The Curriculum

Supplementing the rounds, teaching conferences and case presentations at the hospital and in the ambulatory care setting are learning experiences aimed at acquiring Psychosocial and Social Medicine knowledge and skills. A series of courses, seminars and workshops on Tuesday evenings is given by outside experts, our faculty, and current residents or graduates with special expertise in various aspects of Psychosocial and Social Medicine.

A unique aspect of the curriculum is its emphasis on self management and leadership development. Residents work with faculty to tailor the curriculum to fulfill their own educational needs and are able to form tutorial relationships with faculty well-known and respected in their fields.

The strength of the Program lies in its capacity to involve every member of the RPSM community. Residents participate in curriculum planning, program development and implementation. This requires a commitment of time, energy and responsibility from every member of the program. The benefits in flexibility and responsiveness to resident needs are unparalleled in postgraduate training. This was recognized in 1995 when the RPSM became the first organization to receive the National Primary Care Achievement Award in Education, given by the Pew Charitable Trust in conjunction with the U.S. Public Health Service, the Primary Care Organization Network, and the Pew Commission on the Health Professions.