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Welcome to Pitt Med: The Purpose and Practice of Becoming a Physician

Course Co-Directors

Jason Chang, MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
changjs2@upmc.edu

Amanda Brown, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics 
amanda.brown@chp.edu

Katie Maietta, MPPM
Assistant Dean for Education Administration
krm58@pitt.edu

Allison Serra, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
allison.serra@pitt.edu                                                         

Course Description

The Purpose and Practice of Becoming a Physician course welcomes incoming students to UPSOM and upholds four student-centered tenets – I Know Where I Am;  I Know Why I'm Here;  I Know What I Am Becoming: I Know Where I Belong. Students will engage with the community structures and logistical foundations that will support and guide their academic and professional development throughout their medical education. Students will also meaningfully engage with professional identity formation and the physician-patient relationship.

Course Learning Objectives

I Know Where I Am

  1. Describe the structure of the Three Rivers Curriculum and demonstrate basic proficiency in the technology platforms and institutional policies that define the Pitt Med learning environment
  2. Identify the academic, financial, and wellness resources available at Pitt Med and how to access them proactively

I Know Why I'm Here

  1. Describe ways that patient factors (such as socioeconomic status or cultural beliefs) and physician factors (such as implicit bias or communication style) can influence the care and management of chronic diseases
  2. Recognize structural and historical determinants of health as they manifest in the Pittsburgh communities served by Pitt Med physicians

I Know What I Am Becoming

  1. Identify the ethical and professional standards that define what it means to be a member of the Pitt Med community Reflect on the personal values and experiences brought to medicine and how those will shape an emerging professional identity
  2. Demonstrate responsible use and stewardship of information, intellectual property, and knowledge resources in academic and professional contexts

I Know I Belong Here

  1. Identify the peers, faculty, and institutional structures that form the foundation of the Pitt Med learning community

Educational Methods​

  • Small group sessions
  • Large group sessions
  • Patient panel encounters
  • Community-building activities
  • Ceremonial events
  • Book discussions

Assessment

Assessment for this course includes quizzes (low-stakes), asynchronous modules, BLS certification, reflection, written narratives, completion of self-directed learning (SDL) and completion of a course evaluation.

Requests for excused absences should be submitted via Elentra. Unexcused absences may result in grading penalties as outlined in the Policy on Absence and Attendance.