The Double Helix Curriculum
The Double Helix Curriculum integrates the basic science and clinical medicine strands of medical education, weaving them throughout the four-year curriculum. Each element of the curriculum strengthens Rochester's biopsychosocial tradition by fostering knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors of the physician/scientist/humanist by combining cutting-edge, evidence-based natural and social sciences with the relationship-centered skills that are Rochester's distinctive trademark.
With interdisciplinary courses that combine various areas of basic science and demonstrating their clinical application, our program is designed to train life-long learners of medicine. Courses use a variety of teaching methods including large group didactics, problem based learning, hands-on laboratory experiences and simulation. Our curriculum places special emphasis on skills in knowledge acquisition and use. Required and elective clinical experiences offer students rural, urban, community and tertiary care patient care experiences. The goal of our medical school is to educate and train physicians who will excel in the career of their choice.
Overall Educational Objectives
The curriculum is designed for students to acquire all the elements of a general medical education, providing them with strong foundations in the natural and social sciences basic to medicine, as well as professional attitudes and clinical skills—all with a focus on launching a lifetime of continued learning. You can learn more about our Mission and Objectives.
Office of Curriculum and Assessment
The Office of Curriculum and Assessment supports curricular implementation and innovation, and the assessment of curricular outcomes including related educational research.
