Welcome
The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine curriculum is designed to support students' development into skilled, thoughtful physicians. In the first year, students work through a series of clinical, organ-based problems. Each problem requires breadth and depth of knowledge in disciplines like gross anatomy, histology, biochemistry, behavioral science, pharmacology, embryology, genetics, physiology, and population health.
Students learn clinical skills—history taking, physical exam maneuvers, and clinical reasoning—concurrent with the basic sciences. They work with standardized patients the first week of Year 1 and soon thereafter begin shadowing a physician mentor.
First-year students study in Carbondale. The year consists of 38 weeks divided into three units. There are two optional summer experiences to which students can apply: Mentored Professional Enrichment Experience (MPEE) or Clinical and Research Experience (CARE).