MD Degree

The CUNY Medicine MD program is dedicated to producing clinically expert and socially responsible physicians, with a strong emphasis on community health throughout the curriculum. In the first two years, students engage in integrated learning that covers foundational medical sciences, population health, and clinical skills in both classroom and clinical settings. The final two years focus on clinical rotations and specialization, with future physicians gaining valuable clinical and social insights by serving in hospitals, clinics, and physician practices in high-need areas.

First Year (M1):
Pre-Clerkship Curriculum

In the first year, students delve into basic, clinical sciences as well as population health. The curriculum is integrated and gives students an opportunity to learn in large and small group sessions in engaged and self-directed learning. They begin learning clinical skills in both the classroom and clinical settings.

Second Year (M2):
Pre-Clerkship Curriculum

In the second year the students continue learning and continue to apply the concepts to patient care. In hospitals and clinics they continue to learn from both patients and health care teams. They finish the year with a period of USMLE Step 1study.

Third Year (M3):
Clinical Rotations

Future doctors engage in six core clinical rotations across internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine, and Ob/Gyn. Each lasting six weeks, these rotations take place at our affiliated hospitals and clinics; diverse healthcare settings across New York City. Students choose their clerkship order and sites in a lottery.

Fourth Year (M4):
Advanced Clinical Practice and Electives

The final year allows students to pursue elective rotations in areas of interest, refine clinical skills, and prepare for residency applications. Students complete three core clerkships at our affiliated hospitals and clinics. Electives can be done at these same sites or at a health centers across the country.