Clinical Education | PCOM Georgia Clerkship Program
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Clinical Education 
PCOM Georgia 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 23 clerkships include 12 core education clerkships assigned by the Curriculum Committee and the Dean. The remaining elective/selective periods allow each student ample opportunity to pursue his or her special interests.

During PCOM Georgia'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.

PCOM utilizes an extensive network of affiliated hospitals to ensure a high standard of education in the clinical education of PCOM’s students. Clinical education programs at PCOM affiliates are guided by common educational goals. The Associate Dean of Clinical Education monitors educational activities at the affiliated hospitals. Major teaching affiliates include the following and are subject to change.

Core Clinical Campuses

Where a set group/number of students rotate for most, if not all, rotations in their third year.

  • Statesboro, GA
  • Rome, GA
  • Greater Atlanta
  • Columbus, GA
  • Warner Robins, GA
  • South Central GA/Albany
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • New Smyrna Beach, FL
J-group Sites

A group of students in a town or geographic region who may go to any or several of the area hospitals, as well as outpatient clinics.

  • WellStar N Fulton - Roswell, GA
  • Hamilton Health System - Dalton, GA
  • Colquitt Regional Medical Center - Moultrie, GA
  • South GA Medical Center - Valdosta, GA
  • Archbold Medical Center - Thomasville, GA

Housing is provided for some, but not all, of the clerkships designated as "away." 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.

PCOM Georgia Office of Clinical Education
Phone: 678-225-7493
Email: gaclinicaleducation@pcom.edu

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