Clinical Sciences (MD)

In a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, the Clinical Sciences represent the practical, patient-centered component of medical education. Typically undertaken in the latter years of medical school, these courses and experiences build upon the foundational knowledge from the Basic Sciences and focus on applying this knowledge to patient care. The Clinical Sciences include:

1. Internal Medicine: The study and management of a wide range of adult diseases, focusing on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting internal organs.

2. Surgery: The branch of medicine that involves operative techniques to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. Students learn preoperative, operative, and postoperative care.

3. Pediatrics: The field focusing on the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, including their growth, development, and diseases.

4. Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN): The study of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system.

5. Psychiatry: The branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

6. Family Medicine: Comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families across all ages, genders, diseases, and parts of the body, emphasizing continuity of care.

7. Emergency Medicine: The specialty involving care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

8. Neurology: The study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

9. Radiology: The use of imaging techniques (such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI) to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases within the body.

10. Anesthesiology: The branch of medicine focused on pain relief and the total care of surgical patients before, during, and after surgery.

11. Dermatology: The study of skin, hair, and nail disorders, including diagnosis and treatment.

12. Ophthalmology: The branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy, functions, and diseases of the eye.

13. Orthopedics: The study of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments, often involving surgical intervention.

During clinical rotations, medical students work directly with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians. They gain hands-on experience in taking medical histories, performing physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, and developing treatment plans. This training is crucial for developing the practical skills and clinical reasoning necessary for effective patient care and is integral to preparing students for residency and eventual independent practice.