In the Phoenix Curriculum’s Phase 3, students transition from academic learning and clerkship experiences to preparing for their internships. During this vital phase, they focus on refining their clinical skills, sharpening diagnostic abilities, and advancing in their chosen career paths. Phase 3 involves extensive time in various clinical rotations and elective specialties, helping students gain practical knowledge and experience. Additionally, they must prepare for residency applications and interviews by clearly expressing their skills, interests, and experiences. Building professional relationships, seeking mentorship, and identifying career interests are also crucial during this time. Successfully navigating Phase 3 requires self-directed learning and adaptability, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of residency and beyond.
Phase 3 of the Phoenix Curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences in Acute Care settings. These rotations aim to give students essential training in managing acute and emergency medical conditions so that graduates are ready to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
- Emergency Medicine Clerkship: Students will engage in the assessment and management of patients presenting to the emergency department with acute illnesses and trauma-related injuries, as well as participating in immersive simulation-based experiences.
- Intensive Care Units (ICU): Rotations in various types of ICU settings will involve managing critically ill patients requiring advanced life support, complex decision-making, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Sub-Internships: During sub-internships, students participate in direct patient care and admitting responsibilities for a minimum of four consecutive weeks at the University of Chicago Medicine or an affiliated hospital, with the desired goal of the experience being to increase autonomy, improve efficiency and navigate the challenges of the complex healthcare system.
A key part of the Phoenix Curriculum is the Transition to Residency (TTR) Course, which is required of every student. This course equips students with the skills and knowledge essential for moving from medical school to graduate medical education. Its objectives include practical topics like hands-on procedural skills, advanced communication techniques, professional growth, and patient care management. The goal is to ensure students are fully prepared for residency by bridging the gap between learning and real-world application.
- Procedural Skills: Hands-on training in essential procedures such as central line placement, lumbar punctures, and intubations in various patient types.
- Communication Strategies: Workshops and simulations for effective patient and team communication, including breaking bad news and leading family meetings.
- Professional Development: Sessions on time management, stress management, navigating residency applications and interviews, and developing leadership qualities.
- Patient Care Management: Education on principles of patient safety, quality improvement, and evidence-based medicine practices.
The curriculum offers a range of Basic Science Electives, known as "Selectives," that allow students a dive deeper into their areas of interest. These electives provide advanced courses and lab work in fields like Emerging Technologies, Physiology, Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Immunology. By blending basic science with clinical training, students gain a better grasp of the scientific foundations that support medical practice.
- 50-150 units in Scientific Basis of Medical Practice (Basic Science Courses): These courses are designed to refresh students' understanding of basic science principles after their Phase 2 clerkships.
Phase 3 of the medical curriculum is a crucial period where students elevate their clinical skills and explore specialized fields of study. A key part of this phase is the Scholarship and Discovery (S&D) program, which promotes a stronger grasp of medical research and innovation. By taking part in S&D, students delve into advanced scientific investigations and are motivated to advance medical knowledge through their research projects. This program culminates in the required Senior Scientific Session, where students showcase their research findings to their peers, faculty, and medical professionals.