Year 3

There are 52 weeks in Year 3. The Year 3 curriculum contains seven core clinical clerkships, a three-week intersession of basic science integration and a research experience. Our commitment to improving the public's health is made explicit to rigorously inform the advanced students' learning experiences as they embark on Year 3 clerkships.
Required clerkships
- Family medicine (six weeks)
- Internal medicine (six weeks)
- Neurology (three weeks)
- Obstetrics and gynecology (six weeks)
- Pediatrics (six weeks)
- Psychiatry (three weeks)
- Surgery (six weeks)
Year 3 intersession
The three-week intersession applies basic science knowledge from earlier years to patient care and continues the Improving the Public's Health theme.
Integrated topics include, but are not limited to:
- Public health, medical ethics and economics
- Radiology, musculoskeletal, palliative and preventive medicine
- Principles of professional conduct
- "Shock state" workshop at the simulation center
- Principles of professional conduct
- Instruction in managing patient confidentiality
- The role of humanities in medicine
- Strategies for minimizing medical errors in practice
- Methods for setting boundaries in patient-physician relationships
During this Year 3 intersession, you’ll also begin planning, with oversight from your adviser, your fourth-year schedule. Together, you’ll develop a Year 4 program that reflects your career goals, individual strengths and educational needs — all informed by the themes of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine curriculum.
Research experience quarter
The 12-week research requirement introduces third-year students to the principles and practice of biomedical research. Students can explore in-depth an area of interest by working with a faculty member on a research project. The experience complements your career interest and offers critical exposure to scientific research methods.
Additional courses and requirements
- Safe harbor — professionalism
- Residency boot camp