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The curriculum at KCUMB's College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) consists of four years of structured training leading to the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree. Unlike traditional undergraduate and graduate institutions where students register for individual course, the COM curriculum is built on continuum blocks that students take as cohorts (with the exception of course electives). The first two years of the curriculum are classroom oriented with clinical presentation enhancements, covering the foundations of basic and clinical medical sciences. During the third and fourth years of study, students receive advanced clinical training through clerkships in a wide variety of medical settings, both in Kansas City and throughout the United States.
Typical Year Weeks
ECE 001 Early Clinical Experience (non-credit, required)This is a non-credit, required course designed to provide students with early clinical exposure during a four-hour shadowing experience completed in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Graded S/U. BCLS Basic Cardiac Life Support (non-credit, required)Non-credit. Certification is required to advance to second year of studies. All students must take the KCUMB offered course. Graded S/U. CUM EX I Cumulative Examination IThis cumulative examination is required at the completion of the first year of academic study and must be passed to progress to the second year of study. This non-credit exam is recorded on the transcript at the end of the second semester of the first year and is posted as S/U.
Clinical Care PracticumsThe Clinical Care Practicum is a clinical experience designed to provide shadowing opportunities for second-year students to further observe skills learned in the first-year curriculum. These skills include taking a medical history, performing a physical exam, and exposure to the business side of medicine in a private practice. Clinical Care Practicums are typically offered during the summer immediately following the conclusion of the first-year curriculum, are variable credit (2-8 credit hours) and are always graded S/U.
The curriculum at KCUMB's College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) consists of four years of structured training leading to the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree. Unlike traditional undergraduate and graduate institutions where students register for individual course, the COM curriculum is built on continuum blocks that students take as cohorts (with the exception of course electives). The first two years of the curriculum are classroom oriented with clinical presentation enhancements, covering the foundations of basic and clinical medical sciences. During the third and fourth years of study, students receive advanced clinical training through clerkships in a wide variety of medical settings, both in Kansas City and throughout the United States
Electives
Fellowship Opportunities
Clerkship/Clinical Experience
The curriculum at KCUMB's College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) consists of four years of structured training leading to the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree. Unlike traditional undergraduate and graduate institutions where students register for individual courses, the COM curriculum is built on continuum blocks that students take as cohorts (with the exception of course electives). The first two years of the curriculum are classroom oriented with clinical presentation enhancements, covering the foundations of basic and clinical medical sciences. During the third and fourth years of study, students receive advanced clinical training through clerkships in a wide variety of medical settings, both in Kansas City and throughout the United States.
Standard Option I includes:
Orientation Week for First-Year Medical Students
Foundations of Medicine is designed to build a knowledge base that will assist first-year students in understanding the material presented in subsequent sections. The course focuses on baseline fundamental knowledge in areas of biochemistry, embryology, genetics, immunology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology. Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment (ODT) of disorders is introduced as part of the course.
6 Semester Credits
The Musculoskeletal section introduces the basic and clinical sciences of back pain, musculoskeletal disease, including limb and joint pain via clinical presentations. Other musculoskeletal-related topics covered in this section include aging, alternative therapies, exercise, and women's health and rehabilitation. Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment (ODT) of disorders is integrated throughout the course. At the conclusion of each clinical presentation, a practicing clinician, along with basic scientists, conducts a review of the presented material for the purpose of integrating basic science and clinical information.
PEP I is focused upon enhancing learning skills and providing opportunities to experience ways to minimize stress during the rigors of medical education. Students engage in service learning through Score 1 for Health and other activities. Core topics are introduced through lectures and electives, providing students with an introduction to material important for practice and life-long learning.
0 Semester Credits
This course is a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the basic and clinical science of common cardiopulmonary disorders. Students are introduced to diagnoses and treatments of relevant disorders and several are supported by patient presentations including the normal patient, cough and dyspnea, and hemoptysis. Appropriate skills laboratories, standardized patients, discussion groups, computer-assisted learning and problem solving will be incorporated into this section to supplement the lecture presentations.
6.5 Semester Credits
This course is a continuation of Cardiopulmonary I and provides additional information to students about normal and abnormal function of the cardiopulmonary system with a greater emphasis on clinical application. Patient presentations include hemoptysis, chest pain and the sleepy patient.
5 Semester Credits
PEP II provides students with the first opportunity to begin organizing a curriculum vita that will be an integral part of professional development and presentation. Community service and learning opportunities, including early clinical experiences, will be available, and students may select electives to enrich their learning experience. Career choices will be explored and core topics will continue.
The Gastrointestinal section introduces medical students to the gastrointestinal system, from normal structure/function of the GI tract to the clinical presentation of major pediatric, adult and geriatric gastrointestinal diseases/dysfunctions, including the clinical presentation of nausea and vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Also included is a discussion of nutrition as it applies in the normal person and in special circumstances. The section will be presented in lecture, small-group discussion, computer-aided instruction and laboratory formats. Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment (ODT) of disorders is integrated throughout the section. At the conclusion of each clinical presentation, a practicing clinician, along with basic scientists, conduct a review of the presented material for the purpose of integrating basic science and clinical information.
7 Semester Credits
The Renal section integrates anatomy, physiology and pathology with diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases affecting the renal system. The section begins with basic information on the structure and function of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The role of the kidney in the regulation of blood pressure, acid/base and electrolyte balance, and in red blood cell production will be established. Students will integrate this basic knowledge and come to an understanding of the pathophysiology and multisystem nature of diseases of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, including hypertension, acid/base disorders and electrolyte imbalance. The section utilizes case presentations in both lecture and discussion group/laboratory activities. Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment (ODT) of disorders is integrated throughout the section. At the conclusion of each clinical presentation, a practicing clinician, along with basic scientists, conduct a review of the presented material for the purpose of integrating basic science and clinical information.
8 Semester Credits
In Years I and II, the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) is administered during Graduation Week, using an Objective Structured Examination (OSCE) format. Skills tested include doctor-patient communication/interviewing skills, physical exam skills and Osteopathic Clinical Skills. Each component of the test comprises one-third of the assessment and each are weighted evenly. Students must pass all three components of the test to receive a satisfactory grade. Graded S/U.
OCS 101 is the first semester of a two-year longitudinal course that will meet weekly throughout each semester. It is designed to teach students foundations of the history and philosophy of osteopathic medicine, how to perform a history and physical exam, appropriately communicate with patients, and integrate the use of osteopathic principles and practices into patient care. The four primary areas of focus in the OCS 101 course are professional communication; physical examination skills; osteopathic manipulative medicine diagnostic skills; and medical record documentation. The varied learning opportunities provide foundational cognitive and psychomotor skills to prepare the student to progress into further OCS curricular offerings.
4 Semester Credits
OCS 102 is the second semester of a two-year longitudinal course and meets formally every week throughout the semester. It is designed to teach students how to perform a history and physical exam as dictated by the body systems covered by other sections, continue to develop appropriate communication with patients, and integrate the use of osteopathic principles and practices into patient care. The four primary areas of focus in the OCS 102 curriculum are professional communication; physical examination skills; osteopathic manipulative medicine diagnostic and treatment skills; and medical record documentation.
3 Semester Credits
The Neuroscience section introduces the neuroscience and pathophysiologic basis of neurologic disease. Emphasis is on an integration of disciplines with diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases affecting the peripheral and central nervous systems.
1 Semester Credit
The Neuroscience II section extends the fundamentals of Neuroscience I with a focus on human behaviors affected through normal and abnormal neurological functioning.
5.5 Semester Credits
Three PEP periods are provided for students during the second year, as it is an intense year of academic undertaking. During PEP III, students have a greater opportunity to engage in electives and career development activities to help develop interests prior to clinical clerkship training. Longitudinal core topics continue as well as newer topics that are more closely aligned with medical practice.
The Skin, Blood and Lymph section is presented in two sections. Students initially learn the basic histology and physiology of the skin. Diseases of the skin including wounds, skin infections, immunopathologic skin diseases and tumors are studied. Descriptive terms in dermatology are emphasized. The second portion introduces the cellular and humoral components of the blood and the structure and function of lymphoid tissues, while continuing to build the function of the immune system. Students will consider diseases and disease processes affecting red and white blood cells and lymphoid tissue. Disease entities studied include anemias, polycythemia, bleeding and clotting disorders, leukemias and immunodeficiency disorders, including HIV infection/AIDS. At the conclusion of each clinical presentation, a practicing clinician, along with basic scientists, conduct a review of the presented material for the purpose of integrating basic science and clinical information.
9 Semester Credits
OCS 202 is a continuation of the two-year longitudinal course that meets weekly through the semester. It is designed to teach students osteopathic treatment modalities applicable to many regions of the musculoskeletal system through the application of osteopathic principles and practice (inclusive of integration of manipulative skills) to patients with specific types of illnesses. The primary areas of focus of OCS 202 is the mastery of professional communication, physical examination skills, osteopathic manipulative medicine skills, integrating physical examination skills into the communication portion of the curriculum, and medical record documentation.
2.5 Semester Credits
The Endocrinology section focuses on the synthesis, function and regulation of various hormones in both normal and disease states. The structure and role of various endocrine organs is studied. Content for each presentation will include basic science material fundamental to understanding of the normal condition along with clinically relevant material such as diagnosis and treatment. Presentations such as diabetes will correlate metabolic and physiologic changes with the underlying disease process. The section will be presented using lecture, small-group discussion, computer-aided instruction and laboratory formats. At the conclusion of each clinical presentation, a practicing clinician, along with basic scientists, conduct a review of the presented material for the purpose of integrating basic science and clinical information.
During PEP IV, students may engage in service learning, community service, and electives while also attending classes addressing core topics for medical practice.
The Reproductive and Development section reviews the male and female reproductive systems, introduces the fetus as the patient, and takes the student through the life cycle of development. The section will begin with a discussion of the normal structure and function of both the male and female reproductive systems. Students will learn about normal growth and development, health and disease, and the impact of culture, family and environment on human development. The final stages of development focus on key geriatric issues and how culture, family and environment play a major role in health and wellness in this population. Clinical presentations of major adult and geriatric reproductive diseases and dysfunctions will be covered, with an emphasis on women's health. Diagnostic algorithms will accompany each presentation to develop clinical reasoning skills. The section will be presented in lecture, small group discussion, computer-aided instruction and laboratory formats.
10 Semester Credits
No Class
PEP V provides opportunities for electives, service learning, and community service. An important aspect of PEP V is a review of formative evaluations during preclinical training and enhancing skills required for assessments at the end of year two.
PEP-Clinical is devoted to special topics required for beginning third-year clinical clerkship experiences. Among these are ACLS certification, CSA examination, review of licensing requirements, and OSHA and HIPAA training.
OCS 201 the third component of a two-year longitudinal course that meets formally every week throughout the semester. It is designed to teach students more of the history and physical exam as related to systems covered within the sections, how to appropriately communicate with patients by beginning to integrate the physical examination skills, and integrate the use of osteopathic principles and practices into patient care. The primary areas of focus in the OCS 201 curriculum are professional communication with integration of physical examination skills and documentation of the encounter, and application of new osteopathic manipulative medicine skills taught in the course.
OCS 202 is a continuation of the two-year longitudinal course that meets weekly through the semester. It designed to teach students more osteopathic treatment modalities applicable to many regions of the musculoskeletal system with application of osteopathic principles and practice (inclusive of integration of manipulative skills) to patients with specific types of illnesses will be taught. The primary areas of focus of OCS 202 is the mastery of professional communication; physical examination skills; osteopathic manipulative medicine skills, integrating physical examination skills into the communication portion of the curriculum and medical record documentation.
See list of first- and second-year electives for more information.
These clerkships provide students with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of Family Medicine. Students focus on ambulatory management of common acute and chronic medical problems within a primary care setting to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline.
These third-year required clerkships are designed to provide the student with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of general internal medicine. Students focus on active participation in the care and management of ward and clinical patients to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline. Specific goals, learning objectives and reading assignments are outlined in the required curriculum modules. Awarded traditional grades.
This clerkship provides students with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Students focus on the diagnosis, treatment and management of common Ob/Gyn conditions to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline. During the clerkship, students will continue to improve their abilities to obtain, record, analyze, and communicate clinical information.
This clerkship provides students with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of pediatrics. Students focus on inpatient and outpatient medical management of infants and children to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline.
These clerkships provide the students with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of general surgery. Students focus on active participation in the care of surgical patients on the wards, in the operating room and in the clinic to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline.
This clerkship provides students with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of Psychiatry. Students focus on assisting with the treatment and medical management of patients with psychiatric disorders to better understand mental health and illness to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline.
See list of third- and fourth-year electives for more information.
This clerkship provides the student with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of emergency medicine. Students focus on the care, treatment and diagnosis of a variety of acute and sub-acute problems in the adult emergency medicine patient.
This clerkship provides the student with clinical exposure, observation and training to further their understanding of cardiology. Students focus on the basic care, treatment and diagnosis of common cardiovascular illnesses in the adult patient to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline. Training emphasizes physician awareness, assessment, treatment, and acknowledgement of common cardiovascular conditions.
This fourth-year required clerkship is designed to provide the student with clinical exposure, observation and training to further understanding of rural or under-served primary care. Students focus on continuity of patient care and ambulatory management of common acute to chronic medical problems within a rural or under-served primary care setting to prepare for more advanced study of the discipline.
Required clerkships for those students pursuing fourth-year curriculum option II; otherwise considered as elective clerkships. These fourth-year clerkships are designed to provide the student with additional clinical exposure, observation and training of rural or under-served primary care. Students focus on continuity of patient care and ambulatory management of common acute to chronic medical problems within a rural or under-served primary care setting and build on what they learned in FMED 401.
Required clerkships for those students pursuing fourth-year curriculum option II; otherwise considered as elective clerkships. These fourth-year clerkships are designed to provide the student with additional clinical exposure, observation and training of rural or under-served primary care. Students focus on continuity of patient care and ambulatory management of common acute to chronic medical problems within a rural or under-served primary care setting and build on what they learned in FMED 401 and FMED 402.
See list of sub-internships for more information.
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