Academics

• A small class of 32 students a year allows close mentoring from a faculty culled from more than 2,700 Cleveland Clinic staff physicians and scientists.
• Students refine their skills as self-directed learners and critical thinkers in an interactive learning environment.
• The five year program (PDF) includes a 12-15 month master's level research thesis requirement.
• Students have access to graduate courses during substantial time allotted for independent study and are encouraged to pursue a master level degree (MS, MPH, MA) in addition to the MD Degree.
• Students graduate with "MD with Special Qualification in Biomedical Research" from CWRU.
• Each student has both a physician and a research advisor who work with the student to help ensure successful progress through the program.

• The curriculum provides a "graduate education in medicine."
• Teaching methods focus on interactive learning and application of knowledge, including problem-based learning (PBL), seminars, problem sets, electronic-based curriculum and labs. Formal lectures are few and discouraged.
• The research curriculum extends throughout the 5 years and includes hands-on research experience during the first two summers of school and for the 12-15 months research thesis project.
• The basic science curriculum is organ system-based, with traditional disciplines including anatomy/ histology, pathology, pharmacology, cell biology, physiology, immunology, infectious disease, oncology, ethics, bioinformatics, evidence-based medicine and genetics woven through every course.
• Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum beginning early in year 1.
• Get a better picture of our curriculum.
• Students are expected to attend and participate in all curriculum activities as part of their professional responsibility.
• A strong commitment has been made to our Humanities in Medicine program which is an innovative and unique method of teaching students to become a skillful and professional physician. This program includes performance-based arts and literative applications, interacting with our Art in Medicine Institute, and other creative programs.

Master's Degrees in selected areas can be coordinated with the medical school curriculum to enhance research skills and expertise.  Students in good standing can choose from several graduate programs. Students receive some credit toward the Master's Degree from courses taken as part of the MD Program.  Most programs require 3-7 extra courses, usually concentrated in the first two years.  Students are encouraged to develop a thesis project that satisfies the requirements of both the MD and Master's Degree programs.  The remaining Master's Degree requirements are integrated with the clinical and research program in years 3-5.  Most Master's Degree programs are designed to be completed during the 5-year CCLCM program at no extra cost; however, not all Master's programs can be completed within the 5 years.

• MD/MS Biomedical Investigation with tracks in Biochemistry, Clinical Research Scholars, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Nutrition, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physiology and Biotechnology
• MD/MPH
• MD/MA in Bioethics
• MD/MS in Biomedical Engineering