Curriculum Philosophy
Programs of Study: Windsor and London
The Doctor of Medicine Program runs simultaneously from two sites: London, Ontario and Windsor, Ontario. Each year a section of the admitted class will complete all of their academic studies through the Windsor program and graduate from The University of Western Ontario. The Windsor program is a partnership between The University of Western Ontario, The University of Windsor, and the London and Windsor hospitals. This new program builds on the strength of clerkship training already provided in Windsor through Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry’s Southwestern Ontario Medical Education Network (SWOMEN).
Our Pledge To Be Patient-Centred
Medicine is a calling, a call to service. The patient-centred curriculum reflects this noble tradition of commitment to individual patients, their families and community. The physician's covenant is a promise to be fully present to patients in their time of need - to "be there", even when the physician can offer no cure, to provide relief whenever possible, and always to offer comfort and compassion.
The patient is the centre of our clinical work and, consequently, the centre of our learning. Patient-centred care requires a relationship in which patients will feel that their concerns have been acknowledged and that the physician has understood their plight from each patient's own unique perspective. Patients and physicians must work together to find common ground regarding management - reaching a mutual understanding of their problems, goals of treatment and respective roles of patient and physician. Patient-centred care also incorporates the concept of ecosystem health which studies human health within the interrelations between economic activity, social organization and the ecological integrity of natural systems.
Our curriculum is a reflection of our responsibility to attend to our patients' suffering in the broadest and deepest sense. Our graduates must have a thorough understanding of the biological, behavioural and population sciences basic to medicine. They will apply their medical learning within the integrated context of patient's lives, families and communities and they must also begin a lifelong quest to understand the human condition, especially the unique responses of patients to their illnesses.
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Undergraduate Curriculum
The undergraduate medical curriculum is a four year program. It is designed to provide each student with an opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to advance to graduate or post-graduate studies leading to clinical practice, research or other medical careers. The educational format is a blend of lectures, laboratory exercises, small group learning and supervised clinical experience in community and hospital settings.
Students enrolled in the undergraduate medical education program will be located in London and Windsor. A section of the first-year class will attend classes in Windsor for the entire four-year program. The curriculum will be set and delivered by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and all graduates will receive University of Western Ontario medical degrees.
Undergraduate medical education is a continuous process and should not be interrupted except under the most unusual circumstances.
Years One and Two
The first two years of the curriculum provide the student with a solid grounding in the basic and clinical sciences. These two years are each divided into a series of systems-based courses: "Introduction to Medicine", "Blood", "Digestive System & Nutrition", "Emergency Care", "Endocrine & Metabolism", "Heart & Circulation", "Infection & Immunity", "Musculoskeletal System", "Respiration & Airways", "Neurosciences, Eye & Ear" , "Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences","Reproduction", and " Urinary System". Within each course, various subject areas are presented which integrate the basic and clinical sciences. Additional courses cover the topics of professional and ethical issues, population health, epidemiology and critical appraisal and the health care systems.
Students participate in early patient contact that emphasizes a patient-centred approach to medicine, beginning in Clinical Methods in Year 1. At the end of first year, all medical students participate in Rural & Regional Discovery Week to gain clinical experience and exposure to rural and regional medicine in a southwestern Ontario community hospital or clinic. This experience enhances the understanding of the communities where patients live.
The weekly timetable is often structured around a case which is introduced at the beginning of each week or subject block. The case provides the stimulus for instruction, and is designed to highlight a number of objectives of the MD program. Throughout the week, the student is exposed to a variety of teaching methods including: small group tutorials, problem based learning, lectures and large group discussions, self-instructional materials, and laboratories. Time is also provided in the curriculum for students to explore career opportunities.
List of First Year Courses
Medicine 5104 (weight 1.0) Genitourinary System
Medicine 5105S (weight 0.25) Population Health
Medicine 5107 (weight 0.5) Epidemiology (Year 1)
Medicine 5115 (weight 1.0) Introduction to Medicine
Medicine 5116 (weight 1.0) Infection & Immunity
Medicine 5117S (weight 0.25) Skin
Medicine 5119 (weight 1.0) Respiration & Airways
Medicine 5120 (weight 1.0) Heart & Circulation
Medicine 5121 (weight 1.0) Blood
Medicine 5130 (weight 0.5) Medical Ethics & Humanities (Years 1 & 2)
Medicine 5139 (weight 1.0) Patient Centred Clinical Methods I
Medicine 5140 (weight 1.0) Professional Portfolio (Years 1 & 2)
Medicine 5222T (weight .25) The Physician as Leader (Year 1)
List of Second Year Courses
Medicine 5130 (weight 0 .5) Medical Ethics & Humanities (Years 1 & 2)
Medicine 5140 (weight 1.0) Professional Portfolio (Years 1 & 2)
Medicine 5202 (weight 1.0) Endocrine and Metabolism
Medicine 5203 (weight 1.0) Digestive System & Nutrition
Medicine 5205 (weight 1.0) Reproduction
Medicine 5206 (weight 1.0) Neurosciences, Eye & Ear
Medicine 5207 (weight 1.0) Psychiatry & the Behavioural Sciences
Medicine 5208 (weight 0.25) Emergency Care
Medicine 5209 (weight 0.25) Health Care Systems
Medicine 5210 (weight 0.25) Key Topics in Family Medicine
Medicine 5218 (weight 1.0) Musculoskeletal System
Medicine 5246 (weight 1.5) Patient Centred Clinical Methods II
Years Three and Four
The third and fourth years of medicine include a 52 week integrated Clerkship (Medicine 5475), Clinical Science Electives (Medicine 5401), and Integration, Consolidation and Enrichment (Medicine 5402).
During the third year Clerkship, the student becomes an active member of clinical care teams in the following medical disciplines: family medicine, medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. Under the supervision of faculty and more senior housestaff, clerks are given graded responsibility in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of patients in hospital, clinic and outpatient settings. All students in third year are required to complete a community Clinical Clerkship rotation for a minimum of four weeks.
The Southwestern Ontario Medicine Education Network (SWOMEN) includes faculty located in over 45 communities in the region from Tobermory to Leamington. Students learn clinical skills in various geographic sites. The objective is to ensure that Western students at all levels gain an understanding and experience of the practice of Medicine from both a rural/regional and tertiary care/urban perspective.
Beginning in Year 4, Clinical Science Electives are arranged entirely by the student in any area of medicine, at Schulich or in other centres. After completion of the Clinical Electives, students return to Schulich in January for Integration, Consolidation & Enrichment which includes a menu of advanced level learning opportunities in basic and clinical sciences. This permits students to further integrate the basic and clinical aspects of medicine in light of their clinical experience.
Rural/Regional Medicine Program
Despite rapid advances in medicine and unprecedented health care restructuring; providing accessible high quality rural health care remains a major challenge in southwestern Ontario, many other parts of, and around the world.
Schulich Undergraduate Medicine integrates rural and community medicine throughout the years of the medical program. At the end of their first year, all medical students participate in Rural Discovery Week which provides an opportunity for clinical experience and exposure to rural and regional medicine in a southwestern Ontario community. All students in third year are also required to complete a community Clinical Clerkship rotation for a minimum of four weeks outside of London or Windsor. Regional community clerkship rotations help students develop an understanding of non-tertiary care medicine. Some fourth year students also complete two-month electives in a variety of near and distant rural/regional communities.
The rural/regional training track encompasses a variety of optional experiences for students who wish to have a comprehensive community-oriented medical education. In addition to curriculum requirements, students in this training track have opportunities to participate in more rural/regional experiences.
Medical Electives Overseas is a special program of study in a third world country, available as part of Clinical Science Electives in Year 4. An application form must be completed and a personal interview arranged. Assistance with funding is available for those students who are selected. Because communication and administrative problems may arise, applicants are advised to begin planning for a third world elective two years in advance. For information, contact the Overseas Medical Student Office.
Research Opportunities
Two programs are available for medical students to pursue research interests under the supervision of a faculty member. The Summer Research Training Program is available to first- and second-year students who apply during their first year. Under this program students participate in a research project during the summer months. Students may also pursue a research project through the Schulich Research Opportunities Program. During this program students undertake a research project during the summer and/or academic year.
Course Descriptions
Medicine 5104: Genitourinary System (Year 1)
This course uses basic principles of renal physiology to understand commonly encountered fluid and electrolyte disorders and the actions of diuretic drugs. The pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease, glomerular and tubulointerstitial diseases, and the relationship between hypertension and the kidney are discussed. The basic principles of urinary system anatomy and physiology are applied to understand kidney stones, genitourinary cancers and infections, as well as disorders of the bladder and prostate. The course also introduces basic principles of dialysis and kidney transplantation. Lectures, small group problem-solving and team-based learning sessions will be used to help medical students gain insight into the interesting world of genitourinary diseases. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5105S: Population Health (Year 1)
The concepts of health, illness and disease will be examined. In particular, there will be focus on: determinants of health, environmental effects on health such as air quality, food and water safety and security, and public health including communicable diseases. The role of the Public Health Unit, and medical practice of Community and Occupational Medicine will be introduced. (weight 0.25)
Medicine 5107: Epidemiology (Year 1)
A discussion of the fundamental concepts of the science of epidemiology and biostatistics as they apply to medicine. Students will use this knowledge and related skills to critically appraise clinical trials and observational studies. (weight 0 .5)
Medicine 5115: Introduction to Medicine (Year 1)
This course ensures that all students, regardless of their academic background, are grounded in some principles of the basic sciences that underpin medicine. These include anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, pathology, physiology and pharmacology. It also introduces some aspects of human development; and addresses some areas that are contextual to medicine including ethics, epidemiology, health and healthcare. In addition to lectures on these topics, students meet in small groups each week to discuss issues arising from patient cases and the week's lectures. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5116: Infection & Immunity (Year 1)
This course outlines the attributes of infectious agents relevant to understanding the causation, control, and management of infectious diseases. The course also provides of a general understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of immune response, as well as its roles in defense against infections and diseases due to abnormal immune response. Patient-centered learning will enable the student to explore the common experiences of illness related to specific diseases in a contextual and focused manner. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5117S: Skin (Year 1)
During this course, the students will learn how to to take a dermatological history and describe cutaneous physical signs in an organized way using proper terminology. The students will learn about the pathophysiology and treatment of important and common medical and surgical skin diseases. Students will appreciate the impact of skin diseases on patients and their families and will take part in a community out reach program. Patient-centered learning will enable the student to explore the common experiences of illness related to specific diseases in a contextual and focused manner. (weight .25)
Medicine 5119: Respiration and Airways (Year 1)
This course examines the structure and function of the upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract. Basic science material will be correlated with respiratory tract symptoms of clinical relevance, such as dyspnea, wheezing, hoarseness, dysphagia, cough, airway obstruction, and neck mass. Basic science material will also be correlated with clinically relevant respiratory tract problems seen in clinical specialties including, but not limited to: Otolaryngology (ENT), Respirology, Dentistry, Oncology, Anaesthesiology, Paediatrics. Cross-disciplinary lectures will be integrated to engage related specialties such as Audiology, Genetics, and Communication Sciences. .Patient-centered learning will enable the student to explore the common experiences of illness related to specific diseases in a contextual and focused manner. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5120: Heart & Circulation (Year 1)
This course examines the structure, function, disease recognition and management of the cardiovascular system. Integrative learning models will be used to study congenital heart disease, valvular and coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, trauma, heart failure, and rehabilitation of patients with heart disease. Patient-centered learning will enable the student to explore the common experiences of illness related to specific diseases in a contextual and focused manner. (Weight 1.0)
Medicine 5121: Blood (Year 1)
This course covers the essential fundamental knowledge of blood structure and function in health and disease. Blood is a highly specialized circulating system that is linked to all body organs and responsible for the life and wellbeing of an individual. In addition, the students will learn the essentials of the science of oncology (originating from the Greek word ogkos, meaning bulk, mass, or tumour). At the end of the course, the student will have the necessary skills to make the appropriate diagnosis/differential diagnoses, be able to perform the necessary investigative tests, and treat the disease. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5130: Medical Ethics & Humanities (Year 1 & Year 2)
A discussion of ethical issues that arise in the delivery of medical care. Topics will include an introduction to the principles and theories of bioethics. Additional discussions will be drawn from topics such as professional obligations, confidentiality and privacy, informed choice, resource allocation, culture and medicine, and end of life issues. This course will be taught over two years. (weight 0 .5)
Medicine 5139: Patient Centred Clinical Methods I (Year 1)
This course examines the process of the doctor-patient interaction. Using a patient-centred approach, instruction is given in interviewing and physical examination. Clinical reasoning and decision making are explored through the Problem-Orientated Clinical Record. Professionalism and ethics are emphasized as they relate to the clinical setting. Integration of knowledge, application of skills and development of appropriate attitudes are evaluated in this course. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5140: Professional Portfolio (Years 1 & 2)
An introduction to the concept of a professional portfolio. Through practical application of curriculum competencies, students will develop the skills required to assemble and utilize a professional portfolio. The portfolio wil be further developed during years three and four. This course spans years one and two of the medical curriculum. (weight 1.0) To be introduced September 2013.
Medicine 5202: Endocrine & Metabolism (Year 2)
This course introduces common diagnoses of the Endocrine system. The physiology of the hypothalamic–pituitary–end organ axis is discussed, including growth and puberty, thyroid, and adrenal function. Each axis is discussed more specifically with respect to its physiology, anatomy, and common pathologic conditions. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and common issues related to bone and calcium abnormalities are also reviewed. A patient-centered approach is used with case descriptions and many small group sessions to complement the lectures. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5203: Digestive System and Nutrition (Year 2)
This course introduces the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the gastrointestinal tract and its role in nutrition. The student will learn the common diseases that involve the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver as well as the pathophysiology, epidemiology and treatment of these diseases. The nutrition component includes the absorption of essential nutrients, nutritional assessment, normal nutrition and the use of nutrition as therapy. The study of gastrointestinal malignancies will be covered in the associated patient centered small group sessions. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5204: Genitourinary System (Year 2)
This course uses basic principles of renal physiology to understand commonly encountered fluid and electrolyte disorders and the actions of diuretic drugs. The pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease, glomerular and tubulointerstitial diseases, and the relationship between hypertension and the kidney are discussed. The basic principles of urinary system anatomy and physiology are applied to understand kidney stones, genitourinary cancers and infections, as well as disorders of the bladder and prostate. The course also introduces basic principles of dialysis and kidney transplantation. Lectures, small group problem-solving and team-based learning sessions will be used to help medical students gain insight into the interesting world of genitourinary diseases. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5205: Reproduction (Year 2)
This course covers the relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology of female reproductive system. It integrates the basic science understanding of reproduction with core content in women’s reproductive health and clinical obstetrics & gynaecology. Formal lectures, small group patient centre learning, and group projects will enable the student to learn normal gynaecologic and pregnancy care, and common problems in women's reproductive health and pregnancy. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5206: Neurosciences, Eye & Ear (Year 2)
This course introduces and integrates the basic and clinical science aspects of the nervous system, the eye and the ear. This course uses small and large group sessions in addition to lectures to provide the essentials of neuroanatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology in a clinical context. At the end of Neurosciences, Eye, and Ear, the student will be able to discuss the presentation of common illnesses involving the nervous system, eye and ear. Patient-centered learning enables the student to appreciate extrinsic and intrinsic factors that impact on an individual's ability to participate fully in family, social or occupation. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5207: Psychiatry and the Behavioural Sciences (Year 2)
Psychiatry and the Behavioural Sciences is an integrated course that synthesizes basic science and basic psychopathology including diagnostic criteria and treatments. The emphasis of this course will be on the most commonly encountered psychiatric disorders. The approach follows that of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV TR). The phenomenology of mental disorders, etiology and epidemiology will be presented utilizing a patient-centred focus. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5208: Emergency Care (Year 2)
This course introduces the care of the patient with shock and multiple trauma. Objectives include an approach to initial assessment and resuscitation of patients presenting with respiratory distress, hypotension, trauma, disorders of temperature regulation (hyperthermia and hypothermia) or cardiac arrest. (weight 0.25)
Medicine 5209: Health Care Systems (Year 2)
Topics important to understanding the organization of the health care system in Canada will be reviewed. Legal requirements for medical records, disclosure, and mandatory reporting will be discussed. This course will cover many of the objectives required for the CLEO (Considerations of the Legal, Ethical, and Organizational Aspects of Medicine) component of the Medical Council of Canada exam. (weight 0.25)
Medicine 5210: Key Topics in Family Medicine (Year 2)
Students are introduced to the most common complaints that patients present to their family physicians. Key components of the history and physical examination skills that are core to family medicine and that aid in determining the most appropriate management style will be identified. The course will build on how the Patient-Centred Clinical Method is incorporated into clinical practice through case vignettes. (weight 0.25)
Medicine 5218: Musculoskeletal System (Year 2)
This course examines the structure, normal function and pathologic dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system to develop the skills necessary to perform a general musculoskeletal screening examination. This course covers musculoskeletal and joint anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology with clinical correlates, musculoskeletal radiology, biophysics, musculoskeletal injuries, development and remodeling of bone, metabolic bone disease, bone tumors, fractures, and muscle and connective tissue diseases. A rheumatology component includes arthritis, autoimmune disorders, genetic influences on joint disease, septic arthritis and the basic science of joint inflammation. The diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases will be taught from both a medical and surgical perspective. Small group interactions will promote student participation in clinical case presentations. Patient-centered learning will enable the student to explore the common experiences of illness related to fundamental aspects of musculoskeletal function and dysfunction in a contextual and focused manner. (weight 1.0)
Medicine 5222T: The Physician as Leader (Year 1)
The role of the physician is facing rapid change given the changes in health care delivery patterns. Students will be provided with an understanding of the role, skills to use as future leaders in health systems and the power of working in inter-professional teams. The course will include an experiential component.
(weight .25)
Medicine 5246: Patient Centred Clinical Methods II (Year 2)
This course examines the process of the doctor-patient interaction. Using a patient-centred approach instruction is given in interviewing and physical examination. Clinical reasoning and decision making is explored through the Problem-Orientated Clinical Record. Professionalism and ethics are emphasized as they relate to the clinical setting. Integration of knowledge, application of skills and development of appropriate attitudes are evaluated in this course. (weight 1.5)
Medicine 5475: Clinical Clerkship (Year 3)
An integrated learning experience with major rotations in: Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and Psychiatry. The entire experience is designed to be integrated and progressive, with time for independent learning. Objectives, evaluation and feedback are built on clinical problems and skills developed by relating specific knowledge, skills and attitudes to an overall set of objectives. Evaluation is designed to carry over from rotation to rotation. It is meant to highlight the stages of evolution of the student's clinical skills and direct the student in the next phase of learning. (52 weeks)
Medicine 5402: Integration, Consolidation and Enrichment
After completion of the clinical electives, students return to Western for the Integration, Consolidation and Enrichment course to integrate the basic and clinical aspects of medicine in light of their clinical experience. Offerings include a variety of classroom, laboratory and seminar experiences. The satisfactory completion of 200 credit hours is required to pass Integration, Consolidation and Enrichment. (weight 2.0)
Medicine 5401: Clinical Science Electives
Students must complete sixteen weeks of Clinical Science Electives. Clinical Science Electives are chosen by the individual student and may be in any clinical area. A menu of Clinical Science Electives offered at Western will be provided at an appropriate time. (weight 1.5)
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