In the fall of 2001, the School of Medicine implemented a new curriculum. Under this unique and innovative program, the basic science courses were reorganized into thematic modules composed of interrelated units. Traditional lecture hours were reduced, and the educational program now employs teaching methodologies that are specifically designed to nurture an increasingly independent and self-reliant student. The clinical sciences core curriculum consists of nine core clerkships. Although the basic element of teaching in the clinical clerkship is bedside instruction, skills are developed through multiple media that reinforce interactive, interdisciplinary learning. Topics introduced in the preclinical years are revisited in renewed depth and with different perspectives through case-based exercises that vertically span the curriculum. The transition to clinical sciences is facilitated by a two-week, interdepartmental clerkship orientation, and entry into the final year of medical school begins with a thematic, two-week, seminar-style selective in Advanced Science.