Integrated Curriculum in Medical Education
Threads & Areas of Focus
Integrated Medical Education
The HEALS Curriculum is comprised of longitudinal, integrated threads and areas of focus that are woven across all phases of the Doctor of Medicine program.
Threads are essential content areas connected to the graduation competencies of the David Geffen School of Medicine. Each thread's topics are developmentally sequenced and integrated within the curriculum. This careful sequencing and transparency ensure that the content is consistently monitored and flows smoothly throughout all phases of the curriculum, providing medical students with a comprehensive and enriching experience.
HEALS Curriculum Threads:
Ethics and Humanities
Focuses on developing physicians who practice patient-centered, just, and humanistic medicine through critical thinking, ethical communication, and professional development.
Health Equity
Equips students with knowledge and skills to address health disparities and provide high-quality, equitable care for all patients.
Additional Curricular Areas of Focus:
Integrative Medicine
Blends conventional and complementary therapies to support whole-person health, emphasizing evidence-based practices like acupuncture, yoga, and mindfulness.
Interprofessional Health and Team-Based Care
Prepares students to work effectively in team settings by exploring interprofessional practice, roles, responsibilities, and teamwork dynamics.
LGBTQ+ Health Education
Focuses on understanding and addressing the health needs of gender-diverse and LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing inclusive health screenings and primary care.
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Medical students develop skills, expertise, and confidence using an invaluable diagnostic tool that improves patient outcomes and precision of care.
Physician Leadership and Discovery
Emphasizes professionalism, lifelong learning, and scholarship, integrating self-assessment, goal setting, reflective practice, and empathy.