Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Today, applicants can choose from three paths to obtain a medical degree at Case Western Reserve University: the University Program, the College Program (Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University), and the Medical Scientist Training Program. Students in all three programs: are introduced to clinical work and patients almost as soon as they arrive on campus. learn medicine using an integrated, organ system-based approach. are treated as junior colleagues by faculty members. are taught the science of medicine infused with the skills of communication and compassion. learn how to learn, a skill they will call on throughout their careers in the quickly changing field of medicine. Expectations for Personal and Professional Characteristics Students are evaluated on knowledge base, clinical skills and professional behavior and attitudes. The following characteristics are evaluated throughout the medical curriculum, and students are expected to adhere to these standards in both their academic and personal pursuits: Interpersonal relationships: Provides supportive, educational and empathetic interactions with patients and families, and is able to interact effectively with "difficult" patients. Demonstrates respect for and complements roles of other professionals, and is cooperative, easy to work with, commanding respect of the health care team. Initiative: Independently identifies tasks to be performed and makes sure that tasks are completed. Performs duties promptly and efficiently, and is willing to spend additional time, assume new responsibilities, and able to recognize the need for help and ask for guidance when appropriate. Dependability: Completes tasks promptly and well. Present on time and actively participates in clinical and didactic activities. Always follows through and is exceptionally reliable. Attitude: Is actively concerned for others. Maintains a positive outlook toward assigned tasks. Recognizes and admits mistakes. Seeks and accepts criticism, using it to improve performance. Integrity and honesty: Demonstrates integrity. Is honest in professional encounters. Adheres to professional ethical standards. Tolerance: Demonstrates exceptional ability to accept people and situations. Acknowledges her or his biases and does not allow them to affect patient care. Function under stress: Consistently maintains professional composure and exhibits good clinical judgment in stressful situations. Appearance: Always displays an appropriate professional appearance. Graduation A medical student who has satisfactorily met the standards and achievement levels for the core competencies of the medical school program in which he or she is enrolled may be granted the degree of doctor of medicine (MD) by Case Western Reserve University, provided that: He or she has been registered at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine for at least four academic years, (five years for the College Program) or has transferred to the University Program after two years at another accredited medical school. The Committee on Students for the University Program or the Medical Student Promotions and Review Committee for the College Program approves his or her record of performance, and the faculty recommends him or her to the trustees for graduation. He or she has discharged all financial obligations to the university and to the program in which he or she is enrolled. He or she has taken the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2 and the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination, and has obtained a minimum passing score on the examinations as determined by the USMLE Composite Committee.