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Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Introduction

The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. There are 5 other medical education institutions besides the College of Medicine, namely colleges of Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy. The institution was founded in 1824 by the Medical Society of South Carolina, a Charleston medical organization, as the Medical College of South Carolina. In 1913 ownership of the school was transferred to the state of South Carolina, committing it to provide financial support as a public institution for health education.

Academics

4-year semimodern. First and second years: The curriculum during these years provides basic science concepts and problem-solving strategies, develops skills for taking adequate histories and physicals, and introduces students to the role of a physician in society. Emphasisisplacedonsmall-groupinstruction,withindependent, self-directed learning. Third year: Clinical core consists of 8 weeks of internal medicine, ob/gyn, pediatrics, family medicine and surgery, and 4-weeks each of clerkships. Emphasis is placed on the development of clinical, interpersonal, and professional competence. Duringthefourthyear:Studentstakeaminimumofeight 4-week rotations. The student is expected to take a clinicalexternshipandonemontheachofambulatorysurgery, psychiatry, internal medicine, and emergency medical/ critical care. The remaining three blocks are elective and can be taken at approved sites throughout the state and country.

Unique Programs

Minority admissions: The college has an active recruitment program directed by the College of Medicine Office of Diversity. It also conducts an 8-week Summer Health Careers Program for upper-level minority undergraduates matriculating in South Carolina colleges. Other degree programs: Currently, there are four combined degrees: MD-PhD (MSTP program), MDMHA, MD-MBA in conjunction with the Citadel, MD-MPH, in conjunction with the University of South Carolina.

Admissions

While there are no specific course requirements, adequate performance on the MCATpresupposes exposure to college-level basic premedical science courses. Students are advised to pursue any college studies that they find intellectually challenging and satisfying. Transfer and advanced standing: Due to space limitations in the upper classes, transfers considered only for special situations.

Students

A merit grading system is used. Passing Step 1 of the USMLE is required for advancement to the third year. Step 2 of the USMLE is required for graduation. Teaching: The college is in the center of a 45-acre medical complex. Clinical teaching is at the Medical University Hospital (510 beds),VAHospital (431 beds), Charleston Memorial Hospital (175 beds), Children’s Hospital (150 beds), and Psychiatric Institute (47 beds). Library: The MUSC Library is located in the Education/Library Building. The library’s on-line system offers access to a collection of more than 230,000 volumes, over 1700 electronic full-text journals, and various other resources and databases. Several Ovid databases, including MEDLINE and Current Contents, offer access to the content of thousands of journals with click-through links to full-text articles.

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