College of Medicine academics
Explore a curriculum that integrates science, patient care and community health
College of Medicine Curriculum
Education grounded in patient care & health outcomes
Interprofessionally trained with a focus on cross-functional teams, cultural competence and population health, our students are a diverse group who listen to and care about their patients. The College of Medicine at NEOMED is known for balancing education, research, clinical care and service.
The four-year curriculum fuses behavioral, biological, clinical, community health and social sciences with the humanities.
College of Medicine educational program objectives
The College of Medicine updated its educational program objectives in February 2025. Review the program objectives.
First-year curriculum (M1)
Instruction in the basic medical science courses emphasizes the normal structure and function of the human body, the mechanisms by which these are maintained, and the factors leading to injury and disease.
While basic science courses focus on medical knowledge competencies, other courses seek to develop other important competencies, such as practice-based learning and improvement, systems-based practice, communication skills, patient care skills and professional conduct.
Most first-year courses are taught using peer instruction, as well as a combination of lectures, workshops, small group sessions and laboratories.
Year 1 curriculum block schedule
Year 1 blocks and durations
Header (6 weeks)
- Foundations of Medicine (6 weeks)
- Practice of Medicine I (runs concurrently with the Header block; 6 weeks)
Fall Term
- Body and Brain (9 weeks)
- Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Renal (7 weeks)
- Practice of Medicine II (runs concurrently across the Fall blocks; 16 weeks total)
Spring Term and May
- Gastrointestinal, Reproductive, and Endocrine (6 weeks)
- Infectious Disease and Immunity (6 weeks)
- Foundations of Disease and Treatment (4 weeks)
- Health Systems (May; 3 weeks)
- Practice of Medicine III (runs concurrently across Spring and May blocks)
Second year (M2)
M2 bridges the transition from M1 to the clinical focus of M3, with coursework organized by body systems and centered on core pathophysiologic processes and the mechanisms behind clinical signs and disease.
The curriculum shifts from foundational knowledge to patient-centered application through expanded hands-on learning in labs, hospitals and community settings, including NEOMED’s Wasson Center, where students work with both simulated and real patients.
Students take classes on the Rootstown campus and at community-based clinical teaching sites that emphasize small-group instruction.
Year 2 curriculum block schedule
Year 2 blocks, exams and durations
Header (4 weeks)
- Diagnosis and Treatment I (Cardiology) (4 weeks)
- Practice of Medicine IV (runs concurrently with the Header block; 4 weeks)
Fall Term (16 weeks)
- Diagnosis and Treatment II (16 weeks): Pulmonary, Nephrology, Allergy, Gastrology, Rheumatology, Endocrine, Reproductive
- Practice of Medicine V (runs concurrently across the Fall block; 16 weeks)
Spring Term (11 weeks)
- Diagnosis and Treatment III (11 weeks): Neurology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Infectious Disease
- Practice of Medicine VI (runs concurrently with the Spring block; 11 weeks)
Exams (timing shown on the diagram; duration not specified)
- Comprehensive Basic Science Exam
- United States Medical Licensing Exam
Third year (M3)
The third year of medical school provides theoretical and practical foundations in the clinical disciplines.
Working with clinical faculty and residents in affiliated hospitals, students learn diagnostic and therapeutic skills, gain experience in patient management and examine the ethical dilemmas of contemporary medicine.
In each of seven clerkships, students spend time in hospitals, private offices and clinics, with primary focus on the specific patients they encounter.
They become the junior members of clinical teams, gradually taking on active roles in support of the faculty, residents and nurses. This requires that students apply the education gained in classrooms and labs during the first two years. For more information about clinical clerkships, visit the Let’s Get Ready to Teach webpage.
Fourth year (M4)
Guided by faculty advisors and defined requirements, senior medical students design individualized curricula that align with their educational goals and career interests.
Throughout the year, students complete at least seven four-week core rotations and electives, two online Application to Clinical Medicine (ACM) courses, and a Clinical Epilogue/Capstone course.
Students build a balanced schedule of clinical core rotations and electives, including three required core experiences in sub-internship, critical care and outpatient care. They also complete four electives of their choice, at least three of which are clinical, with at least one elective in a different specialty to ensure breadth of experience.