Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine Curriculum
MCW’s curriculum is a dynamic model that features multifaceted learning modalities – including classroom experiences led by nationally-recognized faculty, clinical experiences guided by expert mentors, peer-based small group interactions and opportunities for individualized career pursuits. It reflects the collaborative and enthusiastic development effort of basic scientists, clinicians, students and staff members to create an innovative curriculum that is geared toward producing exceptional and compassionate physicians prepared to practice medicine in the 21st century. It encourages students to think and act like physicians from “day one.”
Are you a new/prospective student?
MCW continues to embrace an innovative approach to academic medicine, wherein all MCW medical school students acquire the necessary skills to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of patient care and medical discovery. To that end, we are pleased to announce that in July 2023 we launched the new MCWfusion™ Curriculum, which provides medical students with a phased approach to ensure a comprehensive medical education.
Learn more about the MCWfusion Curriculum Are you an existing student?
Students who entered medical school prior to 2023 will complete their studies under the Discovery Curriculum. A number of current Discovery Curriculum courses have been reimagined and incorporated into the newly launched MCWfusion™ Curriculum, while other courses will sunset when the Discovery Curriculum is officially retired in 2026.
Learn more about the Discovery Curriculum Why did MCW change its Medical School curriculum?
Factors Influencing MCW's Curriculum Change
Feedback from our students and faculty identified opportunities for improvement within the Discovery Curriculum, including:
- Improved basic science and clinical integration
- Improved preparedness for clerkships during foundational sciences
- Improved readiness for residency from clerkship training
- Importance of well-being initiatives for all curriculum participants
- Recognition of data appraisal needs and application of knowledge, rather than simple fact recall
- Enhanced curricular collaboration opportunities across disciplines
MCWfusion Curriculum Development Process
The structural aspects of the new curriculum were created by input from faculty, staff, students, and faculty volunteers through the following mechanisms:
- Institutional and community stakeholder listening sessions
- Collaborative workgroups utilizing guidelines established by LCME
- Design Sprints involving various representatives of the MCW educational community in critical decisions
- Guidance from MCW's Curriculum Innovation Steering Committee
Curriculum Transition Example
This example highlights curriculum transition activities for the MCW-Milwaukee campus. Regional campuses are on a different time frame.
