Program Overview
Education & Admissions
MD Program
The MD Program at Harvard Medical School is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of medicine. The program emphasizes active, collaborative learning, preparing students to excel as members of diverse health care teams.
Curriculum
The curriculum is divided into three phases: Preclerkship, Principal Clinical Experience (PCE), and Post-PCE.
Preclerkship Phase
The Preclerkship phase begins with the foundational building blocks of medicine, including:
- Fundamentals of anatomy, histology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, immunology, and introductory pharmacology
- Essential social and population sciences, including health care policy, social medicine, clinical epidemiology and population health, and medical ethics and professionalism
- Organ system modules focused on structure, function, and normal and abnormal processes
- Longitudinal clinical experiences, integrated with the basic and social science courses, during which students learn communication skills, how to take a physical exam, the dynamics of working in clinical teams and systems, and the process of developing a differential diagnosis
Principal Clinical Experience (PCE) Phase
During the 12 months of the PCE phase, students gain comprehensive clinical training across eight core disciplines:
- Internal medicine
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Primary care
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
- Surgery Students are placed at a single hospital site for the year, allowing them to be immersed in the clinical learning environment of that institution. As part of each clerkship rotation, PCE Core Faculty provide direct observation, feedback, and longitudinal assessment.
Post-PCE Phase
The Post-PCE phase offers students the flexibility to customize individual educational pathways according to their interests and future fields of practice. Students pursue a wide variety of clinical electives, engage in scholarly research, and take advantage of unique opportunities at Harvard, across the country, and around the world. Through rigorous coursework, students gain a deeper and more meaningful understanding of key medical concepts.
Academic Calendars
Course dates and curriculum maps are available for students to plan their academic journey.
Course & Examination Requirements
Information from the student handbook provides detailed requirements for courses and examinations.
Research Opportunities
Students have access to a wide range of research opportunities, including working with the 12,000+ HMS faculty for mentorship and research. The advanced integrated science courses (AISCs) offer students a choice of course topics ranging from basic to translational and population sciences.
Global & Community Engagement
The program emphasizes global and community engagement, providing students with opportunities to explore their passions in depth while preparing them for their transition to residency.
Advising & Academic Support
Students receive advising and academic support throughout their journey, including longitudinal relationships with faculty and a small student-to-faculty ratio.
Student & Alumni Resources
The program provides students and alumni with resources to support their academic and professional development, including health, well-being, and safety initiatives.
Health, Well-being, & Safety
The program prioritizes the health, well-being, and safety of its students, providing resources and support to ensure their success.