Preparatory Course
In order to enhance the knowledge and academic preparedness of the new students so they can meet the demands of the O&Med curriculum, the Plan of Study includes an 8-week extracurricular Preparatory Course that is instructed before the 1st academic term. This course is composed of mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry, and aims to:
- Introduce the new students to different teaching approaches used, with emphasis on the Problem Based Learning (PBL) methodology.
- Level and refresh students’ previous knowledge on basic concepts of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology to assure an adequate academic performance in the O&Med curriculum, which integrates more advanced contents in these areas.
- Introduce the new students to the O&Med Mentoring Program, which goal is to identify, on an individual basis, those educational areas in which each student might need additional assistance and resources in order to assure their optimum adjustment to the O&Med educational environment.
- Strengthen students’ English and/or Spanish language skills, based on their individual needs in each area.
The Preparatory Course will be offered as an educational resource to all new students accepted to the O&M Medical School. The Admissions Committee will also establish this course as mandatory for all students, in order to ensure an adequate performance at the O&M Medical School.
Mentoring Program
With the mission of creating a new kind of physician meant to excel not only in clinical practice, but also in research, community involvement, communication and critical thinking skills, the O&Med curriculum design anticipates the need for one-to-one academic and professional interaction between students and faculty members as mentors. These mentors will guide and orient students during their professional development, in accordance with the highest standards of modern medical education.
If needed, a mentor can refer a mentee to other services available at O&Med that could further contribute to his or her academic performance or psychosocial wellbeing, including a referral to professional counseling services for any personal issues that might rise during the mentoring meetings.