Academics

The Clinical Sciences program at Vanguard University School of Medicine (VUSOM) is an intensive 72-week physician-supervised training, including 48 weeks of Core Rotations and 24 weeks of Elective Rotations at our affiliated teaching hospitals and specialized clinical facilities in the U.S. and the Caribbean. During rotations, students actively engage in supervised patient care, gaining exposure to various medical specialties and sub-specialties. Clinical rotations mark one of the most exciting phases of a student’s medical journey. With hands-on training integrated from the first semester of the MD program, VUSOM students enter this phase with confidence and a solid foundation. This immersive experience enhances their skills in patient examination, diagnostic evaluation, and critical thinking, preparing them for success in the medical field.

Becoming a Doctor of Medicine

Vanguard University’s School of Medicine provides students with clinical rotation opportunities within the Houston Healthcare system in Warner Robins, Georgia, as well as at partnering hospitals in the surrounding areas, Baltimore, Maryland, and California’s west coast. The Houston Healthcare facilities include the acute care Houston Medical Center, Perry Hospital, and the Houston Healthcare Pavilion, which houses the Houston Healthcare residency program and Vanguard’s Medical Education Center.
Our expanded clerkship program, now encompassing Baltimore and California, offers students even greater options, enabling exposure to diverse patient populations, medical conditions, and healthcare systems—critical for developing adaptable, well-rounded physicians. For those interested in Surgery or Internal Medicine, our Baltimore partner hospitals with residency programs in these specialties provide invaluable experience. These rotations allow students to build professional networks and gain firsthand insight into the residency process. To streamline and support each student’s journey, our dedicated clerkship administrators carefully schedule all rotations, ensuring individualized attention and a low preceptor-to-student ratio. Students benefit from the unique option to complete their full 48 weeks of required elective rotations in one location, reducing relocation needs and living expenses. Additionally, Vanguard offers a wide selection of away electives in various specialties through programs across the country, enriching students’ educational and professional experiences.