Academic Support Services
The School of Medicine's Office of Student Affairs provides an added
dimension of support to all medical students interested in improving their
academic performance. The Medical School curriculum consistently provides
increasingly challenging coursework, and students must continue to explore
alternative study methods to meet these demands. The following services are offered:
Basic Science Study Groups
Study groups are available in the core basic science courses of the
school curriculum. The groups consist of three to five students and a group
facilitator/tutor, meeting once or twice a week. Test performance has
consistently been enhanced for students actively participating in these groups.
Therefore, all medical students are encouraged to participate fully.
Study-group leaders are selected on the basis of their own performance in the
course, their abilities to communicate course content and the recommendations
of course professors.
Additional Assistance
Individual assistance is available to medical students through a variety
of means. Students may receive individual analysis of their study techniques,
including reading comprehension; time management; short- and long-term
retention techniques; and test-taking abilities. Analysis of a student's basic
science knowledge is available through several computer-assisted programs. If
required, individual tutoring may be available to supplement the assistance
offered through study-group programs. Counseling support also is available to
students with personal issues that may hinder their academic performance.
United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 Preparation
Students preparing for Step 1 of the USMLE are offered a variety of
programs to supplement their individual review of the basic sciences. These
programs consist of discussion groups, interactive video review sessions,
individual test-taking analysis and a Step 1 mock exam. In addition to academic
preparation support, resources are available to help students manage the stress
related to their preparation for the exam.
Workshops
Periodically, special workshops are arranged in response to student needs and interests.