Curriculum Overview

The Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine is proud to be the first in Lebanon to adopt a modern curriculum that is outcome-based, robust, and dynamic with integration of basic and clinical sciences.

A fundamental goal of our curriculum is to equip students with the skills and attitudes required to become independent life-long learners, problem solvers and critical thinkers. With the exponential growth in medical knowledge, it is vital to focus on teaching students how to learn, rather than on imparting a huge body of information.

Students will have clinical exposure from the first year. The integration of basic and clinical sciences will help consolidate information and clinical skills simultaneously.

Other features of our program are community-based learning, promotion of research and evidence-based practice, and a special emphasis on communication skills, teamwork, attitudes, ethics and professionalism.

Years I and II comprise nine system modules (see “curriculum timeline” on this page). Each module is delivered in four themes:

1. Basic and clinical science
2. Clinical skills
3. Professional development and behavior
4. Population health and social medicine

In addition to the traditional lectures and bedside teaching, new learning modalities are utilized, such as simulators and simulation labs, virtual teaching, small-group teaching, peer-assisted teaching, problem-based classes, and computer and internet-assisted learning. Students are provided with a study guide for each module that has all the needed information, including learning objectives, themes, and measures of success.

Years III and IV correspond to clinical clerkships in healthcare facilities, mainly the LAU University Medical Center–Rizk Hospital (LAUMC–RH). In Year III, students rotate in seven core clerkships, while in Year IV, they have a more flexible schedule with elective and selective rotations. Integration of basic and clinical sciences are ensured through common class activities on a weekly basis.

At the end of the clinical years, students are able to perform with proficiency and demonstrate mastery of core competencies, which constitute the cornerstone of the clinical curriculum. These include:

• The physician as a scientist
• The physician as a communicator
• The physician as a care giver
• The physician as an advocate
• The physician as a professional

Teaching during the clinical years depends on patient encounters and interaction with the healthcare team. Small and large group teaching, case discussions, rounds, tutorials, problem-based learning, practice on simulation models, bedside teaching, outpatient clinics, journal clubs, in addition to other teaching activities are offered to students during their clinical rotations.

Curriculum Timeline

Year I

Year II

Year III

Core Clerkships:

• Introduction
• Internal Medicine (8 weeks)
• Surgery (8 weeks)
• Pediatrics (8 weeks)
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (8 weeks)
• Psychiatry (4 weeks)
• Primary Care (4 weeks)
• Neurology (4 weeks)

Longitudinal Spread:

• Continuity Experience Program
• Cross-Clerkship Interdisciplinary Curriculum
• Longitudinal Themes

Year IV

• Electives (20 weeks)
• Selectives (8 weeks)
• Anesthesiology – Pathology (4 weeks)
• Intensive Care Unit (4 weeks)
• Emergency Medicine (4 weeks)
• Otolaryngology – OphthalmologyPsychiatry (4 weeks)

Longitudinal Spread:

• Continuity Experience Program

Residency Programs

LAU Graduate Medical Education (GME) started accepting applicants into its various residency programs in 2013. There are fifteen residency programs in the following specialties:

1. Internal Medicine
2. Neurology
3. Neurosurgery
4. Ophthalmology
5. Radiology
6. Anesthesia
7. General Surgery
8. Orthopedics
9. Urology
10. Dermatology
11. OBGYN
12. Pediatrics
13. Psychiatry
14. Emergency Medicine
15. Family Medicine

Both categorical and preliminary tracks are available in some specialties mentioned above, such as internal medicine and surgery. In several others, such as orthopedics, radiology and anesthesia, a rotating year is required prior to joining the concerned specialty.

In our training, we aspire to comply with ACGME requirements targeting the attainment of its six competencies. During their training, residents are monitored and assessed to ensure that they have acquired the requisite milestones.

The primary training center for LAU residency programs is LAUMC-RH located in Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon. Residents rotate within a network of affiliated hospitals and medical centers including Mount Lebanon Hospital, Clemenceau Medical Center, Rafic Hariri University Hospital, as well as various dispensaries.

The application process is posted on the LAU School of Medicine-Graduate Medical Education webpage, which also lists the required documents, the calendar and various deadlines, and the actual application form. Interested applicants may submit the completed application forms to the GME Office located in LAUMC-RH, Building B, 2^nd floor, starting November 30, 2016. For further information please contact Ms. Kayane Tashjian, GME Office: +961 1 200 800, Ext: 5837 or 5843.

Graduation Policies

In order to be eligible for graduation, a student must:

• Pass all medicine years within the respected time limit set for the MD program at LAU,
• Demonstrate satisfactory completion of all assigned remedial work,
• Demonstrate compliance with policies and code of conduct, and
• Obtain clearance for graduation from the Library, Registrar’s office, Athletics, Department, Dorms and Clinical Facilities.

Duration of the MD Program

Students will not be allowed to spend more than 6 years at LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine from matriculation to graduation. This time will not include approved Leave of Absence. If timely completion of the MD degree requirements is in jeopardy, the Student Promotion Board will meet and request a plan from the student with a timeline to complete these requirements. If the student does not meet this time limit, he/she may not be granted the MD degree.

Admission

The medical program has a distinct admission process and particular eligibility criteria. Please see M.D. Admission Requirements for more information.

Merit Scholarships

The school offers a number of full and partial scholarships to the best applicants, based on certain guidelines. Please see Merit Scholarships for more information.