Family Medicine Clerkship

The Family Medicine Clerkship (FMC) is a required four-week clinical rotation for third-year medical students. The FMC provides opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes required to approach a patient and their diagnoses in the primary care setting.

The clerkship introduces students to the principles and practice of Family Medicine, and how family physicians provide for the ongoing medical needs of their patients within the context of the family and community setting. Students will meet patients who present with acute medical problems, those who are chronically ill, those who may need preventive health education, and those who may simply be seeking the support of their physician to cope with the trials and stresses of everyday life. Students will learn how to focus on discrete portions of a patient’s medical history and physical concerns within the confines of the patient’s total health. Most importantly, students will see patients interacting with their personal physician and witness firsthand the therapeutic power of the doctor-patient relationship.