Changes in SOM 3rd year curriculum

Feb 5, 2009

Recently Barbara Atkinson, MD, executive vice chancellor of the University of Kansas Medical Center asked the School of Medicine Education Council to evaluate the third- and fourth-year medical curriculum. After several meetings, the council presented its recommendation for a revised third-year curriculum.

Beginning in the fall 2009 semester, the third-year medical curriculum will include:

8 weeks of internal medicine

8 weeks of surgery

8 weeks of family medicine

6 weeks of obstetrics/gynecology

6 weeks of pediatrics

4 weeks of neurology

4 weeks of psychiatry

4 weeks of geriatrics

The clinical chairs of the affected departments and the clerkship directors at both the Kansas City and Wichita campuses have been briefed on these changes.

The Education Council and Atkinson agree that this revised curriculum is best suited for the evolving needs of third-year medical students within the changing demographics of the American population. KUMC remains committed to providing our students with the best possible education and training, and as such know that we must always look to improve and modify our curricula so that our students will possess the skills and knowledge to best treat patients.