CLINICAL EDUCATION

Clinical Education
PCOM South Georgia Clinical Clerkships

As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) student at PCOM South Georgia, you will have the opportunity to examine, evaluate and provide care for patients as part of your third- and fourth-year clinical clerkships.

After the first two years of clinically-integrated didactic training, DO students further develop their knowledge and skills under supervision in a clinical setting. Students work with physician preceptors in core specialties of internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/Gyn), pediatrics, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), psychiatry and surgery in offices, clinics and hospitals. Rural/underserved and emergency medicine clerkships are done in the fourth year, in addition to audition rotation electives for residency positions.

These clerkships allow students to explore various specialties while helping them prepare for board examinations, post-graduate residencies and the practice of medicine by honing critical clinical skills including:

obtaining 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/selective periods to allow students the opportunity to pursue special interests.

What are the clinical clerkship objectives?

During PCOM South Georgia's clinical clerkships, 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 clerkships?

Students will complete clerkships at training sites including 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.

Is housing provided during clerkships?

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.

How will my clerkships be assigned?

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.

Who do I contact if I have questions about clinical clerkships?

PCOM South Georgia Office of Clinical Education
Phone: 229-668-3107
Email: sgaclinicaleducation@pcom.edu