University of Virginia School of Medicine
Curriculum Committee
Minutes 10.28.99

Pediatric Pathology Conference Room, 4:00 p.m.

Present (underlined) were: Reid Adams, Robert Bloodgood, Anita Clayton, Al Connors, Gene Corbett, Joanna Goldberg, Donald Innes (Chair), Steven Meixel, Jerry Short, Bill Wilson, Robb Williams (Mark Mikkelsen), Debra Reed (Secretary)

Discussion continued on the curriculum proposals for year 2000 and beyond. A summary of the proposal rankings was made and presented to the committee. A summary of this compilation is listed below:

A ranking of proposals grouped according to Y1&2 vs. Y3&4 vs. general is as follows.

This is essentially the same grouping as the committee in aggregate shown below.

Considering the mission, values and purpose of the institution and the goals and objectives laid out in previous weeks, as well as feasibility issues, the committee discussed the proposals. Based on a consensus regarding the above rankings, the committee agreed to consider the following changes for the year 2000.

1. Restructuring. Scheduled course activities are limited to mornings until noon and two afternoons per week. A common lunch hour and activities period for years one and two, is incorporated for the purpose of creating an environment conducive to the development of appropriate professional attitudes and social skills.
   
   

   All courses are strongly encouraged to engage students in problem solving case-based approaches to learning as appropriate. Courses are encouraged to employ faculty from multiple disciplines as appropriate.
   
   

2.  All courses and clerkships must have both a basic science and clinical director.
   
   
3. A "Practice of Medicine" course will be implemented merging elements of the Doctor-Patient-Illness (DPI), Physical Diagnosis, Human Behavior, Ethics and Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) courses into a single course (Parts 1 & 2) across two years. Primary to the course are weekly [biweekly] patient encounters. The program should be sequential, developing and building on an expanding base of skills and knowledge and experience. Students should work primarily in small groups with physicians and social scientists as faculty members.
   
   
4. Implement a Clinical-Basic Science Review Program for the third and fourth years as an important start to lifelong learning in the practice of medicine.
    
5. Implement a management process by which the Curriculum Committee through the actions of the "Principles" and "Clinical" committees is responsible for ensuring an integrated curriculum throughout the 4 years of medical school. The content, coordination, integration and pedagogy of courses, clerkships and electives will be reviewed on a regular basis.

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Each proposal was discussed briefly and will be revisited and expanded at future meetings of the Curriculum Committee. The aim will be to implement the five proposals for the 2000 -2001 academic year.

Donald J Innes, M.D. Tel. (434) 924-5198
Associate Dean for Curriculum FAX (434) 924-8060
Department of Pathology e-mail dji@virginia.edu
Box 168 UVA - Medical Center
University of Virginia UVA Old Med School Bldg.
Charlottesville, VA 22908 Room CTR 3694