Medical school is four years of training. While in medical school the first two years consist of basic sciences and the last two years consist of rotations.

Curriculum: During medical school, the curriculum consists of biochemistry, gross anatomy, histology, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology and medical ethics. Many of the courses are graded or pass/fail. Refer to the Med School Resources and Residency Resources for guidance during medical school and rotations.

Rotation: Rotations consist of surgery, internal medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics and ophthamology. Elective rotations are available for students interested in other areas. Rotations are graded based on reviews by attendings.

Away Rotation: "Away" rotations are rotations held at another hospital. The rotation must be approved by the dean of the medical school so allow time for the paperwork. The "away" rotation allows students to explore residency programs at other hospitals. It also offers the students a chance to impress attendings and faculty at the hospitals they are interested in doing a residency. It helps to do the "away" rotation before September/October of your fourth year. (residency decisions are made in September).

Residency: The USMLE Part 1 and 2 must be taken before graduation to apply for residency programs. Some competitive residency programs use USMLE Part 1 scores as a cutoff for residency interviews. To improve your application for residency programs continue to be involved in extracurricular activities, medical organizations, consider a year abroad, position yourself to become chief resident and apply for the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.

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