Faculty

Faculty Handbook
Chapter II: Academic Programs

M.D. PROGRAM

The New Curriculum, launched in August 2000, builds on the unique strengths of Mount Sinai School of Medicine to train students of diverse backgrounds and produce the highest quality graduates. The curriculum is intended to imbue graduates with a core knowledge of the biological basis of human functions in health and disease, skills in critical thinking, dedication to life-long learning, professional and humanistic attitudes, a scientific approach to medicine, and an appreciation of their obligation to society and the community in which they live. Graduates will be physician-scholars dedicated to excellence in their chosen career paths who will possess the skills necessary to assume leadership roles in academic and clinical medicine and/or be at the forefront of biomedical research.

The New Curriculum provides a grounding in the fundamentals of medical science partnered with opportunities to promote self-evaluation, critical assessment, initiative, and teamwork. Underscoring the importance of exploring the entire range of medical practice, Mount Sinai includes instruction in the philosophical, social, and cultural aspects of disease. Instruction in both primary and specialty care is emphasized throughout medical school by incorporating principles of these disciplines in the curriculum. Cooperative learning is fostered through group study, small classes and, in the first two years, a pass/fail grading system.

The curriculum helps students develop investigative and evaluative skills by linking clinical medicine, basic science, and epidemiology. The close interrelationship between the clinical and basic sciences is supported by The Office of Student Research Opportunities, which encourages medical student research efforts by helping students identify interesting areas of research and locate faculty mentors. An Honors Research Track is available for medical students who undertake and complete an original, intensive research project involving at least four months of full-time research or its equivalent. At Commencement, students who successfully complete the program receive a certificate stating that they have graduated with "Distinction in Research".

Experiences that help students master the fundamental skills of prevention, doctor-patient communication, physical diagnosis, and continuity of care are also an essential focus of the curriculum. The Morchand Center for Clinical Competence emphasizes treatment of the whole patient by using innovative teaching and assessment techniques to educate future physicians to care for their patients in a humane, technically skilled and responsible manner.

Medical students have the opportunity to work at The Mount Sinai Hospital and other affiliated hospitals throughout the New York metropolitan area. These affiliate institutions provide a range of educational and clinical experiences that allow students to participate in and contribute to medical care in a wide variety of settings and to work with a broad spectrum of patients.

The Office of Multicultural and Community Affairs (OMCA) supports the diversity which is a hallmark of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. The Office oversees minority affairs activities, multicultural diversity programs, and curricular support initiatives. Medical students and residents also learn about the roles of culture and ethnicity in physician-patient relationships and quality care.

Active service to the community is highly valued, and opportunities for community service projects during the preclinical years are provided by the Office of Community Relations, the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Multicultural and Community Affairs, the Volunteer Office and student groups.

All applicants for admission to the Doctor of Medicine program are considered on the basis of their total qualifications, including intellectual capability and academic achievement, motivation and potential for a career in medicine, maturity, and character. In addition to the regular admissions route, the School of Medicine offers early assurance of admissions through MSSM's Humanities and Medicine Program. Applicants may also be admitted to the School of Medicine through the Medical Scientist Training Program (see Joint Programs, this chapter).

Students must pass all courses each year to progress to the next year. Students are required to pass Step I of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) for entry into the third year, and are required to pass Step II of the USMLE to be eligible for graduation.

The faculty are responsible for educating students, acting as role models and advisors, and monitoring students' behavior during their tenure in the School of Medicine. A member of the faculty is appointed as an advisor for each student during the first two years of medical school; however, if the need arises, students may select an alternate advisor. Students select an advisor amongst the clinical faculty for their third and fourth years.

Students are expected to abide by the same code of behavior generally expected of physicians and biomedical scientists in the conduct of their professional and personal activities; failure to do so represents misconduct. In their role as monitors, faculty must therefore comply with the School's policy on proctoring examinations and must report all incidents of student misconduct to the Dean of Student Affairs. Student misconduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, breaches of confidentiality, dishonesty, and unprofessional behavior toward patients, colleagues or staff.

Further and more detailed information on the School and its students may be obtained by consulting the Student Handbook and the resources on Undergraduate Medical Education.