The 16-month Phase 3 of the medical education program is designed to equip students with advanced clinical skills in semi-independent and team-based patient care. It provides opportunities for students to explore their interests through internal and external electives and focused sessions in their chosen areas of concentration. The phase aims to prepare students for the transition to residency while also allowing them to differentiate their interests.
During this phase, students must complete a mandatory 4-week Acting Internship in fields such as emergency medicine, general surgery, medicine, pediatrics, or one of six surgical subspecialties. The Transition to Residency course is a 2-week capstone course that helps students to develop patient care and self-care skills, preparing them for successful internship and residency.
In addition to these clinical experiences, students continue their Scholarly Project aligned with their area of concentration (AOC) or specialty, with the guidance from the Medical Student Research Office (MSRO) to ensure timely completion. During the latter part of Phase 3, students get the opportunity to present their scholarly projects through a dedicated day for dissemination.
At the end of Phase 3, students undergo a one-week Periodic Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (PEAK), which evaluates their acquisition of basic science, clinical knowledge, and practical application to patient scenarios encountered throughout all phases. The assessment also measures practical demonstration of clinical skills required for a successful transition to internship and residency, in line with the achievement of the ISMMS medical education program objectives (MEPOs).
Ambulatory Patient Experience (APEX)
The Ambulatory Patient Experience (APEX) provides early and longitudinal exposure to patient care for medical students in Phases 1, 2, and 3. It develops their clinical skills, fosters engagement with patients, and promotes a patient-centered approach to medical care.
APEX continues during Phase 3 as the Chronic Care Clerkship, which focuses on the management of chronic diseases in an outpatient setting. Students are provided with opportunities to practice patient-centered care and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.