Frequently Asked Questions about Urban Medicine
Q: Does UMed accept non-Illinois residents into the program?
A: Yes. The UMed program does accept non-Ilinois residents.
Q: Would I be taking the same basic science courses during the M1-M2 years?
A: Yes. The regular curriculum at the Chicago campus applies to all students, including Urban Medicine participants.
Q: Would I be doing the same clinical rotations during the M3-M4 years?
A: The six major rotations in the third year (family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/ gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery) apply to all students. Urban Medicine students will be placed in clerkship tracks based on the same policies that apply to all students.
In the M4 year, UMed participants complete a longitudinal rotation that they had started as first year students. They may also use elective weeks to complete research projects related to urban health care issues. The same number of specialty and elective rotations applies equally to all students.
Q: What additional coursework would I be pursuing during this curriculum?
A: In the first two years, UMed students will participate in additional classes and community activities that supplement their knowledge and skills in various issues that affect the care of diverse patient populations in urban areas. These classes will be scheduled at times that don’t conflict with examinations or other curricular activities.
In the M3 and M4 years, UMed activities will be implemented around other required courses, such as Essentials of Clinical Practice and Professionalism. Elective credits will be used to complete community activities or research projects.
Q: Is the UMed curriculum incompatible with future plans in academic medicine and research?
A: Not at all. One of the stated objectives of the UMed curriculum is to educate/train physician leaders. Academic medical centers have historically been at the forefront of care of and research relating to urban residents. Thus, individuals interested in future careers in academic settings would be well served by exploring research during medical school.
Q: Is the Master’s of Public Health (MPH) mandatory for UMed students?
A: No. The MD/MPH will be an option just like it is for other UIC medical students. Clearly, the additional learning and exposure that come from the program in public health would enhance the overall experience of UMed participants.
Q: Am I obligated to seek entry into specific residency programs or specialties?
A: No. Because of the multitude of needs facing urban residents, any residency program or specialty may be chosen by UMed participants. We expect that the additional activities will enhance the graduate training in any area of medicine. Ideally, UMed participants would choose graduate training programs located in urban areas.
Q: Is being fluent in a second language a requirement?
A: Being “fluent in a language other than English, and have used it in a clinical setting” is not a requirement. It is a quality beneficial for working in an urban community. Therefore it is one of the many attributes we take into consideration when reviewing applications.
Q: We strongly encourage early application to the UMed Program
A: We encourage early application to the UMed Program. Please know that, although we will review your application as soon as possible, we cannot extend an invitation to interview with the UMed program until you are extended an offer of acceptance from UI-COM.
Q: How does my application to UMed impact my admission to UICOM?
A: Your application to UMed has no bearing on your admission into UICOM. However, you must first be admitted to UICOM to be offered acceptance to UMed.