Pennsylvania State University-College of Medicine (PSUCM, Penn State) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Pennsylvania State’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center opened its doors to the first class of medical students in 1967. It became the first medical school in the nation to establish a Department of Humanity, introducing humanistic disciplines into the required medical curriculum. The school was also the first to start an independent Department of Family and Community Medicine. From its beginning, medical education and patient care have been guided by the institution’s commitment to be innovative in providing patient care.

Information Summary

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Retention (full-time / part-time)	N/A / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	943

Academics

4-year semimodern. First year: The curriculum combines elements of traditional medical teaching and case-based, student-centered learning with strategic lectures, laboratories, and small-group discussions. Second year: More heavily oriented to case-based learning in organ/system approach to human health, pathophysiology, and disease. Third year: Includes a sequence of required core clinical clerkships in internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, family and community medicine, and primary care. These are supplemented by available selectives, as well as week-long sessions in Advanced Clinical Diagnostic and Therapeutics, Communications and Professionalism, and Improving Healthcare. Fourth year: The school offers a wide variety of both clinical and research electives. All students participate in an individualized research program.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Unique Programs

Minority admissions: The school is strongly committed to and actively involved in the recruitment of minority applicants. Other degree programs: Combined MD-PhD programs are available in a number of disciplines. An overseas study program is available to selected applicants.

Admissions

Three years of college and the basic premedical science courses plus 1 year of mathematics and 1 semester each of humanities and behavioral science are required. Recommended courses include calculus, statistics, genetics, and sociology. Additional courses in the humanities and social sciences are also encouraged. Transfer and advanced standing: Transfer is possible from LCME-accredited institutions.

Students

Examinations may be written, oral, or practical. Grades of Honors, High Pass, Pass or Fail are determined by the faculty. The faculty is also responsible for recommendations for promotion and graduation. Students must take Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE and have a score reported in order to graduate. Teaching:The principal structure is the 9-story Medical Sciences Building and Hospital, which contains basic teaching facilities, clinical sciences facilities, the teaching hospital, and research laboratories. Other: The Animal Research Farm is used for both teaching and research. The Central Animal Quarters, located in the Medical Sciences Building, is designed for teaching and experimentation. A Biomedical Research Building provides space for faculty and students. Library: The Harrell Library serves the Medical Sciences Building and the teaching hospital. Holdings total more than 100,000 volumes. This includes more than 3200 medical history, humanities, and rare books. About 2000 journal titles are currently received. The library also contains a Library Learning Center and individual student study carrels. Housing: There are 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Pennsylvania State University-College of Medicine