Medicine

The first pillar establishes a strong foundation through 18 months of integrated basic science, in which students will learn anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology and pharmacology interwoven into organ-system blocks, such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal.

Education research shows that students learn and retain basic science better when they can apply it to patient care early in their education. We blend that foundational teaching with regular patient care experiences and cases.

The second pillar focuses on acquiring clinical skills, integrating learning across specialties and focusing on experiential learning. Students work closely with experienced physicians during longitudinal integrated clerkships, where students spend a half day per week in a different discipline, like pediatrics, surgery and neurology. Students may also take part in a rural track, which allows them to experience medicine in a smaller community.

The third pillar includes advanced medical knowledge. It give students an opportunity to delve more deeply into areas of interest through electives and expanded opportunities for research.

Clerkships

The longitudinal integrated clerkships allow students to complete all their clerkships simultaneously instead of instead of spending eight weeks in a block clerkship and then moving on the next.

Through this method, students will:

• Learn clinical and professional skills at a deeper level because they are applying concepts in several settings at once.
• Establish longer relationships with patients and be able to take part in a patient's care for the course of an illness or pregnancy.
• Establish longer relationships with faculty and experience more meaningful mentoring.

We designed a yearlong clinical education experience that begins with short clerkship blocks, primarily focusing on hospital care, followed by nine months of longitudinal integrated clerkships.

Career Pathways

Whether you want to be a primary care physician or a specialist, our flexible curriculum means you  are exposed to many different areas of medicine during your education.

If you're not yet sure what you want to do with your medical degree, our program gives you early opportunities for unique electives in a wide variety of clinical and research areas to help you decide.

USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several housed in the Sanford School of Medicine. You may be interested in serving as class president or working with the Medical Student Association, developing new skills and connecting with peers.

Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)

Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community. 

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Medical Student Wellness Committee

Each class selects a wellness officer as part of the Medical Student Wellness Program. Wellness officers determine how to use a budget for promoting wellness in each of their respective classes. Previous events include yoga, picnics, movie nights and other activities.

Women in Medicine/American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)

This group improves the understanding of women’s health issues and addresses issues faced by female physicians. First and second-year medical students of all genders are encouraged to participate. Only female students may be officers for positions involving the AMWA portion of this group.