Program Overview

Doctor of Medicine—Chicago (MDC)

Overview

The Doctor of Medicine—Chicago (MDC) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of medicine. The program covers a wide range of topics, including the normal structure and function of the human body, disease processes, and the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Courses

The MDC program consists of the following courses:

• MDC 601: Block 1: Body Systems and Homeostasis 1 (5 hours) Covers the normal structure and function of the human body and how to monitor health status, the core concepts of foundational medical sciences, evidence-based medicine, and epidemiology and biostatistics to interpret scientific literature.
• MDC 602: Block 2: Pathogenesis (6 hours) Continues evidence-based medicine and professional development principles, considering disease processes and studying the hematologic system.
• MDC 603: Block 3: Skin, Muscle, and Movement (5 hours) Uses an organ system approach, beginning with gross anatomy lab, to study skin, muscle, bone anatomy, and physiology, as well as orthopedic and rheumatologic issues.
• MDC 604: Block 4: Circulation and Respiration (7 hours) Covers fundamental physiologic and pharmacologic concepts in homeostasis, introducing common and significant health issues such as coronary disease and asthma.
• MDC 605: Block 5: Digestion and Homeostasis 2 (5 hours) Studies the GI and renal systems, hormonal physiology, exocrine aspects of GI function, and endocrine issues.
• MDC 606: Block 6: Brain and Behavior (8 hours) Emphasizes the central nervous system, special senses, and aspects of normal and abnormal human development, psychology, and psychiatric disorders.
• MDC 607: Block 7: Regulation and Reproduction (4 hours) Completes the study of anatomy with a focus on the pelvic floor and reproductive organs, and endocrine function.
• MDC 611: Doctoring and Clinical Skills 1 (4 hours) Introduces the care of patients through classroom exercises, small group discussion, skills practice, simulation-based exercises, and in-hospital practice.
• MDC 612: Doctoring and Clinical Skills 2 (4 hours) Continues the introduction to patient care with a focus on classroom exercises, small group discussion, skills practice, and simulation-based exercises.
• MDC 613: Doctoring Clinical Skills 3 (2 hours) Further develops patient care skills through classroom exercises and simulation-based exercises.
• MDC 614: Doctoring and Clinical Skills 4 (4 hours) Continues the development of patient care skills with a focus on classroom exercises, small group discussion, and simulation-based exercises.
• MDC 615: Doctoring and Clinical Skills 5 (1 hour) Finalizes the development of patient care skills through classroom exercises and simulation-based exercises.
• MDC 621: Synthesis 1-2 (2 hours) Provides intervals for consolidating knowledge and planning learning, focusing on the interdependence of organ systems and management of multi-system diseases.
• MDC 622: Synthesis 3-4 (1 hour) Continues the consolidation of knowledge, addressing professional identity formation, wellness, resilience, career discernment, and preparation for residency.
• MDC 623: Synthesis 5-6 (1 hour) Further consolidates knowledge, focusing on the interdependence of organ systems and management of multi-system diseases.
• MDC 624: Synthesis 7-8 (1 hour) Continues the consolidation of knowledge, addressing professional identity formation and preparation for residency.
• MDC 625: Block 8: Synthesis Capstone (9 hours) Finalizes the consolidation of knowledge, focusing on the interdependence of organ systems, management of multi-system diseases, and preparation for residency.
• MDC 631: Medical Colloquia 1 (1 hour) Offers a varied menu of lectures, seminars, and brief presentations on medically-related topics.
• MDC 632: Medical Colloquia 2 (1 hour) Continues the series of lectures, seminars, and presentations on medically-related topics.
• MDC 634: Medical Colloquia 4 (1 hour) Further explores medically-related topics through lectures, seminars, and presentations.
• MDC 635: Medical Colloquia 5 (1 hour) Finalizes the series of lectures, seminars, and presentations on medically-related topics.
• MDC 640: Transition to Clerkships (2 hours) Prepares students for clerkships through immersion in clinical practice and classroom experiences.
• MDC 641: Clinical Connections and Competencies (2 hours) Reinforces clinical knowledge and skills in parallel with core clinical experiences of clerkships and electives.

Prerequisites

All courses in the MDC program require enrollment in the Doctor of Medicine program. Some courses may have additional prerequisites, such as completion of Phase 1 of the Doctor of Medicine program.

Program Structure

The MDC program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in medicine, with a focus on the development of clinical skills and knowledge. The program consists of a series of blocks, each covering a specific topic or set of topics, as well as doctoring and clinical skills courses, synthesis courses, and medical colloquia.

Conclusion

The Doctor of Medicine—Chicago (MDC) program is a comprehensive and structured program designed to provide students with a thorough education in the field of medicine. The program covers a wide range of topics, from the normal structure and function of the human body to the principles of evidence-based medicine, and provides students with the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field of medicine.