During AUA’s Clinical Sciences curriculum in academic periods 5 through 8 (years 3 and 4), students continue to develop clinical and communication skills in all areas of patient care, under the direction of the medical faculty at teaching hospitals in a patient-centered environment.

Clinical rotations are integrated educational experiences that allow students to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professionalism essential to caring for patients effectively, efficiently, and humanely.

The clinical education consists of 84 weeks of core and elective rotations. AUA holds affiliations with multiple clinical sites.

After the eight-week Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine rotation (FM1/IM1), students continue with 44 weeks of clinical core rotations (internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and psychiatry). Exposure to in-hospital patient care might be combined with outpatient experience, where permitted by state law, creating a learning environment in which clinical competence can be achieved.

During the 32 weeks of clinical elective rotations in subspecialties of the core subjects, other medical specialties, and research, students have the opportunity to enhance their medical knowledge and strengthen their clinical skills.

Curriculum overview

AUA’s MD curriculum seamlessly blends pre-clinical and clinical sciences, offering students an immersive and well-rounded educational experience. The clinical medicine MD curriculum, in particular, helps students transition into clerkship rotations, a pivotal component. These rotations provide invaluable hands-on experience across diverse medical specialties, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in authentic clinical settings.

Thus, students of the clinical sciences curriculum emerge not only with a profound understanding of medical principles but also with practical skills, research understanding, and a global perspective that positions them as adept and compassionate leaders in the ever-evolving field of medicine.

Curriculum benefits

Some key benefits of the Clinical Sciences curriculum at AUA include:

  • An integrated curriculum that connects theoretical knowledge gained in pre-clinical sciences with real-world clinical applications, fostering a comprehensive understanding of medicine;
  • Eighty-four weeks of hands-on training through participation in clinical rotations, crucial for the development of clinical skills and competencies;
  • A patient-centered environment that ensures students acquire the skills, attitudes, and professionalism essential for effective and compassionate patient care;
  • AUA’s affiliations with multiple clinical sites provide students with a diverse range of experiences in different healthcare settings;
  • The option for clinical rotations in the United Kingdom, Canada, and India, providing valuable international exposure and diverse clinical experiences, albeit in shorter durations than core rotations;
  • Individualized feedback and guidance from experienced faculty that contribute to students’ personal and professional growth;
  • A strong emphasis on professionalism, communication, and empathy in patient care, preparing students not just as skilled clinicians but also as compassionate healthcare providers;
  • Preparation for residency through a combination of core and elective rotations, as well as exposure to diverse clinical scenarios;

FM1/IM1 Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine

This 8-week clinical rotation focuses on enhancing the skills required to perform physical examinations and to interact with patients, family, and health care providers in a U.S. medical environment and prepares students for their clinical core and elective rotations

Core Rotations

Core rotations are the foundation of clinical education and allow students to apply the knowledge obtained in Preclinical Sciences in a clinical setting. The acquisition of clinical knowledge and skills during clerkships is achieved through direct interaction with clinical faculty, patients, standardized patients, and simulation. Faculty provide individual feedback to guide each student’s growth. These rotations take place in affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States. Students also have the option to participate in clinical rotations in the United Kingdom and India.

Elective Rotations

Students enhance their medical knowledge and strengthen their clinical skills during 32 weeks of elective rotations in subspecialties of core subjects, other medical specialties, and research.

This is a list of some of the elective rotations available to AUA students at affiliated US teaching hospitals. Students also have the option to complete rotations at clinical sites in Canada, the UK, and India.

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Elective Rotations

Elective rotations allow students to gain experience in different specialties, ultimately allowing them to confirm the field they are most passionate about and make an informed decision when applying for residencies.

Students choose elective rotations from a variety of specialties related to core rotations. This is a list of some of the elective rotations available to AUA students, most of which are available in the United States, while some are available in Canada, the UK, and India. Students complete 32 weeks worth of elective rotations. Clinical electives, in general, last four weeks each.

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Career track

The career track in the clinical sciences curriculum at AUA is designed to guide students toward successful medical careers. The exposure gained during core and elective rotations—covering essential medical specialties—serves as a crucial stepping stone towards specialization. This comprehensive approach allows students to explore different facets of medicine, confirming their interests and passions. Additionally, the curriculum’s emphasis on professionalism, communication, and a patient-centered approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared in medical expertise and equipped with the interpersonal skills necessary for thriving in diverse healthcare environments.

The career track extends beyond the academic realm, actively preparing students for the transition into residency and their subsequent professional journeys. With faculty guidance, exposure to global healthcare settings, and hands-on experience in various specialties, AUA’s clinical sciences curriculum cultivates a strong base for graduates to excel in their chosen medical fields. This career-focused approach aligns with AUA’s commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and globally aware physicians poised to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare field.