Undergraduate Medical Education at the SOM
The UCR School of Medicine's unique Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) curriculum prepares our students for distinguished careers in clinical practice, teaching, and research.
This site contains information about and resources for the UME program for students, faculty and staff.
For more information, contact ume@medsch.ucr.edu
About our Curriculum
The curriculum in the first two years integrates the science of human biology and disease, recognizing that medicine is a multi-faceted discipline that pulls simultaneously from many aspects of basic, clinical, health systems and behavioral sciences to focus on the medical concerns of individual patients. Years 1 and 2 also introduces students to fundamental clinical skills. Instruction is driven by cases explored in small groups, laboratories, conferences, clinical skills workshops, and independent study.
There are five instructional blocks in the first year, focusing primarily on an integrated approach to human biological systems. Also in year 1, students will begin their three-year Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience where they participate in the care of patients under the supervision of a physician-mentor.
In year 2, there are four instructional blocks, focusing on disease processes using the same organizational model as in year 1 with five modules and curricular threads in each block course, followed by a one-week integrative assessment module.
Third year students have an educational experience in the core areas of medicine, surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, psychiatry, neurology and emergency medicine at medical centers and hospitals in Inland Southern California.
In the fourth year, students complete two core selectives in critical care medicine and a sub-internship, five one-month elective experiences, a radiology course, and transition to residency course.
Meet our Team
The Undergraduate Medical Education program is overseen by Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Pablo Joo, M.D. , assisted by the Executive Associate Dean for Pre-Clerkship Medical Education, Associate Dean for Clinical Medical Education, Associate Dean for Pre-Clerkship Medical Education, Associate Dean for Clinical Skills Education and Innovation, Associate Dean for Medical Education Quality, and Associate Dean for Assessment and Evaluation.
Our course and clerkship coordinators facilitate all aspects of the medical education program.
Designated Emphasis Programs
Designated Emphasis Programs (DE) are four-year programs that allow medical students to explore specialized areas. DE programs are made up of selectives as well as other non-course requirements.