Clinical Education
PCOM Georgia Clinical Clerkship Program
The clinical clerkship program provides third- and fourth-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students at PCOM Georgia with the opportunity to examine, evaluate and provide care
for patients.
Following the initial two years of clinically-integrated didactic training, DO students advance their knowledge and
skills through supervised clinical experiences. These rotations take place in various
healthcare settings, including offices, clinics and hospitals, where students work
closely with physician preceptors across core medical specialties and elective opportunities.
Specialties include, but are not limited to, internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics
and gynecology (OB/GYN), pediatrics, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), psychiatry, surgery and emergency medicine.
Clinical rotations serve as a bridge between classroom learning and medical practice,
offering students diverse experiences across specialties. These hands-on opportunities
develop important clinical skills and prepare students for board examinations, future
residencies and patient care. During rotations, students refine important clinical
skills including taking a patient’s medical history, conducting physical examinations,
reaching a diagnosis and developing treatment plans.
The clerkships include assigned core education clerkships as well as elective/subspecialty
rotations to allow students the opportunity to pursue special interests.
What are the clinical clerkship program objectives?
During the 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.
Where will I complete my clinical clerkships?
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/Assistant
Dean of Clinical Education monitors educational activities at the affiliated hospitals.
Major teaching affiliates include Georgia and surrounding states and are subject to
change based on preceptor availability.
Is housing provided during clerkships?
Students are eligible for a reimbursable housing stipend for some, but not all, of
the clerkships designated as "away." However, it is the student’s responsibility to
ensure housing arrangements and reliable transportation are in place for all clerkships.
How will my clinical clerkships be assigned?
The PCOM Department 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 changes in rotation submission deadlines and other requirements.