An integral part of the curriculum involves our Society System. There are four Societies (named after four historic physicians) with four experienced clinician-educators (Small Group Advisors) in each Society; thus, each medical school class has 16 practicing physicians who are dedicated clinical teachers. At Orientation, every student is assigned to a Society and a Small Group Advisor who stays with the student throughout their medical education; it is the Small Group Advisor who eventually hoods the student at Commencement.
Meeting twice a week with their small group during Foundations, students quickly form close relationships with classmates and faculty. The Small Group Advisor instructs students in professionalism and the art of patient care, patient-physician communication skills, and the principles of physical examination and diagnostic thinking. Small group instruction also covers many other critical topics, including peer-to-peer communication, medical ethics, preventive medicine, and personal wellness. Problem-based learning is also conducted in the small group format, encouraging students to work together and teach each other.
