Second-Year Curriculum

Second year classes focus on abnormal human biology. Students take a year-long interdisciplinary course called Modules which is organized according to organ or system.

Meeting in small groups with their clinical tutors, students learn to take medical histories and perform physical examinations.

USMLE Step I

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step exam medical doctors are required to pass before practicing medicine in the United States. USMLE Step I assesses a student’s understanding and ability to apply the basic sciences to the practice of medicine.

The Office of Student Affairs holds an informational session with second-year students on USMLE Step I in January.

Course Exemptions

Pre-Third-Year Requirements

Students must satisfy the following requirements to advance to the third year:

  • Pass mandatory qualifying examinations for all first- and second-year courses.
  • Pass the preclinical clerkship course.
  • Have at least five commentaries from different required basic science courses. These should be kept in the evaluation folder.
  • Comply with all immunization requirements.
  • Complete all requirements for certification as spelled out by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and Infection Control. 
  • Attend the Survival Fair, a two-day orientation program to ease the transition from basic to clinical science. Students attend lectures by chief residents, hospital staff and others and are taught how to conduct a pediatric ear exam, draw blood and take blood pressure. A session called “Don’t Throw Me the Knife” offers tips on operating room do’s and don’ts.