The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences has designed a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes expert learning outcomes, preparing students for success in the ever-evolving field of medicine. The curriculum is built around six core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. These competencies serve as the foundation for the GW medicine curriculum, ensuring that graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality patient care and contribute to the advancement of the medical field.
Curriculum Overview
The GW medicine curriculum is a four-year program that integrates basic sciences, clinical sciences, and professional development. The first two years focus on the foundational sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology, as well as introductory clinical experiences. The third and fourth years are dedicated to clinical rotations, where students work directly with patients and healthcare teams to develop their clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Throughout the curriculum, students participate in small-group learning, case-based learning, and simulation-based education to foster collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Core Competencies
The six core competencies of the GW medicine curriculum are designed to ensure that graduates possess the expertise necessary to excel in the medical field. These competencies include:
- Patient care: Students learn to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients.
- Medical knowledge: The curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of a broad base of medical knowledge, including the sciences fundamental to medicine and the clinical sciences.
- Practice-based learning and improvement: Students develop the skills to critically evaluate medical literature, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to enhance patient care.
- Interpersonal and communication skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building strong relationships with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Professionalism: Students learn to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of medical professionalism, including respect, empathy, and accountability.
- Systems-based practice: The curriculum prepares students to understand the complexities of the healthcare system and to contribute to improving the quality and safety of patient care.
| Competency | Description |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | Provide compassionate, patient-centered care |
| Medical Knowledge | Acquire a broad base of medical knowledge |
| Practice-Based Learning and Improvement | Critically evaluate medical literature and implement changes |
| Interpersonal and Communication Skills | Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills |
| Professionalism | Demonstrate a commitment to medical professionalism |
| Systems-Based Practice | Understand the complexities of the healthcare system |
Assessment and Evaluation
The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences employs a comprehensive assessment and evaluation system to ensure that students meet the expert learning outcomes. This system includes:
Formative assessments, which provide students with feedback on their performance and help identify areas for improvement. Summative assessments, which evaluate student performance at the end of a course or rotation. High-stakes exams, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series, which assess students’ mastery of medical knowledge and clinical skills.
Evaluation Metrics
The effectiveness of the GW medicine curriculum is evaluated using a range of metrics, including:
- Student performance on exams and assessments
- Graduate outcomes, such as residency match rates and board passage rates
- Student satisfaction and engagement
- Faculty evaluation and feedback
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Student Performance | Evaluate student performance on exams and assessments |
| Graduate Outcomes | Track residency match rates and board passage rates |
| Student Satisfaction and Engagement | Monitor student satisfaction and engagement |
| Faculty Evaluation and Feedback | Collect faculty evaluation and feedback |
What are the core competencies of the GW medicine curriculum?
+The six core competencies of the GW medicine curriculum are patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice.
How is student performance evaluated in the GW medicine curriculum?
+Student performance is evaluated using a range of assessments, including formative and summative assessments, high-stakes exams, and evaluations of clinical skills and professional behaviors.
The GW medicine curriculum is designed to produce physicians who are equipped to provide high-quality patient care, contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge, and lead in the transformation of the healthcare system. By emphasizing expert learning outcomes and providing a comprehensive education, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences prepares students to succeed in the complex and ever-evolving field of medicine.
