The Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum Project at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University

The Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum (IGC) Project was designed to e nhance interest in and support of generalism during the first two years of medical education. The original goals at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University included the design and implementation of a core cu rriculum, Introduction to Patient Care (IPC), and enhancement of teaching e xcellence through faculty development. The core curriculum facilitated inte gration with the basic sciences and early introduction of physical examinat ion skills, which were further developed in longitudinal clinical experienc es with mentors. Although it was not originally intended to include basic s cientists in the preceptor groups, they became important additions and crea ted additional opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and reciprocal learning. The mentor program, another well-received and intended curriculum change, evolved from a structured experience to a more flexible component of the curriculum. The program met the requirements of the IGC Project but 53% of the originally intended mentor time was achievable, due to curriculu m constraints. Faculty development, another success, was originally intende d to target IPC faculty but ultimately became a university-wide effort. The changes implemented as a result of the IGC Project continue to flourish be yond the funding period and have become integral aspects of the curriculum and the medical school.