Degree of Doctor of Medicine
2002-2003 Catalog
The degree of Doctor of Medicine is granted by The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School upon satisfactory completion of the instructional courses detailed in this catalog. The completion of these courses is ordinarily accomplished in four academic years ranging in length from 32 to 44 weeks each.
Candidates must 1) be at least 21 years of age at the time the degree is awarded, 2) be of good moral character, 3) fulfill all academic requirements, and 4) comply with all necessary legal and financial requirements.
Curriculum
Southwestern Medical School has a four-year curriculum based on departmental as well as interdisciplinary teaching. The purpose of the first two years is to offer the student an opportunity to develop a strong background in the basic sciences and to receive an introduction to clinical medicine.The first-year curriculum begins with a study of the normal human body and its processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Biochemistry, genetics and anatomy are presented concurrently for the first portion of the year, building together the concepts of macromolecular and cellular interactions within tissues. An introductory course in clinical ethics in medicine is provided at this time as well. The spring term is composed of interdisciplinary courses in neuroscience and physiology as well as courses in cell biology and human behavior and psychopathology. Embryology and endocrinology complete the first year.
The second year offers the student an opportunity to begin a study of disease processes and the way man may interfere with those processes therapeutically. The material is presented in a block fashion similar to that of the first year. The year begins with medical microbiology and concludes with medical pharmacology. Extending throughout most of the year are courses in pathology and clinical medicine, both of which correlate the basic sciences with clinical medicine. Contact with patients begins early in the second year with history taking, physical examination, and visits to the hospital wards and various outpatient clinics. Students will usually take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 at the conclusion of the second year. The details of the USMLE Step 1, as it pertains to meeting academic requirements, are discussed later in this section of the catalog.
The third and fourth years offer intense clinical experiences involving the student in direct patient care. The third year is a 12-month year. It offers rotations of eight weeks each in surgery and pediatrics, six weeks each in psychiatry and obstetrics, four weeks in family practice, 12 weeks in internal medicine, and a four-week flexible period.
The fourth year consists of four-week clinical rotations in neurology, internal medicine subinternship, ambulatory medicine and acute care. Four four-week electives are chosen from an extensive list of options to fulfill the remaining course requirements. Certification in advanced cardiac life support is also a requirement for graduation. Although not an academic requirement, the USMLE Step 2 generally is taken during the fourth year.
The curriculum is dynamic and responds to the changing requirements for medical education. Faculty and students review the curriculum regularly, and changes are introduced almost every year. For an updated list of courses and credits, students should contact the Registrar's Office.
Summer Opportunities
Students have a 10-week summer break at the end of their first year. For those who wish, this time can be used for research experiences or for sponsored clinical exposure in a variety of specialties. Student research opportunities abound among the faculty in both basic and clinical departments. The results are presented at a universitywide forum in the spring semester. Community preceptorships are offered in internal medicine, family practice and psychiatry and are also available in more specialized settings such as anesthesia.Medical Studies in Other Schools
Students are permitted to pursue some parts of their studies at other medical schools in the form of senior-year courses. Approval must be obtained from the equivalent UT Southwestern department in which the course is based and then from an associate dean for student affairs. The following conditions must be met: 1) that the student enroll and pay fees at Southwestern Medical School and 2) that proof of satisfactory completion of studies in the institution is submitted to the UT Southwestern Office of the Registrar.Visiting Students
UT Southwestern's capacity to accommodate students from other institutions who wish to undertake an elective rotation is very limited. UT Southwestern cannot reserve positions in advance for any students other than those enrolled in UT Southwestern's M.D. degree program. The burden placed on UT Southwestern's faculty in providing adequate supervision to UT Southwestern students leaves scant room even for students from schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, with whom UT Southwestern reciprocates on exchanging students for elective rotations. In the unlikely event that UT Southwestern has excess capacity on its clinical teaching services for well-trained elective students from non-LCME-accredited medical schools, UT Southwestern will consider an application from those students.
Core clerkships in the third year and courses provided in the first two years are available only to students enrolled at UT Southwestern. Approval of visiting students rests with the appropriate clinical department. All students must be covered by malpractice insurance. Information concerning electives may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or from the appropriate clinical department.
Medical School Calendar
The calendar for Southwestern Medical School varies in detail from year to year. Classes for freshmen and sophomores begin in mid-August and are completed in May. The various clinical disciplines are in session throughout the calendar year for both juniors and seniors. Graduation is held on the first Saturday in June. There is a winter break as well as a spring break for all classes.