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 Curriculum
The Basic Sciences curriculum at Xavier University School of Medicine is delivered through an integrated organ-system–based model that combines foundational biomedical sciences with clinical medicine, physical diagnosis, professionalism, and healthcare quality improvement. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, early clinical exposure, and preparation for the USMLE Step 1 examination.
A. Curriculum for Cohorts Matriculating Prior to Summer 2026
The previous pre-clinical curriculum was completed over six semesters (MD1–MD6).
MD1 – Fundamental Concepts, Renal & Metabolic Systems (15 Weeks)
Fundamental Concepts
Introduction to the foundational sciences of medicine including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, and pharmacology.
Renal & Metabolic Systems
- Kidney structure and function
- Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance
- Renal physiology and pathology
- Metabolic disorders
Clinical Skills
- Introduction to history taking
- General physical examination
- Recording of vital signs
Longitudinal Courses
- Patient–Doctor–Society I (PDS I)
- Healthcare Quality Improvement I (HQI I)
MD2 – Musculoskeletal, Endocrine & Reproductive Systems (15 Weeks)
Musculoskeletal System
- Bones, joints, and muscles
- Movement physiology
- Musculoskeletal pathology and pharmacology
Endocrine & Reproductive Systems
- Hormonal regulation
- Growth and metabolism
- Reproductive physiology and pathology
Clinical Skills
- Focused history taking
- Examination of thyroid, breast, and musculoskeletal systems
Longitudinal Courses
- PDS II
- HQI II
MD3 – Nervous System (15 Weeks)
Nervous System
- Neuroanatomy
- Neural pathways
- Sensory and motor systems
- Neurological disorders
Clinical Skills
- Neurological history and examination
- OSCE assessments
Longitudinal Courses
- PDS III
- HQI III
MD4 – Gastrointestinal & Respiratory Systems (15 Weeks)
Gastrointestinal System
- Digestion and absorption
- Liver and pancreatic physiology
- Gastrointestinal diseases
Respiratory System
- Mechanics of breathing
- Gas exchange
- Respiratory diseases and ventilatory management
Clinical Skills
- Gastrointestinal and respiratory examination
- OSCE assessments
Longitudinal Courses
- PDS IV
- HQI IV
MD5 – Cardiovascular & Hematopoietic Systems (15 Weeks)
Cardiovascular System
- Cardiac anatomy and physiology
- Hemodynamics and electrophysiology
- Cardiovascular disorders
Hematopoietic System
- Hematopoiesis and immunity
- Blood disorders
- Transfusion medicine
Clinical Skills
- Cardiovascular examination
- OSCE assessments
Longitudinal Courses
- PDS V
- HQI V
MD6 – USMLE Step 1 Preparation & Transition to Clinical Sciences (15 Weeks)
Dedicated semester focused on integration and transition to clinical sciences.
Components Include:
- Comprehensive review of all organ systems
- Kaplan USMLE Step 1 review program
- NBME assessments
- Integrated clinical case discussions
- Comprehensive OSCE (CCSA-1)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Objective
Preparation for:
- USMLE Step 1
- Clinical clerkships
- Transition to patient-centered clinical care
B. Revised Curriculum for Cohorts Matriculating from Summer 2026
Beginning Summer 2026, the Basic Sciences curriculum is delivered over five semesters (MD1–MD5). Foundational sciences are fully integrated into organ-system instruction throughout the curriculum.
MD1 – Musculoskeletal, Endocrine & Reproductive Systems (15 Weeks)
Musculoskeletal System
- Structure and function of bones, joints, and muscles
- Movement physiology
- Musculoskeletal pathology and therapeutics
Endocrine System
- Hormonal regulation and signaling
- Growth, metabolism, and stress physiology
- Endocrine disorders and pharmacologic management
Reproductive System
- Reproductive anatomy and physiology
- Embryology and reproductive endocrinology
- Fertility, contraception, and reproductive pathology
Clinical Skills
- Introduction to medical interviewing
- General physical examination
- Focused musculoskeletal and endocrine examination
Longitudinal Courses
- Patient–Doctor–Society I (PDS I)
- Healthcare Quality Improvement I (HQI I)
MD2 – Nervous & Renal Systems (15 Weeks)
Nervous System
- Central and peripheral nervous systems
- Neuroanatomy and neural pathways
- Sensory and motor integration
- Neurological disorders
Renal System
- Renal anatomy and physiology
- Fluid and electrolyte balance
- Acid-base regulation
- Renal pathology and pharmacology
Clinical Skills
- Neurological examination
- Renal-focused clinical correlations
- OSCE assessments
Longitudinal Courses
- PDS II
- HQI II
MD3 – Gastrointestinal & Respiratory Systems (15 Weeks)
Gastrointestinal System
- Digestion and absorption
- Hepatic and pancreatic physiology
- Nutrition and metabolism
- Gastrointestinal diseases
Respiratory System
- Pulmonary physiology
- Gas exchange and oxygen transport
- Respiratory diseases and ventilatory management
Clinical Skills
- Gastrointestinal and respiratory history taking
- Physical examination
- OSCE assessments
Longitudinal Courses
- PDS III
- HQI III
MD4 – Cardiovascular & Hematopoietic Systems (15 Weeks)
Cardiovascular System
- Cardiac anatomy and physiology
- Hemodynamics and electrophysiology
- Cardiovascular pathology and therapeutics
Hematopoietic System
- Hematopoiesis and immunology
- Blood disorders and transfusion medicine
- Hematologic malignancies
Clinical Skills
- Cardiovascular examination
- Interpretation of clinical findings
- OSCE assessments
Longitudinal Courses
- PDS IV
- HQI IV
MD5 – Comprehensive Review & Transition to Clinical Sciences (15 Weeks)
The final semester focuses on integration, consolidation, and preparation for clinical sciences.
Components Include:
- Comprehensive review of all organ systems
- Kaplan USMLE Step 1 preparation program
- NBME-style assessments
- Integrated clinical case discussions
- Clinical reasoning and diagnostic integration
- Evidence-based medicine and test-taking strategies
Clinical Skills
- Comprehensive OSCE examination (CCSA-1)
- Advanced clinical communication
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Objective
Preparation for:
- USMLE Step 1
- Clinical clerkships in affiliated U.S. teaching hospitals
- Transition to clinical practice
Clinical Sciences
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
Last Updated: May 2026