Dr. Delphine Taylor
Course Director (left)
Office: P&S 3-401
Phone: Ext. 5-0344
Email: dst4@columbia.edu

Dr. Michael J. Devlin
Associate Course Director (right)
Office: 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 116
Phone: (212) 543-5748
Email: mjd5@columbia.edu

The goal of Clinical Practice is to introduce students to the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to translate scientific knowledge into the clinical care of individual patients, and to guide students in their own life transition into the role of the physician.  The course includes clinical clerkships, lectures and small groups.

In the first semester, students acquire basic knowledge and skills in medical interviewing, and practice these skills on actors playing patients. In the second semester students learn how to approach the medical literature with a basic understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students also learn about health policy and economics, focusing on what impact the system has on patient access to care and the ability to provide effective care. Lastly, students learn about health promotion and disease prevention, and practice skills in counseling for behavior change. Special lectures devoted to cultural competence and the ethical dimensions of medical care are scheduled throughout the year.  Small group sessions provide opportunities to integrate the didactic parts of the curriculum with clinical experiences in clerkships, and also serve as a forum for exploring issues relating to professional development and medical ethics.