The University Program curriculum always has reflected the latest in educational practices and medical knowledge. In the 1950s the School of Medicine was the first to introduce the organ systems approach to teaching the basic sciences. In July 2006 the University program launched the Western Reserve2 Curriculum (WR2) to create at Case a system of learning that reunites the disciplines of public health and medicine into a single, integrated program of study.
The WR2 Curriculum has high expectations for self-directed learning, and seeks to train physician scholars who are prepared to treat disease, promote health and examine the social and behavioral context of illness. It interweaves four themes of research and scholarship, clinical mastery, leadership and civic professionalism to prepare students for the ongoing practice of evidence-based medicine in the rapidly changing healthcare environment of the 21st century.
Scholarship and clinical relevance are the benchmarks for learning, and clinical experiences and biomedical and population sciences education are integrated across the four years of the curriculum. The WR2 Curriculum also creates an independent, educational environment where learning is self-directed and where student education primarily occurs through: 1) facilitated, small-group student-centered discussions 2) large group interactive sessions such as Team Learning or didactic sessions that offer a framework or synthesis, 3) interactive anatomy sessions, 4) clinical skills training, and 5) patient-based activities.
Clinical experiences begin in the first week of the University Program when students participate in community-based health care field experiences. In the second month of medical school, students begin the Rotating Apprenticeship in Medicine Program (RAMP). This program involves students in five patient care settings. In January of the first year, students begin the Community Patient Care Preceptorship (CPCP). Each student works with a community physician one afternoon a week for the next year.
Research and Scholarship begin early in the curriculum with weekly sessions led by faculty engaged in cutting edge research. In the summer following year one, the majority of students engage in summer research opportunities. All students participate in a mentored 16 week experience in research and scholarship and complete an MD thesis prior to graduation.
Electronic resources make the most of classroom time while improving opportunities for self-directed learning and capitalizing on the innovative technology available at Case.
A key component of the University Program is the unscheduled time on Thursday mornings and weekday afternoons. Students use this time for self-directed learning as well as to pursue a joint degree, take electives, participate in interest groups, shadow a practicing physician, or become active in student organizations.
Each student in the University Program is a member of one of the following advising societies: Emily Blackwell Society, Frederick Robbins Society, David Satcher Society, or Joseph Wearn Society. Each society is headed by an advising dean, who helps the students navigate the curriculum, advises them on residency and career planning, and writes their dean’s letters. The society deans hold regularly scheduled small group and individual meetings with the students. The society deans are all members of the faculty of the School of Medicine and participate actively in the educational programs of the school. Some aspects of the curriculum are coordinated through the societies.
CURRICULAR STRUCTURES OF THE UNIVERSTIY PROGRAM
University Program (4 year program with optional 5th year)
Year 1
Foundations of Medicine and Health, Foundations of Clinical Medicine (FCM), summer research opportunities, RAMP, clinical preceptorships
Year 2
Foundations of Medicine and Health, FCM, study period for National Boards examination, Basic Core clinical rotation or research block
Year 3
Basic Core clinical rotations, research block, Advanced Core clinical rotations, sub internships, electives
Year 4
Sub internships, electives, Area of Concentration, MD thesis completion, Becoming a Doctor II
Year 5 (optional)
University Program students may elect a fifth year of study for research and scholarship
Western Reserve2 Curriculum
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