The School of Medicine curriculum, in the second half of year one and all of year two, has two afternoons per week of dedicated time for students to either complete an elective, or use the time for classes in public health as part of the MD/MPH program. The electives provide an opportunity to explore areas of interest which can be in the basic or clinical sciences or this time can also be used for research-based electives.
Tulane medical students are required to take ONE elective in their first two years. This requirement can also be fulfilled by coursework in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. The elective may be taken in either the first or second year. Electives offerings are structured around a particular session schedule for the Academic Year.
Students must fill in the following form (also displayed in E-Medley).
To access the descriptions of the electives, as well as the session schedule, please go to E-Medley, the Curriclum website for course evaluation, curriculum management, and course registration.
Students must complete 24 weeks of electives during the clinical curriculum, predominantly in year 4. The only exception is for students in the MD/MPH program, who are exempt for the 4-week Community Health requirement (MED4409), but who must complete 28 weeks of electives: MD/MPH students may earn elective credit for their required MD/MPH rotation (see the MD/MPH program office for more information about the MD/MPH rotation). Electives provide an excellent opportunity to help explore, confirm or prepare for one’s specialty choice. In preparation for registering for Year 4, all students should review and have their planned courses and electives approved by their advisor and/or specialty advisor. Students who would like to choose “extramural” electives must follow required guidelines for approval. Click here to access
Changes to clerkships, rotations, and/or electives must be requested at least 30 days prior to their start.
To access the descriptions of the electives, please go to E-Medley, the Curriclum website for course evaluation, curriculum management, and course registration.
Policy/Procedures for Creating a New Elective
Elective Subcommittee
The Elective Subcommittee is comprised of School of Medicine faculty and educational/administrative staff. It was established by the Curriculum Committee to provide effective oversight of elective courses and to review new elective proposals. The Subcommittee ensures that electives are relevant to the overall curriculum and consistent with the School of Medicine’s Institutional Objectives and accreditation requirements.
Proposing a New Elective
To be considered for approval, electives must meet the following criteria:
Elective Review Process
Questions?
Office of Medical Education
504-988-6600
ome@tulane.edu
Kim Melerine
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
504-988-2222
kmeleri@tulane.edu