Sociomedical issues in the curriculum: A model for institutional change

An institutional strategy has been developed that permits consideration of sociomedical issues in some depth throughout the undergraduate curriculum. A major component of the strategy is the appointment by the dean of multidisciplinary education committees, each concerned with one sociomedical problem area. Eight such committees have been appointed, and each has developed a small group seminar course in its area. In the freshman year, each student is required to choose one of these seminars, or “selectives,” and to participate in it for two semesters. Analysis of grades in the required basic science courses has demonstrated that participation in the selectives has no adverse effect on student performance in the other courses. These and other activities of the education committees have brought about changes elsewhere in the educational program.