The curriculum for the School of Medicine is designed to prepare future physicians with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for any specialty field they choose. The pre-clinical curriculum (years 1 and 2) is taught as a series of system-based modules that progress through two phases. In Phase I, the foundational courses of histology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics, along with foundations in medicine are organized into system-based modules structured to provide normal structure and function, while still maintaining the identity of each course. Phase II begins in the latter portion of Year 1 and provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for understanding pathophysiology and disease states, also in system-based modules containing microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, behavioral and neurosciences, and clinical medicine. 

Students begin learning clinical skills early in Year 1. Specialty-based clinical training begins in May of Year 2 and continues throughout most of Year 3.  The final phase of the curriculum is designed to help students choose and prepare for their residency choice while enhancing skills in emergency medicine, radiology and cultural competence. The curriculum provides enough flexibility for early and numerous opportunities in community service and service-learning, dedicated time for students interested in dual degrees (MPH, MBA), or mentored research.

Pre-clinical MD curriculum in the School of Medicine is available only to those students who have been accepted into Tulane's MD program. 

Clinical MD electives in the School of Medicine may be available to visiting students from United States medical schools who apply and are accepted for individual electives through AAMC's VSAS/VSLO platform.  Tulane School of Medicine does not offer electives to visiting students from international schools of medicine.

Current MD students in the School of Medicine should log into eMedley's eCurriculum for additional registration details, and for more details about courses and rotations, such as objectives, syllabi, permission to add, etc.

Degree requirements 

Students complete their pre-clinical curriculum (first and second years) as a cohort and are registered by the School of Medicine Office of Admissions and Student Affairs.  First- and second-year students will receive information through email listservs and dean's hours about how and when to choose their preclinical electives.

Third-year students complete their seven required clinical clerkships in a lock-step fashion.  Third-year students will receive information through email listservs and dean's hours about how and when to find information about their third-year clerkships through eMedley's eCurriculum, and how to request a particular clinical clerkship path.

Fourth-year students select block dates for their required fourth-year rotations and electives through a lottery system.  Fourth-year students will receive information through email listservs and dean's hours about how to use eMedley's eCurriculum's registration and scheduling resources.

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1		Credit Hours
GANT 1008	Gross Anatomy	8
BIOC 1010	Biochemistry	7
GENE 1007	Genetics	1
HSTO 1001	Histology	5
PYSI 1002	Physiology	5
FIM1 1005	Foundations Med I	5
One pre-clinical elective in first or second year		1
	Credit Hours	32
Year 2
BRBH 2006	Brain, Mind and Behavior	6
CLDG 2004	Clinical Diagnosis	3
FIM2 2005	Foundations Med II	2
IMMU 2001	Immunology	1
MICR 2000	Intro to Infectious Diseases	4
PATH 2002	Mechnms of Disease	14
PHAR 2003	Pharmacology	5
One pre-clinical elective in first or second year		1
	Credit Hours	36
Year 3
Passing score on USMLE Step 1 1
FAMY 3000	Family Medicine 2	6
SURG 3000	Surgery	8
PEDS 3000	Pediatrics	8
PYCH 3000	Psychiatry	4
NEUR 3000	Neurology	4
OBGY 3000	Obstetrics & Gynecology	8
MED 3000	Medicine	8
	Credit Hours	46
Year 4
Passing scores on USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge 3
MED 4212	Community Health 4	2
EMER 4020	Emergency Medicine	2
ACLS training (complete before EMER4020) 5
RADS 3020	Radiology	2
Acting Internship (see various departments)		4
Clinical electives (see various departments) 6		26
5 Interdisciplinary Seminars (offered through Office of Medical Education)
	Credit Hours	36
	Total Credit Hours	150

¹

Students must record a passing USMLE Step 1 score by August 15 of their fourth year or they will be placed on leave of absence.  See the Tulane School of Medicine handbook and policies for more information.

²

During some years that face interruptions or crises, such as natural disasters or pandemics, core clerkships may change course number or weeks' of duration.  Students should monitor their Tulane email for updates to curriculum, and students should review their transcripts for any exceptions to the core third-year clerkships identified in this table. 

³

Students must record a passing USMLE Step 2 score to graduate.  Students are encouraged to take Step 2 by December of their fourth year.  See the Tulane School of Medicine handbook and policies for more information.

⁴

Students in Tulane's MD/MPH combined program are exempt from the MED4212 requirement but must complete 28 weeks' worth of electives. 

⁵

ACLS training is provided through Tulane University's SIM Center.  Students should consult the SIM Center for available training days/times.

⁶

Students should monitor their emails daily: curricular changes may be necessary to accommodate classes that are affected by natural disasters, pandemics, etc.  Students should note that online electives and teaching/tutoring/research electives may be limited.  Students are encouraged to complete as many clinical electives as possible to prepare for the clinical demands of residency.

For more information, contact the School of Medicine.