Curriculum Overview

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

A fundamental goal of the 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 of the School of Medicine have clinical exposure from their first year in the program. The integration of basic and clinical sciences helps consolidate information and clinical skills simultaneously.

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

Years I and II are comprised of nine system modules (see “curriculum timeline” on this page). Each module includes four themes:

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

In addition to 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 (LAU Medical Center–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 is 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.

Application

The application process is posted on the LAU School of Medicine-Graduate Medical Education webpage, which also lists the application form and required documents, as well as a calendar of deadlines. Interested applicants may submit the completed application forms to the GME Office located in LAU Medical Center-RH, Building B, 2nd floor, starting October 30, 2017. For further information please contact Ms. Kayane Tashjian, GME Office: +961 1 200 800, Ext: 5837 or 5843.

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.

Graduation Policies

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

• Pass all medicine years within the respective 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 & 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.

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 – Ophthalmology Psychiatry (4 weeks)

Longitudinal Spread:

• Continuity Experience Program

Residency Programs

LAU Graduate Medical Education (GME) is currently running into its 6th year.  The scope of training has expanded to include 15 different specialties listed below with nearly 90 residents distributed among the following programs:

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

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

Training is provided to students in line with ACGME requirements that aim at achieving the following six competencies: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Practice Based Learning and Improvement, System Based Practice, Professionalism, and Intercommunication Skills.  Residents get trained and certified in BLS and ACLS.  They are monitored and assessed with regard to the requisite milestones.  They are also assessed periodically on their knowledge base and practical skills, using various tools.

The primary training center for LAU residency programs is LAU Medical Center – Rizk Hospital located in Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon. Residents rotate within a network of affiliated hospitals and medical centers including Clemenceau Medical Center, Hospital of the Cross, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Rafic Hariri University Hospital, as well as various dispensaries including Ajialouna and Makhzoumi Foundation where they get hands-on experience and follow their own patients.