Curricular Threads are longitudinal, cross-cutting themes that run across all four years of the MD curriculum. The threads are not presented as separate courses; instead, they are integrated within curricular components such as courses, clerkships, Clinical Skills, and Community and Population Health. Threads reinforce competencies that develop over time and are developmentally sequenced to flow across the curriculum. In the UGA School of Medicine curriculum, the threads are deliberately linked to and derived from the Medical Education Program Objectives (MEPOs). Each thread is overseen by a thread leader, who works with course, component, and clerkship directors, as well as other curricular leaders, to ensure that thread content is appropriately integrated throughout the curriculum.
Curricular Threads
1. Evidence-Based Medicine
(MEPO 3 and 1.5)
The Evidence-Based Medicine thread prepares students to ask focused clinical questions, find and critically appraise evidence from medical literature, interpret data, and apply evidence to patient care. Across the curriculum, students develop the skills needed to evaluate emerging medical knowledge, use research methods and statistics appropriately, and make patient-centered decisions grounded in the best available evidence.
2. Ethics, Professionalism, and Professional Identity Formation
(MEPO 5 and 7)
The Ethics, Professionalism, and Professional Identity Formation thread supports students as they develop the values, behaviors, and judgment expected of physicians. Students examine ethical principles, professional responsibilities, and the physician’s role in society. This thread also examines concepts and skills related to resilience, self-reflection, and continued professional growth. Through reflection, feedback, clinical experiences, and discussion of real-world dilemmas, students progressively form their professional identity as compassionate, trustworthy, and ethical physicians.
3. Systems-Based Practice
(MEPO 6)
The Systems-Based Practice thread helps students understand how health care is organized, delivered, financed, and improved. Students learn to recognize how health systems, policies, cost, quality, access, patient safety, and social structures influence physician practice and healthcare outcomes. The thread prepares students to navigate complex systems, identify opportunities for improvement, and advocate for safe, equitable, effective, and coordinated care.
4. Technology in Medicine
(MEPO 3.2 and 6.6)
The Technology in Medicine thread prepares students to use and evaluate current and emerging technologies in health care. Students explore how technologies such as digital tools, health information systems, artificial intelligence, and other innovations can support learning, clinical decision-making, patient care, and health systems. Emphasis is placed on thoughtful, ethical, evidence-based, and patient-centered use of technology.
5. Team-Based Healthcare
(MEPO 4 and 6.5)
The Team-Based Healthcare thread develops students’ ability to work effectively with patients, families, peers, physicians, and other health professionals. Students practice communication, collaboration, feedback, leadership, followership, and conflict navigation in classroom, clinical, and community settings. The thread incorporates inter-professional and inter-disciplinary education. The goal is to prepare students to contribute to high-functioning teams that improve patient safety, care coordination, and health outcomes.
6. Serving Georgia and Beyond
(MEPO 8)
The Serving Georgia and Beyond thread reflects the School of Medicine’s commitment to improving the health of communities in Georgia and beyond. Students learn about public health, community health needs, social and structural determinants of health, health disparities, service-learning, advocacy, and community partnerships. Through longitudinal experiences, students develop the knowledge, humility, and skills needed to serve individuals, communities, and populations with a focus on meaningful impact.