Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) Campuses

The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) offers a comprehensive Doctor of Medicine (MD) program designed to train physicians who prioritize health equity, population health, and compassionate care. The curriculum integrates foundational sciences with clinical practice from the outset, emphasizing evidence-based medicine and interprofessional collaboration.

• Foundational Sciences Phase (Years 1-2): This phase covers core biomedical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, and genetics. Courses like 'Molecules to Medicine' explore molecular biology and its clinical applications, while 'Systems Biology' delves into organ systems and disease mechanisms. Integrated learning modules use case-based approaches to connect basic science to patient care scenarios.
• Clinical Immersion Phase (Years 1-2): Students engage in early clinical experiences through 'Clinical Foundations,' introducing history-taking, physical exams, and patient communication. Longitudinal clerkships in primary care settings with Kaiser Permanente provide hands-on exposure to diverse patient populations.
• Core Clerkships (Year 3): Rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, family medicine, and emergency medicine build clinical competencies. Each clerkship includes didactic sessions, simulations, and assessments focusing on diagnostic reasoning and ethical decision-making.
• Advanced Studies and Electives (Year 4): Students select electives in subspecialties such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, and global health. A capstone project on health disparities research culminates the program, encouraging innovation in addressing social determinants of health.
• Interprofessional Education: Courses like 'Team-Based Care' and 'Health Systems Science' teach collaboration with nurses, pharmacists, and social workers. Emphasis on leadership, quality improvement, and population health management prepares graduates for value-based care models.
• Elective and Research Opportunities: Beyond core requirements, students pursue research in areas like preventive medicine, health policy, and medical informatics. Community health electives involve service-learning in underserved areas, aligning with KPSOM's mission to eliminate health inequities.

The program totals 168 weeks, blending classroom, lab, and clinical training. Assessments include OSCEs, shelf exams, and portfolio reviews. KPSOM's unique partnership with Kaiser Permanente ensures access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship, fostering physicians committed to lifelong learning and equitable healthcare delivery. This rigorous curriculum, spanning over 300 instructional hours per phase, equips students to excel in residency and beyond, with a focus on holistic patient care in a rapidly evolving medical landscape.