Curriculum

The humanities and ethics courses at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio are integrated into all four years of the Medical School curriculum. They are required courses and clinical in their orientation.

Beginning with their first day of medical school, students are exposed to selections in the humanities that broaden and deepen their view of life and death and demonstrate the experience of illness. Sessions related to their classroom studies in the second year and clinical experiences in their third year increase their awareness. A major segment late in their final year is designed to reinforce their roles as caring physicians and to prepare them for their transition to residency and major hospital and clinic responsibilities.

Small Group Discussionsf1Small group discussions are opportunities for reflection and demonstrate the power of shared narrative. Approximately half the course hours are spent in these small group sessions numbering 10-15 participants, each with one or two faculty preceptors. Over 50 faculty members and community professionals serve as volunteer small group instructors.