Inspired by Dr. Glenda Lindsey, a pediatrician and CDU faculty member who was a visionary in medical education, the MD curriculum is structured into three phases.
Phase One: Pre-Clerkship (22 months)
The first nine months focus on the foundational sciences – anatomy, pathology, and related disciplines – establishing a strong base for understanding human organ systems.
In the following nine months, students deepen their knowledge through integrated study of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical applications across organ systems, preparing them for clinical rotations and the National Board Medical Examinations.
During the second nine months of Phase One, students take a deep dive into the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical applications of each organ system with content necessary to care for patients on clinical rotations and to take the National Board Medical Examinations.
Phase One also launches three longitudinal, four-year courses that form the backbone of CDU’s curriculum:
- Medicine and Society: Examines the physician’s role in modern U.S. society, emphasizing leadership, advocacy, and health policy.
- Clinical Skills: Small-group instruction focused on developing essential clinical competencies.
- Research: Introduces students to research mentors and guides them in developing projects that culminate in a research proposal and final presentation.
Phase Two: Clerkship (12 months)
In the third year, students complete core clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals and clinics, gaining hands-on experience across major medical disciplines:
- Internal Medicine (12 weeks)
- Family Medicine (4 weeks)
- Surgery (10 weeks)
- Psychiatry (4 weeks)
- Neurology (4 weeks)
- Emergency Medicine (2 weeks)
- Procedures Course (1 week)
- Pediatrics (6 weeks)
- Obstetrics/Gynecology (6 weeks)
Students are paired with preceptors aligned with their subspecialty interests to explore potential career paths.
Phase Three: Residency Preparation (12 months)
The final phase focuses on career readiness and advanced clinical experience. Students complete sub-internships, senior electives, and advanced rotations – totaling at least 20 weeks – primarily in their intended specialty areas, as well as in critical care and acute care medicine.
This phase culminates in the Capstone Research Presentation during the fourth year.
Learning Communities
Each student belongs to one of four Learning Communities named after distinguished physician-advocates. Through these communities, students receive academic coaching, mentorship, and participate in social and professional development activities.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Medicine program has received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and is on track to achieve full accreditation upon the graduation of its inaugural class in 2027.
