Year One Courses

Foundations of the Body Systems

Duration:  19 weeks

Module 1: Molecules, Cells & Systems (MCS):  8 weeks
Molecules, Cells & Systems is the first module of  the course that provides a foundation in biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, pharmacology, physiology and data analysis.  Each of the 8 weeks in the first block concentrates on different subject matter: Biological Molecules and Molecular Medicine; Genetic Basis of Disease; Energy Metabolism & Physiology; Integration of Metabolism; Mechanisms of Cell Tissue Communication; Basic Endocrinology/Pharmacology; Autonomic Physiology; Muscle Histology & Physiology; Epidemiology & Biostatistics. 
Module 2: Hematology, Immunology & Infectious Disease (HIID):  11 weeks

Hematology, Immunology & Infectious Disease module presents a framework for students to build a comprehensive understanding of the body's response to various disease processes. Most disease states have an immunologic component as well as an inflammatory component and many of the new therapies involve treatments that influence the immune system. The module is divided into four units: basic immunology and inflammation (acute and chronic); principles and concepts of hematology (both normal and pathological); physiology, genetics and pathogenesis of bacteria; physiology, genetics and pathogenesis of fungi, parasites and viruses.

The primary goal of this module is to provide a foundation in Immunology, Hematology, Cancer
Biology, and Infectious Disease for subsequent pre-clerkship courses. A strong emphasis is placed on the relevance of these subjects to clinical issues.

Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Systems (MIS)

Duration:   6 weeks

This course introduces students to the anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and medical management of the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems. Rheumatologic diseases, toxicology,  and environmental exposures are also introduced.

This course introduces the normal biology and function of the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems while describing the most common diseases of these systems. Clinical cases and clinical management related to these systems will be introduced.

Cardiovascular System (CVS)

Duration: 6 weeks
This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to integrate basic science and clinical content. anatomy (macroscopic, microscopic, and developmental), physiology, pharmacology, and pathology are integrated with Patient-Centered Medicine to assist students in appreciating context in their studies.

It fully integrates basic science and clinical information within the cardiovascular system, allowing students to develop the integrated thought processes needed to evaluate and treat patients.

Pulmonary System

Duration:  5 weeks

The fundamentals of pulmonary physiology and anatomy serve as the basis for understanding conditions affecting the respiratory system. In addition, this course covers how the lungs interact with other major organ systems in normal and disease states.
The goal is to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of the respiratory system to serve as a foundation for the clinical years. Disciplines that are integrated include anatomy, physiology, embryology, histology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, oncogenesis, and host defense. Basic science and clinical medicine will be integrated to explain normal and disease states. The diagnosis and treatment of common pulmonary disorders will be reviewed.

Renal System

Duration: 3 weeks

This course is designed to present an integrated focus on the renal system                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            including fluids, electrolytes, and acid/base disorders. Students will understand the role that the kidneys play in maintaining homeostasis as well as understand commonly used therapeutic modalities. The student with the structures and functions of the human renal system and on how they are altered by various conditions.

The course provides the preclinical student with a comprehensive overview of the renal system to serve as a foundation for the clinical years. A multidisciplinary approach to integrate basic science and clinical content such as Anatomy (macroscopic, microscopic, and developmental), Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pathology.   In addition, common disorders of the kidney and urinary tract that are encountered in everyday practice, their diagnoses and treatment, will be reviewed.

Healing, Humanism, and Health Equity (HHH) I

Duration: Longitudinal course
The skills set of a physician must integrate medical knowledge with expert communication skills, clinical acumen, empathy, and a commitment to enhancing opportunities for health and wellness for our patients and our communities. On the journey to becoming a physician, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School's (NJMS) HHH course provides students with a foundation for these skills based on three interrelated and overlapping principles for the practice of medicine:  

1. Healing: Integrating clinical diagnosis and treatment with holistic recognition of the patient as a person whose health is shaped by physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors 
2. Humanism: Bringing kindness, compassion, humility, and curiosity to each patient, family, community, and healthcare team interaction  
3. Health equity: Working to reduce health disparities, address social determinants of health, and create opportunities for health justice    

As a longitudinal course throughout the preclerkship years, the HHH curriculum complements content in the concurrent Foundations/Systems courses

Community Engaged Service Learning (CESL)

Duration:  first two years of medical school
The course seeks to build upon and enhance a rich culture of service at NJMS by providing students with structured guidance for implementing meaningful, effective, and sustainable service projects that address the needs of Newark and surrounding communities. In addition, service learning experiences offer an invaluable opportunity for students to develop core skills in cultural competency, health education, patient advocacy, and community-engaged research and evaluation that will help them to develop into leaders in the medical field and in the communities they serve.
http://njms.rutgers.edu/education/OPCCI/cesl/index.cfm

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Duration:  end of Year 1 and Year 2
Students have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in communication, history taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, medical knowledge, and integration of these skills through interactions with standardized patients based on the AAMC Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) guidelines.  There are 13 EPAs that all medical students are expected to perform upon entering residency regardless of their specialty.