This is an integrated course that ranges from basic neuroscience and gross anatomy of the head and neck, to neurological diagnosis and psychopathology. The course synthesizes basic science and clinical aspects of the brain and mind, utilizing a range of teaching techniques, with an emphasis on active student participation. In addition to attending lectures, laboratory sessions and conferences, the students engage in problem-based analysis of classical neurological and psychiatric disorders, and have the opportunity to examine individual patients in a clinical setting. The emphasis is on both the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and the development of diagnostic skills.

This course builds upon the principles introduced in Medicine, Patients and Society I. It teaches some of the skills of doctoring including establishing the doctor-patient relationship, taking the medical history and conducting the physical examination. In addition, this course brings together and integrates a number of important content areas including medical ethics, health systems, public health and nutrition.

This course consists of ten modules covering the major organ systems: Cardiology, Pulmonary, Renal, Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary, Endocrine, Reproduction, Dermatology, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, and Rheumatology. This integrated course is taught by faculty from several disciplines, including Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology. Others are from Dermatology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radiology and Surgery, as appropriate.

The course utilizes several learning modalities including problem based learning (PBL), lectures, laboratories, small group sessions, and journal clubs. Discipline content is integrated within each module. Emphasis is on application of pathophysiological reasoning to help understand clinical presentation and aid in differentiating diagnostic possibilities.