The fifth semester at Avalon University School of Medicine serves as a bridge between the Basic Medical Sciences and the Clinical Sciences. This semester has three main components: Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM), Getting into Residency (GIR), and KAPLAN review. Our fifth semester is 8-weeks in duration and is conducted in Youngstown, Ohio.
The Fifth Semester always begins on the Monday following the start of classes in Curaçao.
Credits are awarded as follows:
• ICM – 8 credit hours
• GIR - 2 credit hours
• USMLE Review – 12 credit hours
In addition, we also cover the following topics by lectures throughout the MD 5 semester to assist the students as they begin through the Clinical Phase of their education.
• Basic Life Saving/CPR Certification
• Certification in Blood Borne Pathogens
• HIPPA Certification
• Applying to the USMLE Step Exams
Below is an Outline of the 5th semester components:
Orientation to MD 5 & Clinicals:
Students are to report to the US admission office at 10:00 am on the first day. During orientation, students are given an overview of the 5th semester schedule, and are given an introduction to the Clinical Sciences by our Chief Clinical Coordinator, Ms. Schultz. Students are advised of Clinical requirements, and are given the Clinical Science handbook.
ICM Sessions:
Students are all together with physician preceptor in the office, and are being given instruction on patient interactions. Students are provided with practical experience in History and Physical taking, Charting, and general office guidelines for patient contact.
We have preceptors in four disciplines who work with the students. The exposure to the different specialties allows the students to see how to tailor the clinical techniques based on the varying patient groups, and also allows them to experience multiple physician techniques on interviewing, presentation, and history gathering. Students will work through the specialties of OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and General Surgery. Lectures are also given by the preceptors to explain the differences in the specialties and their approach.
Students are divided up into smaller groups with the preceptors to work through actually applying the clinical skills. Preceptor assignments will be discussed at orientation. Preceptors will work with the students individually to evaluate and refine patient contact skills. Hours are assigned by the Precepting physicians. At the conclusion of the course, students are given an evaluation of their performance during ICM, and a grade is awarded.
KAPLAN:
We have a representative on site from KAPLAN to administer a diagnostic exam with all the students. This serves to test the Basic Science knowledge, and provide the students with feedback on strengths/weaknesses in regards to preparation for the USMLE. Students are also given Kaplan materials and login access information for the KAPLAN Web Prep option.
Upon the results of the diagnostic exams being provided, students are able to log into the online web based Kaplan system to begin preparing for the USMLE. Included in the Kaplan materials are the following:
• 80 hours of online lectures
• Full Length simulated exam
• 3 month access to Kaplan Qbank
• Complete set of Kaplan step 1 notes
• Step 1 QBook with 850 practice questions
Students are required to submit a log of Kaplan time allocated.
Students are able to access the KAPLAN materials for a period of 6 months.
Getting into Residency:
Students are given an overview of the residency application process via a 3 part series of lectures given by Ms. Schultz. Topics to be covered during the lecture series include gearing your rotations toward residency, researching of hospitals/programs, submitting your residency application through ERAS, submission of documents, resources to utilize throughout the application process and interview skills and techniques.
Please direct any questions surrounding Fifth Semester to our Chief Clinical Coordinator, Ms. Kimberly Schultz.
