The George Washington University MD curriculum prepares well-trained physicians to complete residencies in primary care or specialized areas of concentration. Through a biopsychosocial exploration of the patient, the curriculum constantly emphasizes that illness occurs in people who live in families, who are parts of groups, and who experience the world through cultural and traditional lenses. Our medical school also stresses education through cooperation and collaboration rather than competition and emphasizes working with groups of colleagues and co-workers. The course of study progresses as follows:

YEAR 1: Courses in anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, neurobiology and physiology constitute the first year classroom study of the cell and organ systems and Practice of Medicine. The summer following the first year is unscheduled to allow students to take advantage of the many local, national and international volunteer or internship opportunities available to them.

YEAR 2: The second-year curriculum focuses on abnormal human biology through courses in pathology, pharmacology, and an interdisciplinary, organ-system course titled Introduction to Clinical Medicine. The clinical lectures and small group discussions are coordinated to give an integrated picture of pathophysiology and the natural history of various diseases as they relate to the organ system. Students continue taking the Practice of Medicine course.

YEAR 3: Year 3 begins a two-year continuum of clinical clerkships and electives, including eight-week clerkships in each of the six major clinical disciplines conducted at the University Hospital, affiliated institutions and a variety of ambulatory care settings. Children’s National Medical Center, Holy Cross Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital, St. Elizabeths Hospital, and the VA Medical Center are some of the affiliates. Lectures, seminars, small-group discussions and readings supplement these practical health care team and patient care experiences.

YEAR 4: Year 4 coursework consists of a four-week “acting internship” in medicine, pediatrics or family practice; 4 week clerkships in emergency medicine and neuroscience, 2 weeks in anesthesiology; and at least one didactic course offering. The remaining 20 weeks are planned to suit individual educational requirements and interests, and can be completed either at the GW Medical Center or at approved institutions all over the world. (Senior Course Catalog)

Student academic performance is evaluated on the Honors/Pass/Conditional/Fail grading system, and ongoing assessments are conducted during the courses. Passing Step I of the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) is required before beginning 3rd year, and a Step II including the new clinical skills portion, passing score is required prior to graduation. Students abide by The George Washington University Honor Code which aims to foster an atmosphere of ethical and responsible behavior and to reinforce the importance of honesty and integrity in the examination process and throughout clinical training.