Clinical Core Clerkships

Clinical core rotations, completed in 42 weeks, are full-time clerkships whereby students evaluate patients in a clinical setting. The clerkships provide an opportunity to utilize skills and information previously acquired in the Medical Sciences courses. As students examine/diagnose patients and analyze laboratory data, they are supervised by an attending physician. Each clinical supervisor serves as an active member of the student/house staff team and assesses an AUC student’s performance according to standards set forth by the University.

Internal Medicine, 12 Weeks

While students participate in general Internal Medicine, they gain exposure to the diagnostic and treatment processes. Students develop competence in evaluating broad clinical problems and patient management skills. “Hands-on" patient experience is supplemented by tutorials and didactic sessions.

Surgery, 12 Weeks

Students develop general physician skills as well as training unique to surgery. They further develop abilities in data synthesis and problem solving, and become oriented to the clinical setting related to surgery. Ideally, students follow the patient from admission through discharge. They are expected to participate in all aspects of patient care: assisting in the operating room, emergency room, and acute care units.

Pediatrics, 6 Weeks

Students receive a broad overview of general pediatrics. Experience will be gained with inpatient and ambulatory pediatric care. Pediatric intakes and ward rounds are the basis of inpatient care while ambulatory care experience is gained in general pediatric clinics evaluating patients with common complaints and disorders.

Obstetrics and Gynecology, 6 Weeks

Students are assigned to obstetrical and gynecological patients for evaluation and follow-up. Participation in normal deliveries is stressed. Students are expected to follow patients through completion of delivery or surgery. Ambulatory obstetrical and gynecological care is stressed and patient contact is supplemented with conferences and didactic teaching sessions.

Psychiatry, 6 Weeks

Students build upon classroom knowledge gained during the first and second years. The majority of the rotation features treatment of psychiatric patients in the inpatient setting. The resources available for care of psychiatric patients are presented. Skill in the evaluation and diagnosis of the psychiatric patients is developed through direct patient interviews and didactic sessions.