Clinical Education | PCOM Clinical Clerkship Program
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Clinical Education 
PCOM Clinical Clerkship Program

The clinical clerkship program provides third- and fourth-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students with the opportunity to examine, evaluate and provide care for patients. The development of these clinical skills helps students prepare for national board examinations and, ultimately, the practice of medicine.

Clinical education reinforces and expands the basic training acquired by students during the first two years of medical school. Through clinical exposure, assessments and other evaluative tools, clinical education provides students with the professional and clinical skills needed for post-graduate residencies and the practice of medicine.

The Class of 2024 schedule includes 23 clerkships include 13 core education clerkships. The Class of 2025 schedule includes 22 clerkships and 12 core education clerkships. The remaining elective/selective periods allow each student ample opportunity to pursue his or her special interests.

During PCOM's clinical clerkship program, students will:

  • Develop clinical skills including physical examination, test interpretation and case presentation.
  • Understand and diagnose a variety of illnesses and conditions.
  • Learn to document observations, histories and orders.
  • Participate in patient rounds.
  • Perform basic procedures under supervision.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills at all levels of patient care.

Training sites include hospitals as well as regional and community medical centers. Additionally, clerkships are offered at sites ranging from private practices to urban and rural health centers. Clerkship opportunities are disbursed throughout the Delaware Valley area including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland.

TEACHING AFFILIATES [PDF]

Housing is provided for core clerkships designated as "away." Housing is not provided for electives. However, it is the student's responsibility to ensure housing arrangements are in place for all clerkships.

The PCOM Office of Clinical Education, along with faculty and hospital administrators, will determine the clerkships provided at each site and the number of students assigned. Flexibility regarding assigned clerkships is limited. Students should consult their clerkship manual for change submission deadlines and other requirements.

Office of Clinical Education
Phone: 215-871-6652
Email: clinical_education@pcom.edu

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