Student Interviews:
Drew Weinstein, MS2
Allison Martin, MS2
Profile:
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is located in Chicago, Illinois and is comprised of the College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, Chicago Medial School, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and the William M. Scholl College of Pediatric Medicine. Each medical class is composed of approximately 190 students. Students are able to complete clinical rotations at over 15 affiliated hospitals, some of which include Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Weiss Memorial Hospital, and Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics – Vernon Hills. The Chicago Medical School also offers students an MD/PhD route.
Curriculum: The four year curriculum at Rosalind Franklin is divided into three phases. In Phase 1, in addition to utilizing a systems-based approach to teach the Scientific Foundations of Medicine, students are introduced to the diagnostic process and clinical reasoning process. This phase also includes interprofessional courses and time for self-reflection and professional development. Phase II is 44 weeks long and is comprised of seven core clerkships and one four-week long elective. Phase III is intended to help students complete final preparation before residency through a four-week sub-internship. The four year curriculum has eight ‘threads’ interwoven through the curriculum to help students develop competence in things like Humanities, Ethics, and Population Health.
Curriculum Highlights:
— Global Health Electives: The Global Health elective is a three-week (minimum) elective that offers students exposure to clinical work at a variety of international partnership sites. The elective is completed in conjunction with Child and Family Health International. The experience is intended to expose students to the nuances of international health systems and give context to the American healthcare system. Students participating in these electives will be better prepared to serve their patients’ health abroad, if they so choose.
— House and Learning Community Program: The House and Learning Community Program is intended to provide students with a community of peers and mentors to ensure students are constantly engaged in curricular and co-curricular learning and development. There are four houses amongst which all students are divided upon admission and faculty members leading each group coordinate a variety mentoring, advising, and reflection activities.
Location: Attending medical school in Lake County affords Rosalind Franklin Medical students the amenities and attractions of both rural and suburban communities. Bustling Chicago is an hour away with easy access by train, while the area immediately surrounding the Medical School is slightly slower-paced. Proximity to Lake Michigan provides opportunities to hike, fish, bike, swim, lay out, and participate in wide variety of other outdoor activities and water sports.