Classroom Experiences

During the Foundations phase, you’ll learn scientific principles fundamental to the practice of medicine, explore ethical and professionalism issues, start to develop your history-taking and physical examination skills, and begin to understand the pathophysiological basis for disease.

Goals of the Foundations Phase

  • Provide a solid foundation in the basic medical sciences
  • Show the importance of basic sciences in the practice of medicine
  • Provide a solid foundation in pathophysiology
  • Introduce you to an evidence-based approach to decision making
  • Provide a foundation for future independent learning
  • Teach you to identify, retrieve, and assess the biomedical literature
  • Provide an introduction to patient care
  • Help you develop your clinical skills to the level needed for clinical coursework
  • Adhere to the highest standard of integrity and honesty in all professional relationships 

Learning Formats 

Each course has a unique blend of learning formats. In these courses, you will:

  • Be part of large group active learning sessions
  • Participate in hands-on activities
  • Hone your clinical skills by working with standardized patients and models in a variety of simulation settings
  • Interact with classmates and specialized facilitators in small group settings
  • Engage with online active learning modules

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Assistant Dean for Foundational Curriculum   
Jessamina Blum, PhD, MEd 
[email protected]

Foundational Curriculum Director   
Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg, MEd 
[email protected]

Curriculum Operations Manager   
Elle Fasteland, MBA  
[email protected]

Instructional Design Team   
Patrick Eidsmo - [email protected] 
Adam Maier, MEd - [email protected]  
Megan Usset, MEd - [email protected] 

Course Management Team
Jared Brask - [email protected] 
Cole Fisher - [email protected]  
Pia Richardson - [email protected]   
Sara Roberts - [email protected] 
Monica Rogers - [email protected]