A Word From Our Dean - Updated Curriculum Changes September 2024
As the Dean of Trinity School of Medicine, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact a spiral integrated curriculum can have on medical education, setting it apart from both standard integrated and traditional subject-based curricula. The spiral curriculum is designed to revisit key topics and concepts multiple times throughout the course of study, but with each encounter increasing in complexity and reinforcing previous learning. This iterative learning process aligns closely with the cognitive theory of spaced repetition, which suggests that information is more easily retained and recalled when exposures are spread out over time.
Unlike the traditional subject-based curriculum, which often segregates learning into siloed disciplines, or the standard integrated curriculum that blends these disciplines but lacks repetition and sometimes lacks depth in the integration, the spiral curriculum ensures that students not only see the connections between subjects but also appreciate the evolving nature of medical knowledge as they advance. This approach enables students to build a solid foundation, while simultaneously encouraging deeper understanding and critical thinking skills as they progress.
Moreover, the spiral curriculum mirrors the reality of medical practice, where learning is continuous, and physicians must constantly update their knowledge base and skills. It prepares students not just for exams, but for a lifetime of learning in the medical field, fostering adaptability, resilience, and a holistic view of patient care. For individuals comparing medical schools, a spiral curriculum offers a compelling advantage: it not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their immediate academic and professional goals but also prepares them for the lifelong journey of learning inherent in the practice of medicine.
John P. Geisler, MD, MSPharm, FACOG
Program Outline: Four-Year MD Program
Year 1 & 2: Basic Sciences
Term 1
Module 1: General Principles (3 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 20%
- Histology 15%
- Physiology 18%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 30%
- ICCM 17%
Module 2: Musculoskeletal (4 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 20%
- Histology 15%
- Physiology 18%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 30%
- ICCM 17%
Module 3: Blood & Cardiovascular (4 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 20%
- Histology 15%
- Physiology 18%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 30%
- ICCM 17%
Module 4: Respiratory (2 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 20%
- Histology 15%
- Physiology 18%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 30%
- ICCM 17%
Module 5: Biostatistics & Epidemiology (1 week)
- Biostatistics 100%
Term 2
Module 6: Gastrointestinal & Hepatobiliary (3 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 28%
- Histology 11%
- Physiology 15%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 25%
- ICCM 21%
Module 7: Renal & Urinary (2 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 19%
- Histology 6%
- Physiology 42%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 23%
- ICCM 10%
Module 8: Endocrine (2 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 15%
- Histology 8%
- Physiology 44%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 26%
- ICCM 7%
Module 9: Reproductive & Genetics (2.5 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 14%
- Histology 10%
- Physiology 15%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 54%
- ICCM 7%
Module 10: Neurobehavioral (2 weeks)
- Anatomy & Embryology 30%
- Histology 5%
- Physiology 10%
- Molecular Biology & Genetics 17%
- Behavioral 30%
- ICCM 8%
Year 3 & 4: Clinical Sciences
Core Rotations (48 Weeks)
Students are eligible to enter clinical clerkships after passing the required qualifying exams and USMLE exams.
- Internal Medicine (12 weeks)
- Surgery (12 weeks)
- Pediatric (6 weeks)
- Obstetrics & Gynecology (6 weeks)
- Family Medicine (6 weeks)
- Psychiatry (6 weeks)
Elective Rotations (27 Weeks)
Complete electives in Georgia, Maryland, or take away electives offered throughout the country.