M3 Clerkship
Welcome to the Internal Medicine Clerkship. The IM Clerkship is an intensive eight-week experience in which medical students perform clinical duties at either VCU Health Medical Center or the Richmond VA Medical Center. Students serve as active members of high-performing medical teams that include attending physicians, fellows, residents, and other healthcare professionals. Clinical education occurs through direct patient care, emphasizing the development of clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills. The learning experience is further enhanced by weekly Internal Medicine resident conferences, departmental Grand Rounds, and didactic sessions consisting of knowledge and clinical skills, clinical reasoning, and student-led case conferences.
Welcome
M3 Clerkship Director: Patrick Fadden, MD, FACP
Welcome from the M3 Clerkship Director
M3 Clerkship
Resources
- Gather relevant HPI and historical patient information based on the patient's presenting condition in the care of patients presenting with acute, chronic, or preventative healthcare needs.
- Perform an accurate, relevant physical examination in the care of patients presenting with acute healthcare needs.
- Analyze available data and pertinent patient information to develop and refine a prioritized differential diagnosis.
- Apply knowledge of underlying epidemiology and mechanisms of disease to develop a comprehensive management plan, including the selection of appropriate screening and diagnostic tests, pharmacologic and other therapeutic interventions.
- Communicate clinical reasoning in oral and written format that is organized, concise, and clear, promoting effective and efficient care.
- Competently interpret routine procedures, and understand the components of informed consent, including identification of the indications, risks, limitations, justifications, and complications of these procedures.
- Provide clinical care with respect for the privacy, dignity, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors of patients and their families to promote shared decision making.
- Employ clear, collaborative communication with patients and their family members, and members of the interprofessional healthcare team, creating an inclusive, respectful environment in both educational and clinical settings.
- Demonstrate ethical decision making, honesty, integrity, accountability, and responsibility, fulfilling the professional obligations of a physician in all interactions with patients, their families, colleagues, and members of the educational and healthcare teams.
- Utilize evidence-based medicine to answer clinical questions and promote high value care.
- Facilitate the ongoing development of self and others through the identification of personal strengths and limitations, proactive solicitation and provision of feedback, and incorporation of self-directed learning opportunities.
- Analyze the biopsychosocial factors that influence a patient’s health, risk of disease, ability to adhere to established care plans, and response to therapeutic interventions.
- Utilize technology to obtain patient information, optimize patient care, and provide patients and their families with appropriate educational materials.
- Understand the interaction of the various components of the healthcare delivery system to ensure the continuity and coordination of patient care, optimize outcomes, and deliver high value care.
Contacts
M3 Clerkship
Clerkship Director
Patrick Fadden, MD, FACP
Email: patrick.fadden@vcuhealth.org
Associate Clerkship Director
Sarah Street, MD, PhD
Email: sarah.street@vcuhealth.org
M3 Medicine Clerkship Administrator
Katelyn Acree, MBA
Email: katelyn.acree1@vcuhealth.org