MD Program

MD Program Guiding principles and Goals of the Curriculum:

Our MD program is based on the following guiding principles reflected in the curriculum:

1. Integrate teaching of the medical sciences
The AAIMS curriculum integrates courses and learning at three levels:

• Integrate the basic sciences;
• Integrate the basic sciences and clerkship; and
• Integrate the study of normal structure and function with the study of abnormal, disordered structure and function

2. Incorporate modern educational methodologies
The AAIMS curriculum addresses the limitations set by traditional medical curriculum that rely on large lecture-based classes by:

• Decreasing lecture time
• Implementing small group learning opportunities using clinical cases with explicit learning objectives
• Promoting contextual learning where basic science concepts are given clinical relevance by being introduced and assimilated in the context of common diseases
• Integration of material to enhance learning and retention
• Evaluating students in important professional qualities, attitudes, and behaviors in addition to knowledge acquisition
• Implementing competency-based learning and evaluation in some courses especially the longitudinal themes comprising the mastering program
• Supporting the role of technology in the educational process, including web-based resources and distance-learning facilities to assist students, faculty, and administrators
• Facilitating formal, systematic faculty development opportunities and regular peer review of faculty teaching

The goals of the medical curriculum at AAIMS are to provide all graduates with:

• A broad knowledge of the biomedical and behavioral sciences appropriate for all physicians
• Competence in clinical skills to include eliciting a medical history, performing a physical examination, performing basic technical procedures, and practicing preventive medicine
• The ability to apply knowledge and skills effectively in the daily practice of medicine, as evidenced by the ability to formulate an accurate problem list, an appropriate set of competing hypotheses to explain the problems, and diagnostic and therapeutic plans
• Training in the scientific method and the opportunity and encouragement to participate in research
• The ability to be an effective life-long learner and to conduct critical analyses of new knowledge
• Knowledge and skills in the use of information technology to manage information optimally in order to meet the clinical, research, and educational demands of the future.
• The highest ethical standards
• The ability to communicate effectively and humanely with patients, colleagues, and others
• An understanding of the role and responsibilities of the physician in the health care delivery system and society

YEAR 01

YEAR 03

Clinical Sciences:

The period of clinical clerkship will take place in years 3 and 4. During this period, students will become directly involved in the care and study of patients. The training comprises 80 weeks of clinical rotations in both core and elective departments.