University of Virginia School of
Medicine
Curriculum Committee
Minutes
02.13.03
Pediatric Pathology Conference Room, 4:00 pm
Present (underlined) were: Reid Adams, Robert Bloodgood,
Anita Clayton, Lisa Coray, Gene Corbett, Donald
Innes (Chair), Vern Juel, Howard Kutchai, Jerry
Short, Nikhil Rao, Bill Wilson, Brian
Wispelwey, Debra Reed (secretary)
- Reminder - The Curriculum Committee will meet on the first,
second and third Thursday of each month but not on the fourth Thursday
unless a special meeting is called.
- Clerkship Schedule. Current and alternative schedules for
the clerkships were discussed.
Finding the right sequence and digitation of basic science and
clinical learning are of great concern to the Curriculum Committee.
Optimal use of the limited time and content determination of each phase
and each course make for difficult decisions. The committee began
discussion of remodeling the clerkship period. 8-week periods would
allow greater flexibility in clerkships and are clearly feasible. An
8-week model was distributed. The possibility of shortening or
lengthening selected clerkships was considered. Redistribution of time
such as replacing weeks of clerkship with required selective time in
fourth year was also discussed. The committee was enthusiastic about
the opportunity to bring Neurology back into the clerkship fold. The
idea of shifting time from the second basic science year into the
clerkships was also suggested.
Value and cost of first and second year preceptorship programs were
reviewed. The possibility and importance of active faculty mentoring
(one afternoon per / week ? 2-weeks? month?) in first and second year
is not only a viable alternative to the preceptorship programs, but may
be preferable.
Patient population, number of faculty, and educational spaces
resources versus size of the medical student body was discussed.
Carolyn Engelhard, who did research on this subject will be invited to
discuss this with the committee.
The committee would like to explore an alliance with Martha
Jefferson, Agusta and Rockingham hospitals for teaching medical
students. This will be important to allow for innovation in the
curiculum, e.g. shifting the clerkship year back a month or two will
require additional sites for students to prevent a dilution of the
clinical learning experience.
Curriculum Committee members were reminded that they are not
representing specific departments or fields of study but rather
individuals dedicated to the best in medical education trying to put
together the best possible program for our medical students.
Don Innes
-dmr
|
