| Student
Handbook 2006
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Section 2: Curriculum and Calendar
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class
sessions. Instruction in basic science laboratories and in
clinical case discussion sessions involves acquisition of
specific visual or manual skills which must be experienced
and performed by the student, often on a repetitive basis.
The faculty believes these skills cannot be acquired adequately
without class participation.
Laboratory sessions and small group clinical discussion sessions
are designed to accomplish several objectives. These sessions
are built around visual materials; i.e., microscope slides,
gross specimens, biological cultures, kodachrome slides, videotapes,
etc. The purpose of these sessions goes beyond viewing or
presentation of visual information; the information is designed
to develop skills in three-dimensional and microscopic analysis.
Techniques and thought processes involved in the analyses
of clinical and laboratory data that lead one to a diagnosis
are learned by observing, listening, and doing. These skills
are impossible to master via reading, and it is often very
difficult to test these skills by means of conventional written,
multiple-choice examinations. These experiences and training
are viewed as extremely important by the faculty; therefore,
participation in such sessions is expected of all students
on an on-going and regular basis.
The attendance policy for Introduction to Clinical Medicine
and Professionalism and the Practice of Medicine are discussed
in the course manuals. The attendance policy for students
on clerkship assignments in Years III and IV is discussed
in Section 6 (Medical Center).
* Attendance requirements for specific activities will be
distributed throughout the year.
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THE CURRICULUM FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The mission of a general medical education at the Keck School
of Medicine of the University of Southern California is to
enable students to acquire the scientific knowledge, clinical
reasoning skills, humanistic skills, and values required to
make decisions concerning the diagnosis, care, and management
of patients within their family and community; and to lay
the foundation for graduate medical education while providing
sufficient flexibility for students to pursue individual interests
in research and specific clinical areas.
The teaching faculty recognizes that in four years of medical
school, the student cannot be taught all the knowledge and
skills that will be adequate for the practice of medicine.
Therefore, the student is expected to acquire a basic core
of concepts, skills, and patterns of behavior that will lead
to the acquisition of knowledge continually throughout the
student's medical career. To a far greater degree than in
the past, the student must be an active participant in the
educational process.
In the curriculum, both basic and clinical sciences are taught
throughout the four years of undergraduate medical education.
Close interaction between individual faculty and students
is emphasized.
The student is involved progressively in direct patient care,
beginning with patient contact during the first semester of
the first year. The student's assumption of responsibility
increases as knowledge and skills develop. In the fourth year,
the student is assigned responsibility equivalent to that
of a first year graduate resident.
Years I-II Continuum (77 instruction weeks)
The first year of the Year I-II continuum begins with 19
weeks of Core Principles of Health and Disease followed by
51 weeks of organ system review ending with a seven-week Integrated
Case Study section. There is an eight-week summer break between
the first and second years. Students also take Introduction
to Clinical Medicine and the Patient and Professionalism and
the Practice of Medicine.
Each week of the academic year is composed of approximately
20 hours of lecture and small group sessions with an additional
20 hours of independent directed study, Introduction to Clinical
Medicine and the Patient or Professionalism and the Practice
of Medicine. Examinations in all systems throughout the first
two years are graded Pass/Fail. Dean’s recognition is
awarded on the basis of year-end comprehensive examinations
Core Principles of Health and Disease
This 19-week introductory system provides the student with
the fundamental knowledge necessary for the integrated study
of the basic and clinical sciences in the 10 human organ systems.
Included in this section are these major themes: cell structure
and function; the human organism; disease and the body’s
responses; prevention and treatment of disease, including
evidenced-based medicine; and introduction to clinical medicine
and the patient. This section is taught in an integrated fashion
and includes the use of clinical case studies.
Gross Anatomy
Cadaver dissection remains a unique teaching tool by which
the three dimensional organization of the human body is studied.
Gross anatomy will begin in the Core Principles of Health
and Disease system with the dissection of the body wall and
major body cavities followed by head and neck dissection in
the Neurosciences system, limbs, dissection during the Musculoskeletal
system and pelvic cavity dissection in Reproduction system.
Continued study of gross anatomy by use of prosected anatomical
specimens as well as computer programs, selected review lectures,
and so on, continues throughout the integrated organ systems.
Organ System Review
A sequence of study presenting integrated basic and clinical
science instruction involving 10 human organ systems —
Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Neurosciences, Musculoskeletal,
Cardiovascular, Renal, Respiratory, Endocrine/Metabolism,
Reproduction, Skin, Gastrointestinal/Liver — follows
Core Principles of Health and Disease.
Integrated Case Study
This section completes the second year of the Year I-II continuum
and will emphasize patient-centered problems that integrate
the basic and clinical science presented in the preceding
organ systems. Students will explore the multi-organ effects
of disease processes and reinforce diagnostic reasoning skills.
In addition, concepts of pathophysiology, evaluation and management
that can be applied to any organ system will be included.
This section will also reinforce the appropriate use of medical
information resources, effective self-directed learning skills,
and interpersonal and group communication skills.
Separate review sessions of the important basic
science and clinical concepts covered during the previous
two years also occur during this seven-week section. These
sessions will assist students in preparing to take the United
States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 examination.
University of Southern California
Keck School of Medicine
Literature Search Project
Class of 2010
Objectives
- Learn to retrieve the full body of literature in Ovid/MEDLINE
on a topic based on a clinical scenario
- Learn to formulate a searchable question based on a clinical
scenario
- Learn to select relevant articles from your search results
- Understand the role these skills play in life-long learning
Phase I
You will be presented with a choice of seven clinical scenarios
that have pre-formulated questions. You will choose one out
of the seven questions to search. After performing your search
in Ovid/MEDLINE, you will submit your search strategy along
with 5 relevant citations that are likely to answer your question.
Distributed: September 11, 2006
Due: September 22, 2006
Phase II
You will be presented with seven clinical scenarios. You
will choose one scenario and formulate a searchable question.
You will then submit the question by email to the Library
for approval. Once the question is approved, you will perform
a search, select relevant citations and submit them with your
search history.
Distributed: January 29, 2007
Email due: February 5, 2007
Search due: February 26, 2007
Phase III
You will choose your own topic and searchable question and
submit them to the Library for approval. Once they have been
approved by email, you will perform a search and submit your
search strategy and relevant citations.
Distributed: April 2, 2007
Email due: April 9, 2007
Search due: April 20, 2007
ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TURNED INTO THE CURRICULUM
OFFICE: ROOM 314 OF THE KEITH ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.
YEAR II REQUIRED STUDENT PROJECT (RSP)
All students in Year II are required to do a student project
during the academic year. These projects can be varied in
their nature: community or medical outreach projects, basic
or clinical science research or educational research. One
of the recommended objectives of the second year project is
to provide experience to our students in a setting beyond
the established curriculum. Linking your RSP to your selected
pathway is highly recommended but is not a requirement.
Procedures for identifying the project:
- Describe the project that you are interested in undertaking
during this academic year. Please develop a brief proposal
that includes your goals and aims in undertaking this project,
and how you will carry out your idea. Projects should be
linked to one or more of the Educational Objectives of the
Keck School of Medicine. You may find these goals on the
Curriculum Office web site at http://curriculum.usc.edu.
In addition, you must identify a faculty member who will
serve as your sponsor. If you are interested in doing a
project with someone other than a USC faculty member (e.g.
a community-based project), please indicate who that individual
is and include a brief biographical sketch. The individual
you select must agree to sponsor you, to provide you with
supervision, laboratory equipment and supplies if you are
doing a research project or other guidance and supplies
if you are doing a community or educational project. The
Curriculum Office, taking into account the academic standing
of the proposed sponsor and the educational potential of
the proposed project, will review your project proposal
and notify you of acceptance.
- Return the completed form to the Curriculum Office (KAM
314) or email it to
curriculum.office@usc.edu
no later than 5:00 p.m., September 29, 2006.
ent.
If you need counseling on possible faculty sponsors and/or
help in selecting a project, you may contact Dr. Joel Schechter,
Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Student Affairs, Basic
Science Education or the Curriculum Office at (323) 442-1763,
KAM 314.
- Students and Sponsors will be required to complete a mid-year
evaluation and an end of the year evaluation. At the end
of the year, you are required to submit a paper on the project
you have completed. The length of your summary paper should
be at least 2 pages, but can be longer as you deem appropriate
i.e., length is left to your discretion. Sponsors must receive
a copy of your two-page summary prior to signing your end
of the year evaluation. Your PPM mentors will also review
your final summary paper.
- Time spent on these projects may vary dependent on many
factors. However, the minimum overall time commitment expected
for satisfactory completion of the RSP should be no less
than 1-2 hours/week over the academic year.
Examples:
A. Student designs an educational project working with
students at Bravo High, meets with them on a regular basis
to monitor their progress throughout the project, and
evaluates the success of the project through criteria
established at the beginning of the project. Sponsor would
be expected to be a teacher or administrator at Bravo
High, with whom the medical student would consult with
throughout the project.
B. Student shadows an ER physician to gain experience
in the medical demands and professional issues facing
the physician throughout the academic year. Student does
follow-up and evaluations with selected groups of the
patients seen. The ER physician would be the sponsor.
Note, students undertaking projects involving patients
or patient records must satisfy the following:
• Take the on-line HIPPA certification at www.usc.edu/compliance.
• In addition, some clinical studies MAY require
submission of an IRB protocol form for approval, which
may be obtained at http://ccnt.hsc.usc.edu/irb/. Consult
with the Curriculum Office for guidance on your specific
project proposal.
C. Work with a basic or clinical scientist sponsor on
a topic of interest to the student, meet with the sponsor
and have specific responsibilities with respect to the
research project.
D. It is acceptable for students to plan their RSP so
as to link it to their selected pathway, i.e., RSP may
be a continuation or expansion of a project begun in the
summer after Year I.
Eligibility for promotion to Year III requires successful
completion of the Year II RSP.
INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE (ICM)
The Introduction to Clinical Medicine course is a required
interdisciplinary course which spans the first two years of
medical school. It is designed to emphasize the patient-centered
orientation of the curriculum. A group of five to seven students
spends from four to eight hours each week with an instructor
from the clinical faculty who remains with the group for the
full academic year. Throughout the two-year continuum, interviewing
skills, physical examination, and physical diagnosis are taught
in a coordinated manner within each organ system.
The patient encounter is the primary vehicle for teaching
and learning in ICM. Students are introduced to patients and
are involved in patient care activities from their first day
in the course. Students are introduced to the principles of
patient care and management, and examine what it means to
become a physician. Students acquire skills and attitudes
of self-directed learning that will serve them throughout
their professional lives.
ICM emphasizes the doctor-patient relationship and professional
growth and development, as well as the systematic acquisition
of the clinical skills of interviewing, history taking, physical
examination, and elementary clinical problem solving. The
program is designed to encourage the student to focus on communication
in the setting of illness, and to apply basic and behavioral
sciences knowledge within the role of student-physician. The
focus on the unified concept of health and disease enables
the student to come to a better understanding of the patient
as a person, a dynamic individual struggling with various
issues related to or impacted by his/her illness, rather than
as a human organism representing a summary of physical problems
and findings. This orientation also helps the student progress
in self-awareness and develop a professional role as student-physician,
utilizing newly acquired knowledge, skills, attitudes, and
values.
PROFESSIONALISM AND THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE (PPM)
Professionalism and the Practice of Medicine (PPM) is a course
that was established as part of the new curriculum implemented
in fall 2001. The PPM course runs throughout the first two
years of the medical curriculum, meeting on selected afternoons
for two hours per session. The students meet in groups of
24 with two faculty members who serve as their mentors throughout
the two years of the pre-clinical education; one mentor is
a clinician and one is a basic scientist.
The purpose of the PPM course is to create a community and
social context to provide, identify and facilitate learning
with professional role models for students as well as to help
students gain skills and competence in the areas of communication,
social and community context of health care, ethical judgment,
self-awareness, self-care and personal growth, professionalism
and life-long learning. Students are prepared to work collaboratively
and increase their small group skills to improve participation
in Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM), Gross Anatomy,
MDL laboratories and large group sessions.
The PPM course provides students with an opportunity to build
professional identity and make specialty choices and encourages
them in their learning from study strategies to case problem
solving to independent study. Students are introduced to the
nature of professionalism and the ways it is manifested in
their own lives. The PPM course encourages self-initiative
and leadership in the process of learning and presenting within
the cohort group and encourages greater professional maturity
as demonstrated through behavior within the mentored cohort
course and increases sensitivity and skills in relation to
professional issues in medicine. Finally, students are prepared
for a transition into the clinical years of the medical curriculum.
YEARS III AND IV
The last two year continuum starts in early July following
Year 2 and continues to graduation, providing approximately
fifteen weeks of vacation time during the two-year continuum.
Flexibility is provided for the student to schedule required
clerkships, to make arrangements for elective clerkships in
this area or out of the area, and to further develop a knowledge
of basic science. The curriculum for the junior/senior
continuum is reviewed continuously and is subject to change.
The required curricular material for the junior/senior continuum
of medical school is described in detail in the Student Curriculum
Handbook of the Junior/Senior Continuum. A current copy of
the handbook is distributed to members of the Year II class
annually in December; it also contains several forms for scheduling
the continuum (see the section which follows for a brief description
of the continuum). Students work individually with the Clerkship
Coordinator in the Student Affairs Office to schedule components
of the continuum to suit their career pathway (Keith Administration
Building, Room l00-B; 442-2418).
Each student must satisfactorily complete ALL
required curricular work to be eligible for graduation, including
the following:
- The basic six-week clerkships in General Surgery, Specialty
Surgery, Medicine (Part I), Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics,
Psychiatry and Family Medicine.
- Four-week clerkships in Neurology and Medicine (Part II).
- Take the USMLE Subject Examinations in each of the required
clerkships.
- A 16-week selective clerkship program to be taken at the
Medical Center or other USC-affiliated hospitals.
- 16 weeks of electives, which may be taken off-campus.
(Note: Unsatisfactory performance receives no
curricular credit).
- Take the USMLE Step 2 Examination.
- Take and pass the Clinical Performance Exam (CPX) scheduled
at the end of the junior year.
The Clinical Curriculum Committee also recommends that out-of-town
electives, especially clinical clerkships abroad, be delayed
until a student has completed most basic clerkships to maximize
such an experience. Most clerkships abroad expect a higher
level of clinical skills than students possess at the beginning
of the third year.
SELECTIVE/ELECTIVE POLICY
Selective Program – Junior/Senior Continuum
Each student is required to schedule sixteen weeks of selectives
from the approved Selective Program List during the junior/senior
continuum. Each student must schedule a four-week clerkship
from the Selective A list and a four-week clerkship from the
Selective B list. The remaining selective requirement can
be met by scheduling TWO additional four-week clerkships from
the Selective B list or the Selective C list. Selectives are
four weeks in length and are under the direction of full-time
USC faculty members at USC affiliated hospitals. Students
may take a given selective only once for a duration of 4 weeks.
Students must submit a signed petition form to the Office
of Student Services no later than six weeks before the selective
commences. Detailed descriptions of all of the selectives
are available for student review in a catalogue located in
the Office of Student Services (KAM 100-B) and online at medweb.usc.edu.
Selectives may also be offered for elective credit although
priority will be given to students scheduling for selective
credit.
Students must complete a critique form of the selective to
receive credit. Forms are available on MedWeb or in the Office
of Student Services. The evaluations will be available in
the Office of Student Services for review by other students.
Elective Program – Junior/Senior Continuum
Each student is required to schedule sixteen weeks of electives
during the junior/senior continuum. The electives may be chosen
from the selective program sheet, or may be scheduled away
from the medical school with proper approvals. No electives
will be approved for less than three weeks duration or more
than 6 weeks duration. Students who have academic difficulty
may not take an off-campus elective.
Students must obtain the signature of the preceptor and their
clinical adviser prior to submission of the petition to the
Office of Student Services. (Please note that parents, spouses
and siblings are not allowed to serve as elective preceptors.)
The petition will be screened by the Office of Student Services
and will be subject to review by the Assistant Dean of Student
Affairs, or the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. The student
may be asked to supply additional documentation. Students
must complete a critique form evaluating the elective to receive
credit. Forms are available online at medweb.usc.edu or in
the Office of Student Services. The evaluations will be available
in the Office of Student Services for review by other students.
Research will be considered for elective credit. It is recommended
that research be scheduled for a minimum of 6 continuous weeks.
However, with proper approval from the preceptor and a faculty
adviser, 4 weeks of credit will be given for a continuous
block of research. No more than 8 weeks of elective credit
will be given research. Students must submit their petition
to the Office of Student Services for approval of their project
at least six weeks prior to beginning the research and the
proposal must include a detailed description defining the
project including hypothesis, methodology and the role of
the student during the project.
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THE M.D./PH.D. PROGRAM
A joint M.D./Ph.D. degree program is available to medical
students who wish to receive specialized training in basic
science, in preparation for careers in academic medicine or
medical research institutes. All of the basic science departments
offering graduate work participate in the joint M.D./Ph.D.
degree program. Requirements for the Ph.D. degree for students
enrolled in this program are the same as for students enrolled
only in the Ph.D. program, but some time-saving can be achieved
by granting graduate school credit for approved medical school
work when appropriate to the student’s graduate training.
In addition to the USC M.D./Ph.D. program, the University
of Southern California and the California Institute of Technology
have established a joint program for the granting of the M.D./Ph.D.
degree. Students complete their Ph.D. work with any member
of the CALTECH faculty, including the biology, chemistry,
engineering and applied sciences divisions. A general description
regarding the joint M.D./Ph.D. degree program, as well as
additional information from the individual departments participating
in the program, is available in the University Catalogue.
For more information, contact the M.D./Ph.D. Program Office
at (323) 442-2965, KAM 314.
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THE M.D./M.B.A. PROGRAM
The Keck School of Medicine and the Marshall School of Business
jointly offer an innovative program for students seeking knowledge
in both medicine and business administration. The program
prepares graduates with knowledge and skills to assume leadership
in business and health care.
The M.D./M.B.A. programs spans five and one-half years. Interested
students may apply during their second or third year of medical
school, and begin core M.B.A. courses following successful
completion of at least the first two years of medical school.
At the conclusion of the program, students will have completed
48 units in the Marshall School of Business, and four years
of courses in the Keck School of Medicine. Additional information
about the application process and business curriculum is contained
in the Marshall School’s application, available from
the Marshall School of Business on University Park Campus,
(213) 740-7846.
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THE M.D./M.P.H. PROGRAM THE M.D./M.P.H. PROGRAM
The joint MD/MPH Program at the Keck School of Medicine is
designed for individuals who envision a medical career that
combines public health and medical disciplines. Many individuals
entering careers as medical doctors or public health practitioners
wish to acquire not only medical practice competencies, but
also an understanding of the history, organization, goals,
and philosophy of public health. The joint MD/MPH program
offers a broad-based orientation to public health while a
student completes medical school requirements. The Master
of Public Health degree provides increased knowledge of and
sensitivity to the political, historical, economic, and social
environments of health promotion and health services delivery.
The MD/MPH program spans 5 years (4 years of medical school
and 1 year of public health courses). Students begin the core
MPH courses following the successful completion of the first
two years of medical school. The last two years of the program
are devoted to the clinical clerkships of the School of Medicine
and to the completion of the elective courses and practicum
(field experience) of the MPH Program. At the conclusion of
the joint degree program, students will have completed 46
units in the Master of Public Health Program and four years
of courses in the School of Medicine.
Students enrolled in the School of Medicine should apply to
the Master of Public Health Program no later than January
of their second year. All requirements for admission to the
regular MPH Program must also be fulfilled by dual degree
applicants.
The MD and the MPH degrees are awarded simultaneously upon
completion of the School of Medicine and the Master of Public
Health Program requirements. For more information, contact
the MPH Program Office at (626) 457-6676.
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THE M.D./D.D.S. PROGRAM
Each year, the Keck School of Medicine accepts two Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery residents into the doctor of medicine
program. They must meet the same Student Health requirements
as the Year 1 entering students.
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TRANSFER STUDENTS
On occasion, the Keck School of Medicine may accept students
from other U.S. medical schools accredited by the LCME. Requests
for consideration to transfer into the Keck School of Medicine
are made to the Office of Admissions, Keck School of Medicine.
Accepted transfer students start their curricular requirements
at the beginning of their third year. Transfer students are
required to produce original documentation from the National
Board of Medical Examiners demonstrating passage of the USMLE
Step 1. The Keck School of Medicine also requires a final
transcript from the student’s original medical school,
sent directly from that Registrar’s Office, to the Office
of Student Affairs. The MD/PhD Program does not accept transfer
students. Questions regarding transfer students may be directed
to the Office of Admissions, (323) 442-2552.
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GRADUATE STUDENT PROGRAM AT THE KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
The Office of the Associate Dean for Scientific Affairs promotes
the education of graduate students at the Keck School of Medicine.
Our goal is to encourage graduate students, to foster the
development of research, and to encourage the initiation and
growth of interdisciplinary research. The office has oversight
responsibility for the department-based M.S. and Ph.D. programs
in the basic science departments of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, Cell and Neurobiology, Molecular Immunology and Microbiology,
Pathology, Physiology and Biophysics, and Preventive Medicine.
The Department of Preventive Medicine offers curricula leading
to Ph.D. degrees in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health
Behavior Research. Additionally, the Departments of Preventive
Medicine, and Cell and Neurobiology, along with the School
of Policy, Planning, and Development offer curricula leading
to a Masters in Public Health. The office also administers
the interdisciplinary and intercampus PIBBS Program (Ph.D.
Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences), which provides
faculty-wide opportunities for research experiences.
Requirements for graduate degrees and course offerings are
described in detail in the University Catalogue, which can
be viewed on the website www.usc.edu/schools/medicine.
Graduate Assistant awards may also be available through individual
departments.
For further information regarding graduate studies in the
medical sciences, consult the specific department or contact
the Associate Dean for Scientific Affairs, Keck School of
Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue, KAM 110, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023;
(323) 442-1607, fax (323) 442-1610.
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STUDENT EVALUATION OF TEACHING AND QUESTIONNAIRES
Throughout the period of enrollment at the Keck School of
Medicine, students will be asked to complete questionnaires
and other data collection forms to provide information important
to the School Administration. The Keck School of Medicine
uses the information provided on these forms for consideration
of faculty promotions and annual reviews.
MSQ and GQ
At the time of registration as first year students and at
the time of graduation, students will be asked to complete
detailed questionnaires designed and administered by the Association
of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). These questionnaires
are administered via AAMC websites to all medical students
at all U.S. medical schools. The Matriculating Student Questionnaire
(MSQ) and the Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) provide the school
and the AAMC with background information, career plans, and
opinions on various issues. These data are collected for research
purposes, and are not used in any way that would identify
the student without consent.
Student Evaluation of Teaching
Students are asked to complete forms which evaluate the School’s
teaching. The University requires these forms to be
completed. The School of Medicine uses the information
provided on these forms, which consist of numerical ratings
and written comments. Ratings are provided to the individual
instructor and to the Administration.
The written comments are sent anonymously and verbatim to
the individual instructor, and are read by faculty in charge
of teaching programs when the teaching is rated particularly
strong or weak. Students will be asked, through their elected
representatives, for input into this data collection program,
and are asked to treat these forms as a serious attempt to
monitor student opinion about the quality of teaching.
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LEAVE OF ABSENCE
A leave of absence, for whatever reason, may be arranged by
the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Leaves of absence are handled differently depending upon
the reason for the leave:
- LEAVES FOR HEALTH REASONS are obligatory
and handled by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
- LEAVES FOR ACADEMIC REASONS are reviewed
by the respective Student Performance Committees and recommended
to the Dean.
Conditions of return, extensions, etc., are handled by petition
(in person or in writing) to that Committee.
- LEAVES FOR COMPLETING JOINT DEGREE OR RESEARCH
PROGRAMS or for other reasons (i.e., financial,
personal, etc.) are processed through the Office of Student
Affairs and initiated by a student petition in writing.
Such leaves are considered voluntary leaves.
- With the exception of the joint degree programs, leaves
of absence will not normally be extended beyond one academic
year. Exceptions to this policy must be granted by the Associate
Dean for Student Affairs.
A petition for a leave of absence should include: the desired
start date for the leave; the desired duration and/or completion
date of the leave; a description of any activities to be pursued
during the leave, including specific planned outcomes, if
any; and, for leaves planned to pursue research or other educational
programs, the name(s) of any faculty supervisor(s). Where
applicable, supporting documentation should also be submitted,
e.g., letter from treating physician, faculty supervisor,
etc.
Before a decision is rendered, the Associate Dean for Student
Affairs will discuss the petition with the student. A decision
of approval will guarantee the student a return to school
if the conditions of the leave are met and if there is an
uncommitted space in the year to which the student will return.
Assured space in a class applies only to students
who have completed Year II. A review of compliance
with the conditions will be made by the Associate Dean for
Student Affairs prior to the return of the student. The basis
for this review will be a written report from the student
outlining his accomplishments.
Voluntary Leave of Absence
Voluntary leaves of absence are generally discouraged as
an educationally unsound practice and because serious scheduling
problems occur for the student in the junior/senior continuum
as a consequence of the leave. Before deciding to file a petition
for leave, students should consider whether:
- The leave requested will put the student at a disadvantage
in scheduling postgraduate education (intern/resident matching
plans).
- The leave will influence any loan commitments, i.e.,
eligibility, time of repayment.
The student must recognize that:
- Return after leave requires that the student has met all
other requirements for progression to the level on which
he/she is returning, whether or not such requirements change
during the leave period. In the event of a change of policy,
return to the Keck School of Medicine requires meeting the
requirement(s) of the new policy.
- Responsibility for meeting deadlines which may occur
during the period of leave, e.g., scheduling deadlines,
USMLE exam dates, or NRMP deadline dates, are assigned to
the student and not to the Office of Student Affairs.
- Students who have completed Year II and who are on a Leave
of Absence for any reason must pass USMLE Step 1 before
they may return to clerkships.
Students who are granted leave of absence should be aware
that:
- A return to school earlier than the time allotted is
contingent on whether the student’s clerkship requirements
can be accommodated in the existing schedule.
- Extensions of leave must be reviewed and approved by the
Associate Dean for Student Affairs annually. A status report
will be required from the Guidance Committee advising the
graduate student who is seeking the M.D./Ph.D. degree.
- Exceeding the leave time approved, without an approved
extension, abrogates the Dean's authority to guarantee return
and may be the basis for a student’s withdrawal or
dismissal from the medical school.
- Students approved for leave must file, with the Student
Affairs Office, a mailing and email address and phone number
at which they can be reached during the leave.
- Multiple leaves of absence are discouraged.
- The Student Health Insurance provided through the University
is not in effect if a student is on a Leave of Absence.
Health insurance may be purchased through the American Medical
Student Association at http://www.studentinsurance.net/
or from an agency of your choice.
Process For Leave of Absence Consideration
Students who are considering a leave of absence need to:
- Submit a written request for a leave of absence, as described
above.
- Meet with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for consideration
of request for leave of absence.
- Meet with the Financial Aid Office, KAM 420, to clear
loans and other financial obligations.
- Meet with the Student Affairs Advisor in KAM 100-B (Mandy
Garcia or Gina Pineda) to discuss individual leave of absence
requirements.
Process For Returning From Leave of Absence
Students returning from a Leave of Absence for any reason
need to:
- Contact the Student Affairs office at least one month
before returning.
- Be responsible for all requirements for progression to
the level on which student is returning.
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AWARDS
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Selections for awards are made in accordance with individual
awards’ established deadlines; therefore, academic determinations
will be based on student achievement officially recorded at
the time of the award deadline.
Medical School Honors (Graduation with
Highest Distinction) – Awarded for consistent excellence
in the sciences, this is the highest accolade bestowed at
graduation by the Keck School of Medicine. This designation
is awarded to students who achieve more that 50% Honors grades
during all four years of medical school. Students must achieve
Dean’s Recognition in Year I and/ or II and 26 or more
weeks of Honors (true Honors grade not Honors-equivalency)
in required clerkships during the Junior-Senior Continuum.
The words "with Highest Distinction" are added to
the recipient's transcript and Medical Student Performance
Evaluation. Less than 10% of graduating seniors are expected
to receive this honor each year.
Dean’s Recognition – This designation
identifies the consistently superior student. Criteria for
selection will be based on performance throughout the year
and will be specified by the appropriate Student Performance
Committee (Years I to IV).
Years I & II: Dean’s Recognition
will indicate excellent achievement by a student. Dean’s
Recognition characterizes students who distinguish themselves
in their academic coursework; whose RSP’s are especially
noteworthy; and who achieve a high level of success in development
of their professional skills and attitudes. Dean’s
Recognition will be recorded on the official transcript
and in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation. See page
3-15 for selection process.
Years III & IV: This designation is
utilized to identify the consistently superior student.
This designation is awarded to students who achieve 33
weeks or more of Honors (or Honors-equivalent, i.e., 1 week
High Pass=1/2 week Honors-equivalent) during the junior/senior
continuum, based on the 50 weeks of required core clerkships.
This information will appear on the official transcript
and in the contents of the official Medical Student Performance
Evaluation.
Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society
– This is essentially the "Phi Beta Kappa of medical
school." The society was established in Chicago in l902,
and is composed of medical school students, faculty and alumni.
According to the AOA Constitution, "...its aims shall
be the promotion of scholarship in medical schools, the encouragement
of a high standard of character and conduct among medical
students and graduates, and the recognition of high attainment
in medical science, practice and related fields."
The major consideration for election is the "promise
of future leadership in medicine," either as a practitioner
or academician, as reflected in a student's academic record
in medical school, and as reflected in subjective considerations
of character. Nominations for membership are made by the current
student members of AOA. The faculty advisor provides current
student members with the information about the academic performance
of potential nominees. In addition to academic performance,
character and integrity of the applicant and other factors
such as extracurricular medical activities and research accomplishments
are taken into consideration. The entire membership of the
USC Chapter of AOA votes on nominations. Roughly one quarter
of the new members are elected in April/May of the junior
year, and the remainder in August/September of the senior
year. Students must be in the top 25% of their class to be
considered for membership, as computed by a formula which
covers all years of medical school to the time of election,
but only one-sixth of the class may be elected.
Any questions regarding AOA selection or activities should
be directed to the AOA Faculty Advisor, Dr. Darin Signorelli
(323) 226-5551.
The Eric Cohen Introduction To Clinical Medicine
Award – Recognizes the one student who best
exemplifies the goals and objectives of the ICM program.
American Medical Association-Education/Research Fund
Clinical Award – Presented to the student in
the senior class with the highest record of achievement during
the core clerkships.
Phi Kappa Phi All University Honor Society
– Graduating seniors may be elected during their last
year of medical school. Nominations of qualified students
are made to the University which ratifies the selection. Election
is based upon undergraduate as well as medical school performance.
Ama-Erf Medical Student Outstanding Achievement Award
– Presented to the senior medical student with the highest
record of achievement in all four years of medical school.
American College Of Physicians Student Internist
Award – An award to honor an outstanding graduating
student who has matched in Internal Medicine. Candidates will
have received Honors in both Medicine I and Medicine II and
demonstrated leadership and humanistic qualities in medical
and extracurricular activities.
American Medical Women's Association, Janet M. Glasgow
Memorial Award – This award is presented by
the AMWA in years when the graduate with the highest record
of academic achievement is a woman.
American Medical Women's Association, Janet M. Glasgow
Memorial Achievement Citation – Presented to
those graduating women in the top 10% overall of their class.
Excellence In Emergency Medicine Award –
Given to recognize a senior medical student who has shown
exceptional ability and performance in the field of Emergency
Medicine; selected by the Department of Emergency Medicine
from students who have rotated through their service.
Merck Manual Award – Presented to
the four graduating seniors with the record of highest academic
achievement during the basic sciences of Years I and II.
Endocrine Society Student Award –
Given to a senior student with an outstanding academic record
in Endocrine Studies, and a demonstrated interest in Endocrinology.
Medical Student Prize Of Excellence In Neurology
– Selected by the Department of Neurology, based on
performance during the Neurology Clerkship. The award is presented
by the American Academy of Neurology.
Jeanette Wilkins, M.D. Memorial Award –
This award was instituted in 1995 in memory of Dr. Jeanette
Wilkins, a long-time member of the Keck School of Medicine
faculty. Selection is made by a faculty committee to a senior
woman who is entering orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, or an
infectious disease-related specialty.
Dr. David A. Berman Pharmacology Award –
Established in 1998 to honor Dr. David Berman, long-time Professor
of Pharmacology, this award is given to the graduating senior
who had the highest performance in the discipline of pharmacology
during the second year.
Mark S. Ehrenreich Prize In Medical Ethics
– Presented only when the best paper on medical ethics
is submitted by a senior, as judged by USC’s Pacific
Center for Health Policy and Ethics.
Tom R. DeMeester, M.D., Excellence in Surgery Award
– This award is given in recognition of a senior
medical student who has shown exceptional ability and performance
in the field of Surgical Medicine and will be entering general
surgery or a sub-specialty of surgery; who has an excellent
academic record and has attained distinction or provided exceptional
service to the Dept. of Surgery in areas such as, but not
limited to, student publications, student or University organizations,
service to the community, or special achievements, thus bringing
honor to the individual, the Department or the University.
Sagar Gupta, M.D., Memorial Scholarship Award
– Presented to a graduating student with the most outstanding
academic record who is entering a surgery residency at LAC+USC
Medical Center. In memory of Sagar Gupta, M.D., Class of 1995.
SERVICE AWARDS
Skull And Dagger Society – This all-University
organization selects one or more medical students annually
who have an excellent academic record and who have attained
distinction or provided exceptional service to the University
in areas such as, but not limited to, student publications,
student or University organizations, service to the community,
or special achievements, thus bringing honor to the individual
or University. Nominations are made by the Associate Dean
for Student Affairs.
George Herron, M.D., Memorial Award –
An award given to the graduating senior who, in the opinion
of the senior class, has given the most of herself/himself
to the class during the four years of medical school. The
recipient is selected by a vote of the class. In memory of
Dr. George Herron, USC School of Medicine Class of 1957.
Community Achievement Award – Given
to honor a medical student who has had an impact on the general
population and the medical community as a whole, and who has
been an example of the effect that medical students can have
on patient care at all treatment levels.
Frederick Napier Elliott Award – Given
to the one graduating student who best exemplifies the qualities
of Dr. Frederick Elliott, a former member of the School's
faculty. Award is based on a thorough understanding of the
art as well as the science of medicine; a blend of compassion,
insight, honesty and appreciation for the technology of medicine;
and the ability to draw from patients and colleagues alike
their finer attributes and to encourage them to use it to
heal others as well as themselves. Selection by alumni committee.
Associated Students of the School of Medicine Scholarship
Award – Presented by ASSM to one graduating
senior who, upon completion of application and interview,
is deemed by the Student Scholarship Committee to have made
a significant contribution to the USC School of Medicine and
the student body.
Leonard Tow Humanism In Medicine Award (Presented
By The Arnold P. Gold Foundation) – Given to
one senior student who, by class vote, is felt consistently
to demonstrate compassion and empathy with peers and patients.
Order Of Arête ( Senior Graduate Recognition)
– The highest honor accorded by the University
of Southern California to graduate students upon completion
of their academic program. Students are recognized for outstanding
service and leadership, nominated by the Associate Dean of
Student Affairs, and selected by the Division of Student Affairs
of the University Park Campus.
RESEARCH AWARDS
The Irving I. Lasky, M.D. Memorial Award –
The recipient is selected by a committee of faculty researchers,
chaired by the Research Committee Chair, in recognition of
outstanding research.
American Medical Association-Education/Research Fund
Research Award – Presented to the student in
the senior class with the most outstanding academic record
who has authored or presented a research paper during medical
school.
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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS
The Keck School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools
in the nation in peer review awards for research and has a
national reputation as a research institution. Keck School
of Medicine Faculty conduct research through hundreds of projects
funded by private and federal sources. Faculty encourage students
to participate in long-term or short-term research projects
in any field of interest. Research participation can be an
important part of the student's medical education.
A student who is in good academic standing is encouraged
to engage in research while in medical school. Students should
be aware of the following opportunities:
Fifth Year Research Option
This program provides students the opportunity to take a
full year of research experience with a Keck School of Medicine
faculty mentor any time following the first year of medical
school. A yearly stipend may be provided, equal to the authorized
university stipend for a graduate student at the postgraduate
year. Students electing this program will continue to be considered
enrolled as full-time students. Students may elect such a
research program with a faculty mentor at another institution
if the program is approved by the cognizant department chair
and the Associate Dean for Curriculum. Any student interested
in this option should contact the Curriculum Office (442-1763)
for full information and an application.
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MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL INVESTIGATIONS
The Masters of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations
is a joint effort to train medical students and fellows or
other health professionals in clinical research methods to
translate clinical, biomedical and technological discoveries
into advances in population-based, clinical or basic science
research. The proposed program draws upon the well- established
educational and research resources at the Keck School of Medicine,
The Independent Health Professions, and the USC School of
Pharmacy, and complements the strengths of its research mentors.
The MS program in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations is
specifically tailored to medical students who have completed
their second year of medical school, as well as MDs doing
their fellowship at USC.
Applicants must apply to the Graduate School and meet the
minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
The Program Oversight Committee consists
of faculty members representing departments. Administration
of this program is the responsibility of the Curriculum Office
at the Keck School of Medicine and the Medical Student Research
Committee.
The MS program in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations
is designed to train students for future independent research
careers in an academic, government, or private sector setting.
The objective of the MS program is to produce a clinical researcher
with either an in-depth knowledge in laboratory methodologies,
or statistical and analytic skills in population-based, clinical
studies or outcomes research. The program gives students a
solid background in the methodological aspects of research,
and in statistical thinking as applied to molecular epidemiology,
as well as a solid grounding in epidemiological methods.
A one-year certificate program in Clinical and Biomedical
Investigations is also available. Information is available
through the Curriculum Office.
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RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Student Committee on Medical Research
A committee composed of students and faculty that coordinates
the USC Research Forum, maintains the Student Research Opportunities
Notebook, maintains the website http://curriculum.usc.edu,
and that strives to develop greater opportunities for medical
student participation in research projects. These are student-organized
activities. Active student participation in this Committee
is vital to continued growth and success. If you are interested
in joining this Committee, contact the Curriculum Office (442-1763).
Grants for Research
Grants may be sought through various faculty members who
support students on their research grants for summer or long-term,
part-time research work.
- The Keck School of Medicine currently has a grant for
short-term fellowships. These fellowships are available
between the first and second year and during the junior/senior
continuum. During the latter period, students may apply
for free elective credit for six weeks but must use two
weeks of vacation time in addition to qualify. The short-term
fellowship must be eight weeks in length and grants a minimum
stipend of $1600. Students supported between the first and
second year may be awarded a second fellowship in Years
III/IV. These fellowships are competitive, and applications
are available in the Curriculum Office in February; the
deadline for submission of applications is in March. Students
should note that any grade of unsatisfactory received in
the course of the regular medical school curriculum must
be corrected before the award is funded.
- The General Clinical Research Center supports several
projects each year. For information on the areas supported,
students should refer to the Student Research Opportunities
Notebook, the research opportunities website, or call Dr.
Tom Buchanan (226-4632).
- The USC Comprehensive Cancer Center also awards several
stipends annually to students interested in cancer research.
For further information, students should call Dr. Phyllis
Rideout (865-0801).
- In the past, additional funding for student research projects
has been available from several local, national and international
sources, including the American Heart Association, the American
Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. This information
is regularly emailed to students and is posted on the MedWeb
Message Center.
Keck School of Medicine Student Research Forum
The USC Student Research Forum is scheduled annually in the
Spring. All medical students who have been engaged in a formal
research project during the previous year are eligible to
submit abstracts. Four students are chosen to present their
research to the faculty and student audience. Cash prizes
are awarded to the presenters, and a prize is given to the
student with the best poster.
Student Research Opportunities Notebook
This Notebook, maintained in the Curriculum Office (Keith
Administration Building, Room 314), contains statements by
faculty interested in working with students and statements
describing research project opportunities
St. George Society
The St. George Society is funded by the American Cancer Society.
It holds regular dinner meetings at which prominent speakers
discuss findings in the field of oncology. All students are
invited to participate. Class Officers distribute flyers describing
upcoming events.
Research Funding Opportunities
" Research Funding Opportunities” are notices received
throughout the year from organizations sponsoring research,
calls for abstracts, or other information relating to research
opportunities. These will be forwarded to students by e-mail
from the Curriculum Office staff, from the Student Services
Office Scholarship Coordinator, and posted on the MedWeb Message
Center.
The Western Student Medical Research Forum (WSMRF)
This Forum sponsors a student research meeting in Carmel,
California during the annual Western Regional meeting of the
American Federation for Clinical Research. Student abstracts
are submitted for both faculty and student sessions as well
as submissions for poster presentations. The submission deadline
is generally in September, with the annual meeting held in
February. Abstract forms and further information are available
from the Curriculum Office (442-1763) or from http://www.wsmrf.org/.
Norris Medical Library
Staff are available to help provide both printed and computerized
reference material on funding sources for research projects.
Students may also wish to read recent research papers authored
by faculty members to be well-informed prior to seeking an
appointment to discuss research opportunities with the faculty.
Faculty Members
Students interested in a given specialty or discipline are
encouraged to make an appointment to speak with the department
chairperson, chief of service, or individual faculty members
about research in that area.
Student Research Opportunities Website
Website is maintained by the Curriculum Office. This website
contains statements by faculty interested in working with
students and statements describing research projects. This
site is a duplicate of information contained in the Notebook
available in the Curriculum Office. The URL for the site is:
http://curriculum.usc.edu
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GRADUATION
Signing out before Graduation
Graduating students must clear their records prior to graduation.
A sign-out sheet will be provided and must be completed and
turned in to the Student Affairs Office before the student's
diploma will be released. All portions of the sign-out sheet
must be cleared.
Academic Requirements for Graduation
All requirements for courses and clerkships must be completed
prior to graduation. Students will be responsible for ensuring
that they have completed curricular requirements, and may
verify their status and eligibility with the Office of Student
Affairs.
Fiscal Requirements for Graduation
The student is responsible for the timely payment of all
tuition, fees and other special charges. The Dean's Office
will review the current status of all graduating seniors and
will not certify the student for graduation unless
all payments have been made and there are no outstanding obligations.
Questions concerning financial obligations may be directed
to the Financial Aid Office, Keith Administration Building,
Room B22, (442-1016).
Attendance at Graduation and Diplomas
Students in good academic standing, but with curriculum credit
deficits which may include additional required, selective
or elective clerkships to meet curriculum graduation requirements,
evidence of satisfactory completion of clerkships (evaluation
forms), evidence of satisfactory grade on CPX and USMLE Step
1 and taking of both sections of USMLE Step 2, and completion
of Senior Departure Sign-out Form, may participate in commencement
ceremonies with the permission of the Associate Dean for Student
Affairs, but their diploma will be withheld until all curricular
and financial requirements have been met. All requirements
must be met by June 3oth in order to receive a diploma with
the May graduation date. Date of graduation will be adjusted
when needed to reflect late completion of graduation requirements,
University Diploma dates are also available in August (deadline
July 31st ) and December ( deadline November 3oth).
Students who have met all curricular requirements early may
be eligible to begin their postgraduate training before graduation.
However, diplomas will not be released prior to graduation.
Students on Leave of Absence may participate in graduation
ceremonies with their class, providing they have no more than
a maximum of 24 weeks of the clerkship continuum uncompleted.
Diploma Security and Care
Diplomas should be kept safe and secure. If damaged or lost,
on receipt of an affidavit attesting to loss or destruction,
a reissued diploma may be ordered through the Office of Degree
Progress, University Park Campus (cost for a replacement is
$100.00 at the time this Handbook was printed). Any extant
fragments of the original must accompany the order. Re-orders
take from one to three months to fill. Include your USC ID,
year of graduation, and how you wish your name to appear.
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