The Genes to Society course is a 15-month course that extends from January of Year One to March of Year Two. This course presents an integrated understanding of human health and disease, using the framework of physiologic systems. Several scientific disciplines, such as biochemistry, cell biology, epidemiology, pathology and pharmacology, are presented in each system. The course uses a combination of lecture, readings, small-group problem-solving, virtual microscopy, pathology laboratories and student-led workshops to achieve learning goals.

Course Goals

The two main course goals are:

• Use the scientific foundations to understand the origins, manifestations, impact and treatment of disease or risk of disease
• Advance students’ professional identity by acquiring the language, problem-solving skills, inquisitiveness, leadership, compassion and teamwork needed in a physician

Course Structure

The systems are organized into four GTS blocks. Each block contains two or more sections.

Year One

• Block 1: Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Hematology/Oncology
• Block 2: Brain, Mind and Behavior, Nervous System and Special Senses

Year Two

• Block 3: Pulmonary, Renal, Cardiovascular
• Block 4: GI/Liver, Endocrine, Reproductive, Musculoskeletal

The course directors for the Genes to Society Course are Henry Fessler, M.D., and Michael Borowitz, M.D. Each section has a section leader who plans the pedagogy for that section.

Course Directors

Michael Joseph Borowitz, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Pathology
Professor of Oncology
Director, Division of Hematologic Pathology
Co-Director, Genes to Society
Deputy Director, Education, Department of Pathology
Executive Deputy Director, Department of Pathology

 

Henry Eric Fessler, M.D.

Professor of Medicine
Director, Fellowship Training Program in Pulmonary and Critical Care

 

Time Commitment and Course Length

The course runs for 23 weeks.
Typical schedule for Genes to Society Course: Year One: