Study Plan

A typical study plan for a Doctor of Medicine degree student is shown below. The number of credits assigned for each course in Periods 1 and 2 is determined based on workload expectations: one credit is equivalent to approximately 15 hours of formal instruction. The total workload expectation per credit is equivalent to approximately 45 hours, including instruction, study, and assessments. A 3- to 4-hour laboratory, case-based, or clinic session is quantitatively equivalent to one formal instructional hour and presumes that the activity time includes most of the study or preparation normally associated with 1 hour of lecture. The limit for formal instruction during Periods 1 and 2 is 25 hours weekly, which results in a weekly workload of up to 75 hours.

Student workload during Periods 3 and 4 is designed to ensure an appropriate balance between formal teaching and service. All medical students rotating through clerkships, electives, and subinternships are required to comply with established limitations on duty hours. Duty hours should be limited to 80 hours per week, averaged over a 4-week period and inclusive of all in-house call activities. Continuous on-site duty, including in-house call, should not exceed 24 consecutive hours. Students may remain on duty for up to six additional hours to participate in didactic activities, transfer care of patients, conduct outpatient clinics, and maintain continuity of medical and surgical care. Students must be provided with one day in seven free from all educational and clinical responsibilities, averaged over a 4-week period and inclusive of call. Students must be provided adequate time for rest and personal activities. This should optimally be a 10-hour time period between all daily duty periods and after in-house call. Each student is expected to choose electives for Period 4 in consultation with her/his academic advisor, the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Assistant Dean for Medical Education.