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. Primary
care sub internships, complex care sub internship 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: 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/selective
periods 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 the following and are subject to change.
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 clinical 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.