Curriculum

In addition to our major emphasis on bedside learning alongside teaching attendings, we offer an extensive written competency-based curriculum supplemented by interactive, on-line educational program. This program consists of case-based topics reflecting common inpatient and outpatient experiences which allow residents to address a wide range of topics with time for reflection and self-study. Topics are assigned to all residents weekly and reviewed by specialists in each field. After completing the three-year program, all housestaff will have reviewed each on-line case twice, thoroughly preparing them for the Boards.

Clinical Skills Assessment Program

All interns are required to participate in the Clinical Skills Assessment Program throughout the internship year. During the beginning of internship interns are observed while performing a complete patient assessment in their continuity clinic with emphasis on the importance of history-taking, physical exam skills, clinical reasoning, and formal presentation. Immediate feedback is provided to each intern by the preceptor.

Our second clinical assessment is performed during intern year with an emphasis on communication skills including delivering bad news, the use of facilitative behavior, educating patients about their illnesses, and being attentive to cues and body language. Interns are videotaped during six clinical scenarios with patient instructors. Feedback is given at the completion of the exercise.

During the PGY2 year, a third clinical assessment is held involving a series of patient encounters focusing on common ambulatory presentations. Residents are evaluated on their ability to take a thorough yet concise history, perform a focused physical exam, develop a management plan and counsel their patient effectively. Feedback is provided by both the patient instructor and faculty.