Curriculum

Northwestern's MD curriculum is designed to prepare students as medical professionals in a time of significant change in healthcare delivery and exciting opportunities for further advancement in the science of medicine. Our inclusive, bias-free curriculum is organized into three phases, emphasizing integration of four main curricular elements: Science in Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Health & Society and Professional Development.

Comprehensive curriculum information is available via the MD Education site.

Supplemental Experiences

Students are given time in the afternoon to work on their AOSC and optional activities of their choice.

• Health Clinics
  Volunteer in clinics throughout the neighborhoods of Chicago.
• Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health
  Touch the lives of people in need across the globe.
• Student Wellness
  Learn how the medical school prioritizes wellness.
• Student Organizations
  Explore our student organizations representing our students’ diverse interests.

Assessment

We have a robust, competency-based assessment system, which empowers students to become self-reflective professionals. Students are assessed across multiple domains of their performance. The feedback provided is clear, so as to provide a full understanding of the student's current level of skill and knowledge.

During each phase, assessments are compiled into an electronic portfolio. Students then review this feedback and write portfolio reflections on their progress in the Feinberg Competencies, which includes individualized learning plans. Once these are reviewed by the college mentors, they are submitted to the portfolio committee for final review and determination of readiness to move on to the next phase of the curriculum.

During Phase 1, block grades are awarded as pass/pass after remediation. Failed exams and competency performances that do not meet benchmarks must be remediated.

In Phase 2, clerkship grades are awarded as honors, high pass, pass or fail. Student academic outcomes, research and extracurricular activities are used to identify students eligible for Alpha Omega Alpha designation and graduation honors. Outcomes for Feinberg students in the National Residency Match Program are exceptionally good, with 67 percent matching at top-25 U.S. News-ranked residency programs.

Graduation Requirements

See graduation requirements via the MD Education site.