Curriculum
The DO curriculum at KCOM is systems-based, patient-oriented, and multiple innovative learning models have been adopted throughout its evolution. Each course has numerous presentation styles including problem-based sessions, case-based presentations, web-based instruction, and small-group labs, workshops, and other activities in the first and second years. Osteopathic theory and methods are taught throughout the first two years, integrated through an interdependent alignment with basic science and clinical courses. Courses in the first two years prepare the student for the curriculum expected during the clinical rotation experience. Clinical curriculum, including didactics, labs, workshops, and osteopathic manipulative medicine, is delivered to students in regional sites during the third and fourth years.
The DO curriculum is designed as a linear curriculum; that is, students should successfully complete the schedule of courses offered in sequence during their first and second years of matriculation. To proceed through the curriculum, students must demonstrate successful completion of each prior section and each course contained within the section. Failure to do so is subject to Student Promotion Board consideration.
First and second years
Early first semester is devoted to the foundation of basic medical sciences, and then students spend the remainder of first and second year learning clinical medicine and the evidence supporting it. KCOM also includes clinical education courses and experiences as early as the first quarter of the first year. The first year of study includes a clerkship with a primary care physician. Osteopathic theory and methods are taught concurrently with the basic science and clinical courses during the first and second years. Sitting for the COMLEX-USA Level 1 exam is required before beginning clinical rotations.
Assessment during the first two years may include, but is not limited to, multiple-choice question exams, similar to the national board examinations that are comprehensive and integrated across content. In addition, performance assessment is used to assess student accomplishments, assess physical examination skills, osteopathic manipulation skills, interpersonal skills, and clinical skills. Many of the performance skills are assessed in KCOM’s Performance Assessment Center and the Human Patient Simulation Center. In addition, standardized tests similar to the national board examinations are used during the first two years to assess the teaching program and provide feedback to students to help them prepare for their required national board exams.
During the last 94 weeks of the academic program, students participate in clinical rotations at regional sites. The selection of rotation sites is by a confirmation of an electronic match and utilization of a personal statement. This match is held during the second year, and there is opportunity for students to trade regional sites after the initial match.
Third and fourth years
Student progress is assessed in a comprehensive exam at the end of the third year. This comprehensive assessment process includes a written knowledge examination and performance evaluation to assess specific clinical skills, in addition to interpersonal and clinical reasoning skills.
Assessment during a student’s core clinical rotations includes, but is not limited to, preceptor evaluations, end-of-rotation exams, and an end-of-year performance assessment. This includes an objective examination assessing the knowledge base specified by the College’s Educational Objectives for the core rotations, clinical skills performance assessment specified for core rotations, and standardized patient testing to assess interpersonal skills and clinical reasoning.
In addition, students are assessed on curriculum performance in oral case presentation, written case presentation, online modules, log entries, and journal club presentations.
For the post-core rotations (fourth year), the basic evaluation tools are the individual preceptor evaluation of a student’s performance on each rotation and performance on a written case presentation.
Students are required to take and pass the COMLEX series of examinations. More specific information regarding when these examinations must be completed is contained in the Student Assessment Plan Summaries (specific for each graduating class year) which can be found on the KCOM Students and the Academic and Clinical Educational Affairs web pages located on the ATSU portal.