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 (GME) 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-Rizk Hospital, Building B, 2nd floor, starting November 1, 2018. 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

• Foundations of Medicine 
• Endocrinology & Reproductive Medicine
• Hematology & Immunology
• Nephrology
• Pulmonary

Every module includes:

• Basic & clinical science
  • Anatomy
  • Histology
  • Pathology
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical sciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics
• Clinical skills
• Professional development & behavior
• Population health & social medicine

Year II

• Gastrointestinal
• Cardiovascular
• Musculoskeletal & Dermatology/Anatomy
• Neurosciences & Psychiatry

Every module includes:

•  Basic & clinical science
  • Anatomy
  • Histology
  • Pathology
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical sciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

• Clinical skills
• Professional development & behavior
• Population health & social medicine

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 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:

• Patient Care
• Knowledge for Practice
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• System-Based Practice
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Personal and Professional Development

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.

Year III

Core Clerkships:

• Introduction and Orientation to Clinical Years
• 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 Thread:

• Continuity Experience Program
• Longitudinal Themes
• Procedural Skills

Year IV

• Intensive Care Unit (4 weeks)
• Emergency Medicine (4 weeks)
• Medicine (4 weeks)
• Surgery (4 Weeks
• Anesthesiology & Rehabilitation (4 weeks)
• Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (2 weeks)
• Radiology (2 weeks)
• Otolaryngology (2 weeks)
• Ophthalmology (2 weeks)
• Electives (14 weeks)

Longitudinal Thread:

• Continuity Experience Program
• Procedural Skills

Graduate Medical Education (GME)

LAU Graduate Medical Education (GME) is currently running into its 7th year.  The scope of training has expanded to include 17 different specialties listed below with nearly 120 residents distributed among the various programs. 

• Anesthesia
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• Family Medicine
• General Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• OBGYN 
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics Otolaryngology
• Pathology
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Urology

Categorical and preliminary tracks are available in some specialties, such as, internal medicine and general surgery. In several others, such as anesthesia, dermatology, orthopedics, otolaryngology and radiology 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 (Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Practice Based Learning and Improvement, System Based Practice, Professionalism and Intercommunication Skills).  During their training, residents get trained and certified in BLS and ACLS.  They are monitored and assessed to ensure that they have acquired the requisite milestones.  During their training, residents get to be periodically assessed on their knowledge base and practical skills along with soft skills (communication and professionalism) 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-, Miliary Hospital, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Rafic Hariri University Hospital, as well as various dispensaries including Ajialouna, Hamidi and Makhzoumi Foundation where residents get the chance to have hands on experience and follow their own patients.

All data and resources pertaining to the LAU GME are available on our website (www.lau.edu.lb-Academics-School of Medicine-Graduate Medical Education) which is constantly updated.  There, you may find the application process posted including the required documents and the calendar showing the various deadlines and the actual application form. Interested applicants may start submitting the completed application forms at the GME office located at St. Charles Building, ground floor, facing LAU Medical Center- Rizk Hospital.  For further information, please contact Ms. Kayane Tashjian at the GME office on +961 1 200 800 ext.: 5837 or Ms. Hiba Moussa at ext.: 5843.