Department of Microbiology and Immunology faculty teach the statewide MD course, Host Defense, for first-year medical students. Developed as part of the new Phase 1 curriculum, Host Defense is an integrated course that covers the immune system, microbial pathogenesis, immunodeficiencies and immune-mediated pathologies as well as the relevant pharmacology and pathology associated with clinical infectious disease and immune-mediated disease. An advanced course in the pharmacology of infectious disease is being developed as an elective for fourth-year medical students.
MD students also receive immersive research experiences in the laboratories of departmental faculty, through programs supporting summer research opportunities, research electives and the MD-PhD (MSTP) program. As part of their training, MD students participate in departmental seminars and journal clubs and have the opportunity to gain teaching experience.