University of Pittsburgh

MS-3

Clinical Clerkships

Eight required clerkships form the core of the combined clinical years. The overall aim of the clerkship experience is to provide students with the essential experiences where they will apply their knowledge and skills as they develop competence in the care of patients. Together, the clerkships, and all other clinical experiences, share a fundamental set of goals.

Overall, the goals of the required clerkships are for students to become able to:

  • Integrate basic science concepts with clinical reasoning.
  • Establish and maintain appropriate therapeutic relationships with patients.
  • Obtain a sensitive, thorough medical history.
  • Perform general clinical procedures.
  • Perform a sensitive and accurate physical exam.
  • Develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for culturally competent care.
  • Participate in discussions and decision-making with patients and families.
  • Work effectively with other providers in the health care arena.
  • Clearly communicate medical information in spoken and written
    form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice the basic
    principles of prevention.
  • Demonstrate sound clinical reasoning.
  • Appropriately assess patients with common signs and symptoms.
  • Appropriately use testing to help guide diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
  • Diagnose and demonstrate basic understanding of common diseases and conditions.
  • Understand therapeutic options and participate in the care of patients with common problems.
  • Recognize acute life-threatening medical problems and initiate care.
  • Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to assist in the management of chronic diseases.
  • Participate in care in a variety of settings.
  • Use information and educational technology to facilitate patient care.
  • Incorporate ethical principles in clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Clinical Focus Courses

The third year is punctuated by three one-week course experiences, spread over the 48 weeks of the third year.

  1. The Preclerkship Course is an introduction that is presented immediately prior to the start of the third year.  It includes aspects of clinical, humanistic, and administrative preparation for clinical experiences. 

  2. The Geriatrics and Oncology Course uses a combination of learning formats, including classroom sessions and experiences at clinical sites, to provide a highly focused exposure to key topics in these two important disciplines.  The curriculum builds upon the new perspectives gained by students during the first six rotations of the third year.

  3. The Advanced Clinical Skills Course is presented at the time of transition from third to fourth year.  Using a CME-course format, students participate in a fast-paced program that targets specific clinical content areas, using a blend of required and elective sessions.