The Unofficial Guide to First Year - University of Oklahoma Health ...

UNOFFICIAL GUIDE
Chapter
1
The Grand Scheme of Things…
So you’re starting med school, now what? No matter what your
background, chances are that the next four years will be quite a change from
what you are used to. The bad news is that you’re technically a “freshman”
again, and with that title comes the usual amount of adjustment. The good news is, now you get
to be called an MS1 (medical student, first year) which at least sounds a little better…
Let’s get down to the basics. Comprising a total of 4 years, medical school is better examined in
halves. For the first half you will spend most of your time in the classroom (also called the “Basic
Science Years”), while the last two years will be spent doing clinical rotations either in OKC or at
the Tulsa campus, depending on preference and availability. As a general rule, MSI’s should only
focus on the first year curriculum and adjusting to medical school, and possibly looking into
summer jobs (i.e. research opportunities). The following is just an overview that you can use for
future reference.
FIRST YEAR
During the first year you will be learning the “supposed to’s” of the human body. In other words,
first year courses focus on the way the human body should be functioning under “normal”
conditions. Classes will deal with the both the anatomical and psychological aspects of life. You
will learn about a number of diseases, but they will be taught in relation to what is considered to
be the normal situation. You will also have a taste of clinical work during your PCM course.
This guide is designed to give you a better understanding of the classes and professors
experienced during the first year.
SECOND YEAR
4