Our Courses

Participants in the Medical Scholars Program have the opportunity to take specialized courses that help develop their skills.

Healthcare Disparities — an Inland Empire Perspective

When: Spring quarter

Who: Upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) in the Medical Scholars Program

Credits: Students will earn two (2) units of credit

Course Description: This course will focus on learning about the current problem in the delivery of healthcare to underserved communities, particularly in the Inland Empire. Topics include:

• What are the major issues;
• What is currently being done; and
• What more is needed to be done.

Introduction to Problem-Based Learning

When: Winter Quarter

Who: Freshmen and sophomores in the Medical Scholars Program

Course Description: We will work through four clinical cases using a problem-based learning approach. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an active learning process that results from the process of working toward the understanding or resolution of a problem. Students must take an active role in PBL to discover what they need to learn, and the instructor serves as a guide for students.

A PBL case is presented in segments to simulate the way information is revealed in clinical encounters. After receiving each segment, students should identify critical information, generate a differential diagnosis, determine actions indicated from the information given, and determine what additional information is needed. After determining what additional information is needed to understand the case, each student will select a learning issue to be developed before the next session and prepare a 1-2 page write up of that learning issue to be shared with their classmates by email at least 24 hours before the second session.

Students should come to the second session prepared to discuss their write ups and review the case in light of the new information learned. Additional patient information is presented in the second session to wrap up that case.

Survival Skills for Students in the Medical Scholars Program

When: Fall Quarter

Who: Freshmen in the Medical Scholars Program

Credit: Students will receive one (1) unit of credit

Course Description: This course will focus on learning the necessary survival skills to succeed in college and preparing for a career in medicine or the allied health sciences. Students will make short oral presentations, write short essays, participate in round-table discussions, interview a faculty member, etc. Topics include how to:

• Talk to faculty;
• Effectively utilize the campus support resources;
• Research career opportunities;
• Tailor a 4-year college program to achieve that career goal;
• Manage your time effectively, and;
• Make yourself a better candidate for a career in medicine or the allied health sciences.