, on-line course.
Students are required to complete 20 weeks of electives:
 12 of 20 elective weeks must be patient care focused
 8 weeks may be in non-patient care electives (but students may choose patient care
focused electives)
 Up to 16 weeks may be done outside of TCMC system
 8 weeks must be completed in a resident-team setting
 No more than 2 electives can be completed in the same elective
Students are required to participate in all activities during two core weeks:
 There are two options for the fall core week (students participate in one or the other)
 The spring core week contains Match Day.
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Required Clerkships for the Fourth Year:
MD 900: Medicine Subinternship (4 weeks)
Because of the primarily ambulatory nature of the third year LIC, all students are required a
four-week, inpatient Internal Medicine Subinternship. At the completion of the Medicine
Subinternship students will demonstrate proficiency in the following core competencies
required for the care of the acutely ill adult patient:
1. Communication skills – students will demonstrate knowledge of local, national, and ethical
guidelines pertaining to patient physician communication. Students will demonstrate the
ability to communicate with patients and their family members. Students will also
demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with members of
the health care team. We will assess these skills by direct observation of the student by
faculty preceptors, residents, and other members of the healthcare team as reported on a
standard evaluation form, formative mini-CEXs, and in activities during the 4th year core
weeks.
2.
Coordination of care -- students will demonstrate the ability to contact all members of the
healthcare team and safely transfer care to other members of that team. Students will
demonstrate the ability to utilize and interact with consultants of multiple disciplines and
effectively cooperate with non-physician members of the health-care team. Students will
communicate with outpatient providers and community resources to facilitate a smooth
transition of a patient’s care between both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Students will
demonstrate an understanding of their patient’s plan of care both verbally and in writing. We
will assess these skills by direct observation of the student by faculty preceptors, residents,
and other members of the healthcare team as reported on a standard evaluation form.
3. Information management – students will demonstrate the ability to access and report
relevant clinical data on their patients. Students will demonstrate the ability to prioritize
tasks, document in a clear and coherent manner, and utilize both paper and electronic
resources to assist in patient care. We will assess these skills by direct observation of the
student by faculty preceptors, residents, and other members of the healthcare team as
reported on a standard evaluation form and during weekly student chief rounds.
4. Procedures – students will demonstrate the ability to explain the risks and benefits of
common bedside procedures to patients and their family members. Students will
demonstrate the ability to perform venipuncture, arterial blood gas sampling, nasogastric
tube insertion, and urethral catheter insertion. Students will demonstrate familiarity with
central venous catheter insertion and lumbar puncture. We will assess these skills by direct
observation of the student by faculty preceptors, residents, and other members of the
healthcare team as reported on a standard evaluation form as well as in planned simulation
sessions during the 4th year core weeks.
5. Professionalism – students will demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors of health care
professionals at all times, but especially in interactions with patients, family members, fellow
students, and all members of the health care team. We will assess these skills by direct
observation of the student by faculty preceptors, residents, and other members of the
healthcare team as reported on a standard evaluation form as well as in activities during the
4th year core weeks.
Requirements of the Medicine Subinternship:
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1. Students will work on an inpatient medicine service for 4 weeks.
2. Students’ usual work hours will be from 7AM to 6PM (weekdays).
3. Students will take “call” which will require students to assist the primary healthcare team
with admissions and other responsibilities until 11 PM on average every 4th evening. Students
will not take overnight call in the hospital (in keeping with ACGME requirements).
4. Students will have primary responsibility for 3-4 patients at one time.
5. Students will participate in all required student educational activities for the medicine
subinternship including an academic presentation as determined by the medicine faculty.
Other Subinternships (4 weeks)
All other subinternships will require demonstrated proficiency in the five core competencies
outlined above. All other subinternships will share the five requirements outlined above as well.
Due to the differences in disciplines, other subinternships may have a different focus than the
medicine subinternship and may require demonstration of additional proficiencies. Students
may take a second subinternship as outlined below or students may take a second
subinternship in Medicine, MD 900, if desired.
MD 901: Pediatrics Subinternship
This subinternship focuses on the care of children on the pediatrics inpatient hospital service,
the well-baby nursery, and in the delivery suite.
MD 902: Family Medicine Subinternship
This subinternship focuses on the care of children and adults on the family medicine inpatient
hospital service.
MD 903: Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Subinternship (may fulfill the requirement for MD
912: Acute Care – Critical Care)
An extramural subinternship, this subinternship focuses on the care of critically ill adults in the
intensive care unit.
MD 904: Neonatal Intensive Care Subinternship
This subinternship focuses on the care of critically ill neonates in the intensive care unit.
MD 905: Surgery Subinternship
This subinternship focuses on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of adult
surgical patients.
MD 906: Obstetrics Subinternship
This subinternship focuses on the care of mother and baby during the prepartum, intrapartum,
and postpartum care of women.
MD907: Gynecology Subinternship
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This subinternship focuses on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of
women on the gynecologic surgery service.
MD 908: Psychiatry Subinternship
This subinternship will involve both the inpatient and outpatient care of patients on the
psychiatry service. “call” will involve evaluation of patients on the inpatient psychiatric services,
crisis centers, and emergency departments. This subinternship can be adult, adolescent, or
child focused or some combination of these patient populations.
MD 909: Rural Family Medicine Subinternship
The subinternship in rural family medicine will be a combination of inpatient and outpatient
settings. Call may not be the same as for the other subinternships. It is expected that students
will work closely with an individual preceptor in his/her practice setting.
Other Required Clerkships
MD 911: Acute Care—Emergency Medicine (2 weeks)
A required two-week rotation in emergency medicine in which students will routinely spend
four, 12-hour shifts per week.
MD 912: Acute Care – Critical Care (2 weeks)
A required two-week rotation in an adult intensive care setting – students will spend time in an
assigned ICU. Critical care nurses will work with core faculty with input from the multiple
disciplines that work in this setting (respiratory therapists, etc). Students will interact with
physicians of all specialties and will follow 2 patients at a time. Students will spend 2
evenings/week until 11PM in the ICU.
MD 913: Acute Care – Emergency and Critical Care Medicine (4 weeks) (fulfills the
requirements for MD 911: Acute Care – Emergency Medicine and MD 912: Acute Care – Critical
Care) This is a rotation that fills the acute care medicine requirement in one four-week block
that combines the care of patients in the emergency department and intensive care unit.
Students are encouraged to follow patients from admission in the emergency department to
transfer into the intensive care unit. This rotation stresses the continuity of care through these
two settings. This rotation is offered by Wayne Memorial Hospital and Pocono Medical Center
in the Northern region.
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Interprofessional (IPE) Selective (2weeks)
All students are required to complete a 2-week selective in a highly functioning team. This
clerkship requirement addresses the need for physicians in-training to understand the roles of
all members of the health-care team and to function well within these teams. The IPE selective
requirement can be fulfilled through this IPE selective course (MD 915) or on a very rare
occasion at another site with preauthorization by one of the course directors(a request in
writing must be received a minimum of 30 days prior to beginning clerkship). This IPE selective
can occur in a number of different settings allowing students to foster individual interest so that
they can continue to develop the attitudes and skills necessary to practice medicine in a team
setting.
Other Required Activities
MD 999: Senior Seminar (1 week)
A required one week seminar that examines the issues of quality improvement and patient
safety, biomedical ethics, health policy and economics, medical informatics, cultural
competency and health literacy, evidence based medicine, and professional development as
medical students transition to their roles as residents. This course is a self directed study of a
collection of articles and videos within the constraints of one calendar week during the M4 year.
Core Weeks (2 weeks)
A required two weeks devoted to both formative and summative evaluation of students with
activities and simulations. These weeks will also address student concerns and the transition to
residency.
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Elective Clerkships for the Fourth Year as of March, 2013:
Family Medicine Electives – Family Medicine Education Director: Mario Cornacchione, DO
MD 974
Palliative Medicine (2 or 4 weeks)
The Palliative Medicine Elective is a 2 or 4 week inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care facility
experience. Students will follow patients and perform consultations with an interprofessional team
under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will work closely with palliative medicine nursing
and are required at least one patient home visit. Students will participate in interdisciplinary
conferences. Students may spend extended evening time with the team in keeping with ACGME
requirements.
MD 975
Geriatric Medicine (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Geriatric Medicine Elective is a 2 or 4-week primarily outpatient experience. Students will follow
patients in the outpatient setting, the hospital, rehabilitation medicine, the skilled-nursing facility, the
nursing home, and in assisted living under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will work
closely with all members of the health-care team in an interprofessional setting. Students will
participate in multi-disciplinary conferences. Students may spend extended evening time with the team
in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 976
Clinical Epidemiology (2 weeks)
The Clinical Epidemiology Elective is a 2-week, non-clinical experience. Students will participate in
classroom and small group activities. Students will prepare a presentation at the end of the elective and
will share this with other participants.
MD 977
Family Medicine Elective (2 or 4 weeks)
The Family Medicine Elective is either a 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience that allows the
student to work within another area of interest within or outside of the TCMC system. Requirements
may be modified, but will generally follow the same guidelines established for the 4-week rotations in a
given specialty. All electives must be approved by the Family Medicine Education Director.
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Medicine Electives – Medicine Education Director: Margrit Shoemaker, MD
MD 919
Emergency Medicine (4 weeks) (fulfills the requirements for MD 911: Acute
Care – Emergency Medicine, but NOT MD 912: Acute Care – Critical Care)
The Emergency Medicine Elective is a 4-week experience. Students will routinely work 4 to 5 12-hour
shifts per week with at least 2 days completely free of clinical responsibilities per week. Students will
participate in the care and management of patients who present to the emergency department. Work
hours will not exceed 80-hour per week as per ACGME requirements.
MD 920
Allergy & Clinical Immunology (2 or 4 weeks - depending on Regional Campus)
The Allergy and Clinical Immunology Elective is either a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience.
Students will primarily follow ambulatory patients, but will also perform inpatient consultation under
the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will participate in the diagnosis and medical
management of patients with atopic conditions and may spend extended evening time in the
ambulatory or inpatient setting in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 921
Cardiology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Cardiology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an assigned preceptor.
Students will participate in the diagnosis and medical management of patients with cardiac disease. The
focus will be on both the non-interventional service, but may include time with the interventional
service. Students may spend extended evening time in the ambulatory or inpatient setting in keeping
with ACGME requirements.
MD 922
Dermatology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Dermatology Elective is either a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will
follow ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an assigned
preceptor. Students will participate in the diagnosis and management of patients with skin conditions
and may spend extended evening time in the ambulatory or inpatient setting in keeping with ACGME
requirements.
MD 923
Endocrinology (2 or 4 weeks – depending on Regional Campus)
The Endocrinology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an assigned preceptor.
Students will participate in the diagnosis and medical management of patients with Diabetes Mellitus
and other endocrinopathies and may spend extended evening time in the ambulatory or inpatient
setting in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 924
Gastroenterology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Gastroenterology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an assigned preceptor.
Students will participate in the diagnosis and medical management of patients with gastrointestinal
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conditions and may spend extended evening time in the ambulatory or inpatient setting in keeping with
ACGME requirements.
MD 925
Infectious Disease (2 or 4 weeks – depending on Regional Campus)
The Infectious Disease Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an assigned preceptor.
Students will participate in the diagnosis and medical management of patients with acute and chronic
infections and may spend extended evening time in the ambulatory or inpatient setting in keeping with
ACGME requirements.
MD 926
Nephrology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Nephrology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation with an interprofessional team under the
direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will interact with multiple disciplines involved in the care of
patients with kidney disease and may spend extended evening time with the team in keeping with
ACGME requirements.
MD 928
Rheumatology (2 or 4 weeks)
The Rheumatology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an assigned preceptor.
Students will participate in the diagnosis and medical management of patients with bone and joint
disease as well as connective tissue disorders and may spend extended evening time in the ambulatory
or inpatient setting in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 929
Hematology/Medical Oncology ( 2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional
Campus)
The Hematology/Medical Oncology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience.
Students will follow ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation with an interprofessional
team under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will interact with multiple disciplines
involved in the care of patients with malignant disease. Students will present a case at Tumor Board and
may spend extended evening time with the team in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 930
Neurology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Neurology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation with an interprofessional team under the
direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will gain exposure to EEGs and the interpretation of neuroimaging. Students may spend extended evening time with the team in keeping with ACGME
requirements.
MD 931
Pathology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Pathology Elective is either a 2 or 4 week experience without direct patient care. Students will
participate in specimen processing, autopsy (if available), and morphologic and molecular diagnostics.
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Students will participate in clinicopathologic conferences. Students participating in the 4 week elective
will spend time in the hospital clinical laboratory. Students may spend extended evening time in the
hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 932
Radiology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Radiology Elective is either a 2 or 4 week experience without direct patient care in diagnostic
radiology. Students will participate in the acquisition of imaging studies and their interpretation.
Students will work with radiologists, nurses, and radiology technicians in an interprofessional setting.
Students may spend extended evening time with the team in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 933
Interventional Radiology (2 weeks)
The Interventional Radiology Elective is a 2 week experience. 4 weeks of MD 932 is a prerequisite for
this clerkship. Students will perform pre-procedure evaluation of patients and participate in diagnostic
and therapeutic procedures under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students may spend extended
evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 934
Radiation Oncology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Radiation Oncology Elective is either a 2 or 4 week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students
will follow ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation with an interprofessional team under
the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will interact with multiple disciplines involved in the
care of patients with malignant disease. Students will present a case at Tumor Board and may spend
extended evening time with the team in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 935
Ambulatory Outpatient Internal Medicine (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural ambulatory internal medicine elective during which students will evaluate and
follow patients under the direction of an assigned preceptor in a general medical office.
MD 936
Medicine Elective (2 or 4 weeks)
The Medicine elective is either a 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience that allows the student to
work within another area of interest within or outside of the TCMC system. Requirements may be
modified, but will generally follow the same guidelines established for the 4-week rotations in a given
specialty. All electives must be approved by the Medicine Education Director.
MD 964
Sports Medicine, Non- Surgical (2 weeks)
The Sports Medicine, Non-Surgical elective is a 2 week experience requiring the approval of the
Medicine Education Director. Students will gain an understanding of how to correctly perform a preparticipation exam, the common overuses of musculoskeletal injuries, cardiac issues and screening in
athletes, head injuries and concussions, as well as the use of herbal and prohibited substances. Students
may spend extended evening time in the ambulatory or inpatient setting in keeping with ACGME
requirements.
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MD 973
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional
Campus)
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation elective is a 2 or 4 week experience in both the acute care
hospital and the rehabilitation hospital. Students will follow patients and perform consultations with an
interprofessional team under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will participate in multidisciplinary conferences. Students may spend extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with
ACGME requirements.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Electives -- OB/GYN Education Director: Brian Wilcox, MD, PhD
MD 979
Obstetrics and Gynecology Selective ( 2 or 4 week – depending on Regional
Campus)
The OB/GYN Selective is either a 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience that allows the student to
work within another area of interest within or outside of the TCMC system. Requirements may be
modified, but will generally follow the same guidelines established for the 4-week rotations in a given
specialty. All selectives must be approved by the OB/GYN Education Director.
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Pediatrics Electives – Pediatric Education Director: Thomas Martin, MD
MD 940
Pediatric Cardiology (4 weeks)
The Pediatric Cardiology Elective is a 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an assigned preceptor.
Students will interpret ECGs and echocardiograms. Significant travel is required for this elective.
Students will spend extended evening time in the hospital or in the ambulatory setting in keeping with
ACGME requirements.
MD 941
Pediatric Dermatology (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 942
Adult and Pediatric Gastroenterology ( 2 or 4 weeks)
The Adult and Pediatric Gastroenterology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience.
Students will follow ambulatory patients and perform inpatient consultation under the direction of an
assigned preceptor. Students will observe and interpret gastrointestinal studies. Students may spend
extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 943
Pediatric Endocrinology (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 944
Pediatric Infectious Disease (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 945
Pediatric Nephrology (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 946
Pediatric Gastroenterology (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 947
Pediatric Neurology (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 948
Adolescent Medicine (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 949
Ambulatory Pediatrics (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural pediatrics elective requiring the approval of the Pediatrics Education Director.
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MD 950
Pediatrics Elective (2 or 4 weeks)
The Pediatrics elective is either a 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience that allows the student to
work within another area of interest within or outside of the TCMC system. Requirements may be
modified, but will generally follow the same guidelines established for the 4-week rotations in a given
specialty. All electives must be approved by the Pediatrics Education Director.
MD 954
Adult and Pediatric Neurology (4 weeks)
The Adult and Pediatric Neurology Elective is a 4-week inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care facility
experience. Students will follow patients in all of these settings and will perform inpatient consultation
under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will interpret EEG and neuro-imaging studies.
Students may spend extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 953
Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (4 weeks)
The Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Elective is a 4-week inpatient, but primarily outpatient
experience. Students will follow patients in the ambulatory setting and will perform inpatient
consultation under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will interpret RAST testing, skin
testing, pulmonary function testing, and participate in desensitization. Students may spend extended
evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
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Psychiatry Elective – Psychiatry Education Director: A.C. Patel, MD
MD 955
Psychiatry Elective (2 or 4 week – depending on Regional Campus)
The Psychiatry elective is either a 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience that allows the student to
work within another area of interest within or outside of the TCMC system. Requirements may be
modified, but will generally follow the same guidelines established for the 4-week rotations in a given
specialty. All electives must be approved by the Psychiatry Education Director.
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Surgery Electives – Surgery Education Director: Mark Frattali, MD
MD 960
Urology (4 weeks)
The Urology elective is a 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow patients and
participate in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients on the service under
the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will present at Urology case conference and will spend
extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 961
Otorhinolaryngology (2 or 4 weeks – depending on Regional Campus)
The Otorinholaryngology elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will
follow patients and participate in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care of patients on
the service under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will conduct inpatient consultations
under the direction of the preceptor. Students will present at Head and Neck Tumor conference and/or
Tumor Board and will spend extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME
requirements.
MD 962
Anesthesiology (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
The Anesthesiology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient experience. Students will follow patients through
the preoperative evaluation, the perioperative period, and the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) under
the direction of an assigned preceptor. This is a more intensive experience than offered in the 3rd year.
During this elective the student will develop more skill in the management of the surgical patient and
performing procedures including airway and vascular access. Students will spend extended evening time
in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 963
Orthopedic Surgery (4 weeks)
The Orthopedic Surgery Elective is a 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
patients and participate in the surgical and ambulatory care of the patient with an orthopedic condition.
Students will participate in sports medicine and will present during the departmental rounds and will
spend extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 964
Ophthalmology (2 or 4 weeks)
The Ophthalmology Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
patients and gain exposure to the medical and surgical treatment of ocular pathology under the
direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will prepare a presentation for the department.
MD 965
Sports Medicine (4 weeks)
A 4-week extramural surgery elective requiring the approval of the Surgery Education Director
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MD 966
Plastic Surgery (2 or 4 weeks – depending on Regional Campus)
The Plastic Surgery Elective is a 2 or 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
patients and participate in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients on the
service under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will gain exposure to patients requiring
elective cosmetic procedures as well as complex reconstructive procedures. Students will prepare a
presentation for the department and will spend extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with
ACGME requirements.
MD 967
Colorectal Surgery (4 weeks)
The Colorectal Surgery Elective is a 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
patients and participate in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients on the
service under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will see patients in the ambulatory
setting, perform outpatient and inpatient consultations, and participate in procedures under
supervision. Students will present at Surgical case conference and will spend extended evening time in
the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 968
Vascular Surgery (4 weeks)
The Vascular Surgery Elective is a 4-week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will follow
patients and participate in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients on the
service under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will gain familiarity with the diagnosis
and surgical treatment of vascular disease. Students will present at Surgical case conference and will
spend extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
MD 969
Breast Surgery (2 weeks)
The Breast Surgery Elective is a 2 week inpatient and outpatient experience. Students will work with a
preceptor whose practice specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast disease. Students
will participate in hospital rounds, perform consultations and procedures, and will present at breast
cancer conference under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will prepare a presentation at
Surgical conference and will spend extended evening time in the hospital in keeping with ACGME
requirements.
MD 970
Cardiothoracic Surgery (4 weeks)
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Elective is an intensive 4-week primarily inpatient experience. Students will
follow patients and participate in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients
on the service with an interprofessional team under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will
be a member of the team performing daily rounds, hospital conferences, and attending daily
conferences. Students will prepare a presentation for the team and will spend extended evening time in
the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
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MD 971
Surgery Elective (2 or 4 weeks)
The Surgery elective is either a 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience that allows the student to
either combine the surgical electives (MD 960-970) or work within another area of interest (such as
transplant or trauma surgery for example) within or outside of the TCMC system. Requirements may be
modified, but will generally follow the same guidelines established for the 4-week rotations in a given
specialty. All electives must be approved by the Surgery Education Director.
MD 972
Neurosurgery (4 weeks)
An extramural elective in neurosurgery is a 4 week inpatient and outpatient experience . Students will
follow patients and participate in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients
on the service under the direction of an assigned preceptor. Students will see patients in the ambulatory
setting, perform outpatient and inpatient consultations, and participate in procedures under
supervision. Students will present at Surgical case conference and will spend extended evening time in
the hospital in keeping with ACGME requirements.
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Basic Science Electives – Chair of Basic Science: Maureen McLeod, PhD
MD 980
Advanced Anatomy (4)
The Advanced Anatomy Elective is a 4-week experience in the general anatomy lab with a member of
the clinical and basic science faculty. It is primarily designed for students entering surgical specialties;
this elective will allow students an opportunity to perform advanced gross anatomy dissection.
MD 981
Basic Science Research (2 or 4 weeks)
A 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience in basic science research with a research mentor. The
Basic Science Research Elective must be approved by the Chair of Basic Science.
MD 982
Readings in Basic Science (2 or 4 weeks)
A 2 or 4 week experience with lectures and/or in depth reading in a STUDENT SELECTED field with a
mentor. Students are required to write a paper (hopefully for submission for publication) at the end of
the elective. The Readings in Basic Science Elective must be approved by the Chair of Basic Science.
MD 983
Clinical Pharmacology (2 or 4 weeks)
A 2 or 4 week experience in pharmacology with an emphasis on mechanisms of drug action and how this
relates to clinical practice.
MD 985
Basic Science Elective (2 or 4 weeks)
A 2 or 4 week STUDENT DESIGNED experience under a faculty tutor. The Basic Science Selective must be
approved by the Chair of Basic Science.
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Clinical Sciences Electives – Chair of Clinical Science: Valerie Weber, MD
MD 914
Teaching Elective (4 weeks)
The purpose of this elective is to have future physicians explore medical education at The
Commonwealth Medical College. This elective gives 4th year medical students the opportunity to
participate in teaching activities within the MD and MBS educational programs. Each elective will be
custom designed to meet the interests of the student enrolled and will involve one or more faculty
mentors from the TCMC MD and/or MBS curricula.
MD 991
Research in Clinical Sciences (2 or 4 weeks)
A two or four week STUDENT DESIGNED experience in clinical research with a research mentor. The
Clinical Research Elective must be approved by the Chair of Clinical Sciences.
MD 992
Medical Humanities (2 or 4 weeks)
The Medical Humanities Elective is a 2 or 4 -week, non-clinical experience. The experience may vary
depending on the number of students enrolled in the block. Minimally students will conduct readings
within the medical arts and discuss these with student colleagues and the clerkship director. In seat or
phone conference meetings are coordinated within the block based upon the number of students
enrolled. Students will write one paper per week of the elective. All two week electives must be taken
consecutively. All four week electives must have the first two weeks as a consecutive experience with
the remaining two weeks flexible within the student schedule based upon the approval of the clerkship
director.
MD 993
Medical Ethics (2 weeks)
The Medical Ethics Elective is a 2-week, non-clinical experience. Students will participate in classroom
and small group activities. Students will prepare a presentation at the end of the elective and will share
this with other participants.
MD 994
Readings in the Clinical Sciences (2 or 4 weeks)
A two or four week experience with lectures and/or in depth reading in a STUDENT SELECTED field with
a mentor. Students are required to write a paper (hopefully for submission for publication) at the end of
the elective. The Readings in the Clinical Sciences Elective must be approved by the Chair of Clinical
Sciences.
MD 995
Clinical Sciences Selective (2 or 4 weeks- depending on Regional Campus)
A two or four week STUDENT DESIGNED clinical, research, or reading tutorial experience under a faculty
tutor. The Clinical Sciences Selective must be approved by the Chair of Clinical Sciences.
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Family, Community, and Rural Health Electives – Chair of FCRH: Janet Townsend, MD
MD 996
Community Research (2 or 4 weeks)
A two or four week STUDENT DESIGNED experience in community research with a research mentor. The
Community Research Elective must be approved by the Chair of Family, Community, and Rural Health.
MD 997
Readings in Family, Community, and Rural Health (2 or 4 weeks)
A two or four week experience with lectures and/or in depth reading in a STUDENT SELECTED field with
a mentor. Students are required to write a paper (hopefully for submission for publication) at the end of
the elective. The Readings in Family, Community, and Rural Health Elective must be approved by the
Chair of Family, Community, and Rural Health.
MD 998
Family, Community, and Rural Health Selective (2 or 4 weeks)
A two or four week STUDENT DESIGNED clinical, research, or reading tutorial experience under a faculty
tutor. The Family, Community, and Rural Health Selective must be approved by the Chair of Family,
Community, and Rural Health.
Approved by the Year 3/4 Subcommittee of the CAC: March 4, 2013
Bulletin distributed to the Class of 2014: March 2013
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Academic Calendar, 4th year, 2013-2014
Important Note regarding USMLE Step 2 Examinations! USMLE Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS
must be taken by all M4 students by December 31, 2013. We strongly encourage all students
to register for and take these examinations by October 31, 2013.
BLOCK 1
7/1/13
to
7/26/13
BLOCK 2
7/29/13
to
8/23/13
BLOCK 3
8/25/13
to
9/20/13
CORE WEEK 1 - 9/16/13- 9/20/13*
BLOCK 4
9/23/13
to
10/18/13
CORE WEEK 2 – 10/14/13- 10/18/13*
BLOCK 5
10/21/13
to
11/15/13
BLOCK 6
11/18/13
to
12/13/13
BLOCK 7
12/16/13
to
1/10/14
BLOCK 8
1/13/14
to
2/7/14
BLOCK 9
2/10/14
to
3/7/14
BLOCK 10
3/10/14
to
4/4/14
BLOCK 11
4/7/14
to
5/2/14
GRADUATION FOR CLASS OF 2014
CORE WEEK 3 – 3/17/14-3/21/14
5/10/14
ALL TCMC clinical clerkships follow this block schedule and so clinical clerkships may be taken for
the first two weeks of the block or the second two weeks of the block for two week clerkships.
Four week clerkships may only be taken according to this block schedule.
Students taking clerkships at other institutions will find 1-2 week openings in their schedules
because of the difference in the timing of clerkships between outside institutions and TCMC.
Students are encouraged to fill these spaces with student designed clinical electives (MD 936,
MD 950, MD 955, MD 971, MD 977, or MD 979) or Electives from the Department of Basic
Science, the Department of Clinical Science, or the Department of Family, Community, and Rural
Health.
Use the following worksheet to draft possible schedules for the 4th year.
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