The School of Medicine will require a new fourth-year capstone course; the first two-week capstone course will be held in spring 2004 as a voluntary "pilot session," and the required course will commence in spring 2005.

During the capstone course, students will review clinical procedures to better prepare them for residency. Although the exact course content is still being developed, the two-week program will include topical issues such as risk management, health-care finance, ethical issues, time management and updates on key basic science concepts. Select UW faculty members will lead small group discussions stressing professionalism. In the smaller groups, students will also have the opportunity to discuss integrating their basic science knowledge and clinical experiences.

Students will receive four credits for participation in the course. In addition, students not yet certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) will be encouraged to complete certification requirements.