Xavier University School of Medicine – MD Program Overview
XUSOM offers a modern, integrated curriculum designed to prepare graduates for residency training in the United States and global medical practice. Our program combines strong foundational sciences, early clinical exposure, and professional development to train competent, compassionate, and community-responsible physicians.
The curriculum aligns with the University’s Mission, Vision, and Educational Objectives and emphasizes:
- Vertical integration – Basic and Clinical Sciences linked from day one.
- Horizontal integration – Interdisciplinary collaboration within Basic Sciences.
- ICMPD (Integrated Clinical Medicine and Physical Diagnosis) in every organ system.
- OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) for clinical skill development and assessment.
- CARE (CATCH-UP; ASSIST; REACH-OUT; EMBRACE) program – 32 hours of community engagement in preventive health, outreach, and service learning.
Program Structure
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is completed over four years:
- Years 1–2 (Basic Sciences) – Aruba campus
- Years 3–4 (Clinical Sciences) – Affiliated U.S. teaching hospitals
Basic Sciences (MD1 – MD6)
MD1 – Fundamental Concepts, Renal & Metabolic Systems (15 weeks)
Fundamental Concepts: Introduces the foundational sciences of medicine and prepares students for organ-system study.
Renal & Metabolic Systems: Kidney structure/function, renal handling of electrolytes, fluid balance, metabolic disorders.
Clinical Skills: Introduction to history taking, general physical examination, and recording of vital signs.
Patient–Doctor–Society I (PDS I) – epidemiology, biostatistics, critical appraisal of literature, early clinical exposure in local clinics.
Healthcare Quality Improvement I (HQI I) - Introduction to patient safety, quality principles, and IHI online modules.
MD2 – Musculoskeletal, Endocrine & Reproductive Systems (15 weeks)
Musculoskeletal System: Anatomy, physiology, and pathology of bones, joints, and muscles; molecular mechanisms of movement; pharmacologic management of disorders.
Endocrine & Reproductive Systems: Hormones, growth, stress physiology, mineral metabolism, reproduction, contraception, and endocrine pathophysiology.
Clinical Skills: Focused history taking and examination of the integumentary system, thyroid, and breast.
PDS II – advanced medical humanities, biostatistics, and epidemiology.
HQI II - Applying quality tools, root cause analysis, and ethical considerations.
MD3 – Nervous Systems (15 weeks)
Nervous System: Organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems, neural pathways, sensory/motor integration, autonomic control, neurological disorders.
Clinical Skills: Neurological history taking and examination; OSCE assessments.
PDS III – literature review, medical film screenings with discussion.
HQI III – Legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare quality.
MD4 – Gastrointestinal & Respiratory Systems (15 weeks)
Gastrointestinal System: Digestion, absorption, secretory functions, liver and pancreas physiology, gastrointestinal diseases.
Respiratory System: Mechanics of breathing, gas exchange, adaptation to altitude/pressure, respiratory diseases, ventilation management.
Clinical Skills: GI and respiratory history taking and examination; OSCE assessments.
PDS IV – advanced literature analysis, film-based case discussions.
HQI IV – Specialty-focused quality improvement in clinical care.
MD5 – Cardiovascular & Hematopoietic Systems (15 weeks)
Cardiovascular System: Cardiac anatomy/physiology, electrical conduction, hemodynamics, cardiovascular diseases, pharmacologic interventions.
Hematopoietic System: Blood cell formation, immunity, transfusion medicine, hematologic disorders.
Clinical Skills: Cardiovascular history taking and examination; OSCE assessments.
PDS V – hospital exposure, applying clinical skills with real patients.
HQI V – Specialty-focused quality improvement in clinical care.
MD6 – USMLE Step 1 Preparation & Transition to Clinical Sciences (15 weeks)
Dedicated semester for exam readiness and clinical transition. Includes:
- Comprehensive review of all basic sciences
- Kaplan Step 1 live online review program (275+ hours of lectures, integrated cases, NBME assessments)
- OSCE examination to assess cumulative clinical skills from MD1–MD5 (CCSA-1)
- Training in Basic Life Support (BLS)
Objective: Ensure students are fully prepared for the USMLE Step 1 and clinical clerkships in the U.S.
Clinical Sciences
Cohort A – Curriculum prior to August 2025 (84 Weeks)
Year 3 (60 weeks)
- Pre-Clinical Clerkship – 12 weeks
- Core Clerkships – 48 weeks:
- Internal Medicine (12)
- Surgery (12)
- Family Practice (6)
- OB/GYN (6)
- Pediatrics (6)
- Psychiatry (6)
Year 4 (24 weeks)
- Elective Clerkships – 24 weeks (various specialties)
- Optional Sub-Internships – Additional 12 weeks
Fig.1: Curriculum – Cohort A
Cohort B – Revised Curriculum effective August 2025 (76 Weeks)
Year 3 (52 weeks)
- Pre-Clinical Clerkship – 4 weeks
- Core Clerkships – 48 weeks:
- Internal Medicine (12)
- Surgery (12)
- Family Practice (6)
- OB/GYN (6)
- Pediatrics (6)
- Psychiatry (6)
Year 4 (24 weeks)
- Elective Clerkships – 24 weeks
- Optional Sub-Internships – Up to 12 weeks
Fig.2: Curriculum – Cohort B
Note: Students starting clinical rotations before Fall 2025 will follow the 84-week curriculum. Students starting in Fall 2025 or later will follow the 76-week curriculum.
Last Updated: August 2025