> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ismms-md-program.gitbook.io/module-information-sheet-mis/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ismms-md-program.gitbook.io/module-information-sheet-mis/ay-2026-27-phase-1-semester-3/the-inquiry-thinq-curriculum-semester-3.md).

# The Inquiry (THINQ) Curriculum - Semester 3

### <mark style="color:blue;">Module Description</mark>&#x20;

This longitudinal module is designed to provide medical students with a deep dive into their selected areas of interest, which are meticulously categorized into four broad areas of concentration (AOCs). These AOCs include Scientific and Scholarly Discovery; Patient Centered Advocacy; Healthcare Delivery Science; and Leadership and Professional Identity Formation.

Within the framework of continuous improvement and lifelong learning, THINQ will also delve into the theoretical principles and practical application of evidence-based medicine and clinical research methodology.&#x20;

The module emphasizes the importance of professionalism, patient-centered communication, and the basics of clinical reasoning, preparing students for their subsequent clinical rotations and fostering a lifelong commitment to excellence in medicine. &#x20;

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### <mark style="color:blue;">**Module Goals**</mark>&#x20;

* &#x20;To provide foundational knowledge in four key areas of curricular concentration: Scientific and scholarly discovery; Patient Centered Advocacy; Healthcare delivery science; and Leadership and professional identity formation.
* To engage in experiential learning that includes principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and scientific research methodology.
* To promote exposure to a diverse range of content relevant to the AOCs or one of its sub-domains.

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### <mark style="color:blue;">**Module Learning Objectives**</mark>

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| **Module Learning Objectives**                                                                                                                                                                                                | **Medical Education Program Objective**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p>Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of epidemiology and biostatistics </p><p> </p>                                                                                                                                   | <p>Knowledge for Practice: </p><p></p><p>10. Apply principles of public and population health to the identification of health problems, risk factors, treatment strategies, resources, and disease prevention/health promotion efforts for patients and populations.</p><p></p><p>Practice-based Learning and Improvement</p><p></p><p>13. Locate, appraise and assimilate evidence from scientific studies related to patients’ health problems</p>                                                                                          |
| <p>Develop well-structured research questions using the PICO framework and explain fundamental concepts of internal and external validity, sampling, confounding, and bias</p><p> </p>                                        | <p>Practice-based Learning and Improvement</p><p></p><p>13. Locate, appraise and assimilate evidence from scientific studies related to patients’ health problems</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| <p>Identify and utilize appropriate databases and resources for finding medical evidence and develop effective literature search strategies </p><p> </p>                                                                      | <p>Practice-Based Learning and Improvement</p><p> </p><p>13. Locate, appraise, and assimilate evidence from scientific studies related to patients' health problems </p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| <p>Practice the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and applications for evidence-based clinical decisions </p><p> </p>                                                                                                 | <p>Knowledge for Practice</p><p></p><p>9. Apply established and emerging principles of clinical sciences to diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, clinical problem-solving, and other aspects of evidence-based health care.</p><p></p><p>Practice-based Learning and Improvement</p><p></p><p>13. Locate, appraise and assimilate evidence from scientific studies related to patients’ health problems</p>                                                                                                                            |
| <p>Critically appraise published research articles, evaluating study design, statistical analysis, strengths and weaknesses, and generalizability to specific populations and settings</p><p> </p>                            | <p>Knowledge for Practice</p><p></p><p>10. Apply principles of public and population health to the identification of health problems, risk factors, treatment strategies, resources, and disease prevention/health promotion efforts for patients and populations.</p><p></p><p>Practice-based Learning and Improvement</p><p></p><p>13. Locate, appraise and assimilate evidence from scientific studies related to patients’ health problems</p>                                                                                            |
| <p>Describe foundational principles of health delivery science to analyze how health systems can be designed and improved to deliver safe, high-value, and equitable care for individuals and communities</p><p> </p><p> </p> | <p>Systems-Based Practice</p><p></p><p>22. Identify and participate in solutions to failures in high quality, equitable and optimal patient care.</p><p></p><p>23. Demonstrate approaches to addressing </p><p>structural factors that may impact health care delivery and patient outcomes.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| Evaluate how cultural, behavioral, social, environmental, and global structural factors shape health, health disparities, and access to care                                                                                  | <p>Knowledge for Practice</p><p></p><p>10. Apply principles of public and population health to the identification of health problems, risk factors, treatment strategies, resources, and disease prevention/health promotion efforts for patients and populations.</p><p></p><p>11. Apply principles of social behavioral sciences to the delivery of health care</p><p></p><p>Systems-Based Practice</p><p></p><p>23. Demonstrate approaches to addressing structural factors that may impact health care delivery and patient outcomes.</p> |
| Describe basic principles of leadership, ethical practice, professional identity, communication, teamwork, and feedback in interactions with patients, caregivers, and colleagues.                                            | <p>Professionalism, Personal, and Professional Development</p><p></p><p>15. Demonstrate ethical principles in the care of patients.</p><p></p><p>16. Exhibit the behaviors of honesty, integrity, and respect in interactions with peers, staff, faculty, and patients.</p><p></p><p>17. Evaluate one’s personal, professional, and educational needs through reflection and utilize resources to meet those needs.</p>                                                                                                                       |
| Reflect thoughtfully and purposefully about their own experience and expertise in one of the four key areas of curricular concentration                                                                                       | <p>Professionalism, Personal, and Professional Development</p><p></p><p>17. Evaluate one’s personal, professional, and educational needs through reflection and utilize resources to meet those needs.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |