INTRODUCTION

The Department of Clinical Education consists of the following clinical departments: Osteopathic Family and Community Medicine, including the disciplines of Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Public Health; Integrated Medicine, including the disciplines of Emergency Medicine, Radiology and Psychiatry; Internal Medicine; Maternal and Child Health, incorporating OB/GYN and Pediatrics; and Surgery and Anesthesia. The Department contributes to all four years of the student's pre-doctoral training providing academic knowledge, clinical simulation, assessment and active clinical exposure and training.

During the first two years, the student receives training in basic science courses and skills labs, as well as hands-on experiences with standardized patients during Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). In addition, there are regularly scheduled small groups and lectures to facilitate the clinical application of didactic learning and hands-on experiences. Through these courses, students gain foundational medical knowledge, demonstrate application of clinical skills, and develop professional skills needed for clinical experiences.

During first year, students enter a lottery to select their third year rotation base location. Currently available locations in Arizona are East Valley, West Valley and Tucson. California locations are North Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, and San Diego. Illinois locations are Chicago and Kankakee. Rotation schedules, including rural rotations, are assigned during the spring quarter of second year. Arizona rural rotation sites are in Cottonwood, Kingman, Prescott, Sierra Vista and Yuma.  The Illinois rural rotation site is in Normal. 

During the third and fourth years, students build on their academic knowledge through clinical rotation exposure in physician's offices, clinics and hospitals, with direct patient care, post-rotation examinations, and other evaluative tools. Each rotation includes a syllabus with rotational goals as well as a question bank for self-directed learning during the clinical experience. Each student is assigned to an Education Coordinator who assists them with rotation scheduling, documentation compliance, and coordination of applications to residencies. Department faculty maintain an open-door policy and are integrally involved in coaching and mentoring students regarding career choices and the residency match process. Through clinical rotations and faculty guidance, medical students gain competence in the integration of medical knowledge, development of differential diagnoses, the reporting of patient care and advancement of professional skills needed to advance to post graduate training in residency. The Department also maintains a strong collaboration with the Midwestern University GME Consortium, where medical students are provided clinical rotation opportunities within medical facilities and programs associated with accredited residencies. During the third and fourth years, students complete a total of 84 weeks of clinical rotations. Procedures followed during the experiential years can be found in the Clinical Rotation Manual.