Fourth Year
The fourth year, which extends from July 1 to April 30, consists of eight to ten months of one-month elective courses in any of a wide variety of clinical or basic science courses offered at P&S or other institutions in the U.S. or abroad. The student also has the option of taking one month for interviewing for various residency programs and another month as a vacation month.
While the fourth year is generally elective in nature, it is expected that certain requirements will be met in the first being that students should complete at least one intensive advanced clinical clerkship, or equivalent, which will demonstrate their ability to safely care for critically ill patients 24 hours a day by themselves. The second requirement is the selection of one of three "back to the classroom" electives, with lecture/seminar format, which will emphasize the foundation of medical knowledge and the critical appraisal of data rather than the more practical day-to-day aspects of management.
During the third year, the student begins a series of decisions that culminate in a choice of a particular residency program for postgraduate education. During March and April of their third year, the students plan their fourth year elective curriculum. To make the best choices, the students must consider where their interest lie and the decide what to study, at what institution, and at which point in the year.
To help the students become aware of the decisions to be made and the options available, the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs (305-3806 or 5-3806) provides information in the form of memoranda and meetings throughout the year. At the same time, the student is supported by the class ahead as well as the Dean's Office.
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