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clinical curriculum, assessment methods, and formats include written exams (e.g., closed book, open book, multiple-choice);
practical exams; oral exams, and observations of simulated patient interviews.

In the clinical clerkships, student assessment methods include direct observations of clinical work; reviews of patient write-
ups; written exams; oral exams; Standardized Patient (SP) exercises referred to as Objective Structured Clinical Exams

(OSCEs); simulation sessions; and standardized National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Subject Exams ("shelf
exams").

Professional Development Weeks: MD students participate in two Professional Development Weeks (PDWs) - one in the
pre-clinical year I and the other in Year II: These weeks include several elements: cumulative assessment activities focusing
on integration and application of course-based material and on critical thinking; clinical skills testing in the form of OSCEs;
time for student reflection and advising; development and implementation of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs); and

remediation activities, as needed. Assessment during PDWs is strictly formative, offering feedback to students and allowing
them opportunities to work with their advisors to identify strengths and challenges and to develop plans for continuous
development and growth.

At the completion of Preclinical, all GAU MD students take the Comprehensive Examination I (Comp Exam I). The Comp
Exam I is taken after completion of Block 10 – ICM which tests students' physical examination and patient interview skills
along with their ability to incorporate basic sciences principles in solving clinical cases.

The Comp Exam II is a six-station OSCE designed to examine students' clinical and communication skills and their ability to
diagnose and demonstrate clinical reasoning and to discuss the most commonly encountered entities in the major clinical
disciplines. Students must pass the Comp Exam in order to matriculate into the Clinical Sciences Program.

MD Program Objectives
By the time of graduation, all students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of established and evolving basic, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences.
2. Apply their basic, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences knowledge to problems in clinical medicine.

3. Assimilate basic, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences into the everyday care of patients and towards
improving the health care in their communities.
4. Critically analyze clinical cases and derive solutions to the improvement of health by providing evidence-
based, compassionate care for patients that are appropriate for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and
the promotion of health,
5. Apply the skills necessary for continuous personal growth and lifelong learning.
6. Work effectively as part of a healthcare team to ensure safe and efficient patient care.

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