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 Organ Systems Foundations of Medicine blocks. Each block contains two or more sections.
Year One
- Block 1: OFSM: Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Hematology/Oncology
- Block 2: OFSM: Brain, Mind and Behavior, Nervous System and Special Senses
Year Two
- Block 3: OFSM: Pulmonary, Renal, Cardiovascular
- Block 4: OFSM: 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
OSFM Immunology
OSFM Microbiology and Infectious Disease
OSFM Dermatology
OSFM Hematology/Oncology
OSFM Brain, Mind and Behavior
OSFM Nervous System and Special Senses
Mary Ann Wilson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neurology
Contact
Natrell Miller Darden
Medical Training Program Administrator
Email: [email protected]
For Dermatology:
Marsha Mackey
CO Sr. Administrative Manager
Email: [email protected]
Time Commitment and Course Length
The course runs for 23 weeks.
Year One Courses
Year One | Year Two | Year Three | Year Four