Volume 100, Issue 11

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has developed an independent study pathway as an alternative to the traditional medical school curriculum design. Beginning with the 2001-2002 academic year, three equivalent and distinct curriculum pathways will be available to medical students at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine: the lecture/discussion pathway, the problem-based learning pathway, and the independent study pathway (ISP). The ISP program will provide flexibility for students during their preclinical years. Using highly structured faculty-developed modules, students in the ISP program will be responsible for their own learning in a self-directed, independent manner, including when, where, what, and how to study. Examinations will be taken when students consider themselves ready. If examinations reveal deficiencies in student preparation, these deficiencies must be remedied before students continue their studies. Faculty will be available, as needed, to assist the students through difficult concepts and material.

This article describes the current managed care curricula in osteopathic medical schools and summarizes the development and implementation of a healthcare management clerkship for fourth-year osteopathic medical students at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Results of a survey of the 19 osteopathic medical schools indicated that only three schools currently have a stand-alone, managed care elective. No schools have required managed care courses, clerkships, or rotations. The remaining osteopathic medical schools have incorporated managed care-related topics into courses in their schools' curricula. To produce physicians fully competent to succeed in the 21st century's managed healthcare environment, medical schools need to affiliate with managed care organizations, integrate more managed care components into their curricula, and develop required or elective stand-alone managed care courses and clerkships. This article describes content to be integrated in a predoctoral managed care clerkship, including goals and objectives. It also describes the components and learning activities of Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine's Healthcare Management Clerkship.