Genes to Society Curriculum

Listen to Patricia Thomas, M.D., Associate Dean for Curriculum speak about GTS.

In August 2009, after six years of planning, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine rolled out the Genes to Society Curriculum.  This novel curriculum rejects the notion that there is "normal" or "abnormal" in medicine.  Rather, everyone is on a continuum.  The curriculum takes a systems approach to understanding all levels of the human being - from genes, molecules, cells, and organs of the patient on one end, to the familial, community, societal, and environmental components at the other end.  The GTS curriculum integrates all of these variables to help students understand why patients present the way they do. 

Students have clinical exposure to patients from from day one.  First year students begin Clinical Foundations of Medicine with their college advisors.

Instead of passive learning in lecture, the Genes to Society curriculum has an increased focus on active learning.  This takes the form of team-based learning, small group discussion, group presentations, and simulation training.  Active learning requires engaged, energetic, and inquisitive students.

Further details are available on year 1, year 2, year 3 and year 4.