Reading
Reading and independent study are essential components of the clinical years. Students should focus their reading in three areas:
1. Patients: Students should read about the conditions affecting the patients they encounter during clinical rotations. Reading should include comprehensive textbooks, specialty and subspecialty books, medical journals, and other evidence-based resources to support patient care, teaching rounds, and conferences. Students are expected to search the medical literature to answer clinical questions and support diagnostic and treatment decisions. Reading about patients strengthens clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and clinical judgment while reinforcing patient care.
2. Clerkship content: Students are encouraged to read a concise textbook cover to cover during each clerkship. Because students will not encounter every important condition during a 6- or 12-week rotation, comprehensive reading broadens medical knowledge and promotes a more consistent educational experience across affiliated hospitals.
3. NBME Clinical Subject Examinations and USMLE Step 2: Students must prepare for the end-of-clerkship NBME Clinical Subject Examinations, which are a significant component of the final clerkship grade. Performance across the six NBME Clinical Subject Examinations also correlates with USMLE Step 2 performance.
To support preparation, SGUSOM provides access to UWorld and AMBOSS. The Office of the Dean monitors student participation and performance in these resources and provides this information to clerkship directors for consideration in assessing students’ professional behavior. Completion of assigned activities demonstrates students' commitment to learning and professional responsibilities.