M2 Behavioral Sciences curriculum

Essentials of Patient Care is a broad-based behavioral science course in which second-year medical students explore the social, psychological, legal and contextual factors that affect patients, physicians and the interactions between physicians and patients. The curriculum is based around four major content areas: the doctor, the patient, the larger system and doctor-patient interaction. These areas were selected because physician-patient relationships are the core foundation of medical care and are significantly impacted by the background, history and present status of the patient, the constraints and opportunities of the larger system and the degree of self-awareness and professionalization of the doctor.

M3 Psychiatry Clerkship

Clinical training in psychiatry is an integral component of medical education in Rockford. All M3s are required to spend eight weeks based at one of our primary training sites, either Rockford Memorial Hospital or Singer Mental Health Center. Additional training is offered at Mabley Developmental Center, RocVale Children’s Home, Stepping Stones, Rosecrance and University Psychiatric Services.

Clinical exposure can be diverse and is largely representative of the mental health services offered to the Rockford area. Students' experiences may include acute inpatient, child, adolescent, emergency and outpatient psychiatry, as well as exposure to developmental disabilities, addiction services and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In addition to on site activities, didactics include a core lecture series, and the Tuesday Morning Seminar where students research and present a topic for discussion.

The fundamentals of patient interviewing, diagnosis and risk assessment are emphasized throughout this rotation with the expectation that students will develop competency in these areas. Students are also introduced to a variety of individual and group psychotherapies, as well as commonly utilized treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy. It is hoped the students will learn therapeutic interpersonal skills that may be applied to any branch of the medical arts.