Pre-Clerkship Curriculum

student in classroom smiling with laptop, other students visible in background

WVSOM has redesigned its pre-clerkship curriculum to emphasize health and wellness in addition to teaching about the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The new curriculum structure fosters a positive learning environment for diverse learners, with a focus on student wellness. Establishing healthy habits in medical school can help to prevent burnout later in physicians’ careers.

During the first two years, students complete eight organ-system-based course blocks designed to provide the strong basic science foundation needed for the practice of osteopathic medicine.

student and instructor work on student-patient laying on table
stitched thread leading to needle

The Health and Wellness thread helps students learn pertinent nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and prevention content to treat existing illnesses and to help their patients “find health.”

Health and Wellness logo compiled in semi-cross of multiple posters featuring - whole grains, walks in fresh air, vegetables, positivity, fruit, fitness, water, mindfulness and daily life.
stitched thread leading to needle

To achieve the highest level of integration, longitudinal Clinical Skills and Osteopathic Principles and Practice courses are synchronized with this sequence of system course blocks.

The new curriculum affords students a one-week break after each course block. During these eight “flex weeks,” students can choose to take vacation or a short elective course. All course exams take place on Fridays, so that students can have a “golden weekend,” free from studying.

To ensure that all students can reach their potential, WVSOM’s courses utilize a dynamic balance of guided independent learning activities coupled with in-class activities as well as hands-on labs, group learning opportunities and practical application experiences where students apply what they have learned.

Course Schedule

Year 1

  • First Semester
    • Essentials of Osteopathic Medicine 1
    • Flex Week
    • Essentials of Osteopathic Medicine 2
    • Flex Week
  • Second Semester
    • Nervous System and Mental Health
    • Flex Week
    • Hematologic Circulatory System
    • Flex Week

Year 2

  • First Semester
    • Respiratory System
    • Flex Week
    • Endocrine and Gastrointestinal System
    • Flex Week
    • Renal System
    • Flex Week
  • Second Semester
    • Human Development, Reproduction and Sexual Health
    • Flex Week
    • Capstone and Board Exams

Clinical Skills + Osteopathic Principles and Practices parallel course blocks throughout years one and two.

Key Features

A Schedule That Fosters Wellness

  • Designed to emphasize health and wellness in addition to teaching about diagnosis and treatment of disease.
  • Positive learning environment for diverse learners, with a focus on student wellness.
  • Organ-system-based course blocks to provide a strong basic science foundation.
  • Didactic sessions take place Monday–Thursday mornings.
  • Fridays are reserved for medical simulation learning activities and final course exams.
  • A one-week break is incorporated after each course.