Remediation

Remediation is the process by which students address and rectify a failure in a required block, course, or a lack of competency in one of the threads. Remediation provides an opportunity for students to focus their studies on, and demonstrate competency of, material that they may not have grasped initially. Remediation is not a punitive measure. It is designed to ensure that students have been adequately prepared to move forward in the curriculum. The ultimate goal of remediation is to prepare students for the next phases of their training.

MS1 Remediation Timeline

Timeline showing the courses and quarters for remediation for MS1s.

E23 students must complete MS1 remediation between June 17-August 16, 2024. These dates are determined by the Foundations Phase Remediation for Blocks and Threads Policy.

MS2 Remediation Timeline

Timeline showing the courses and quarters for remediation for MS2s.

E23 students must complete MS2 remediation between January 6-March 14, 2025. These dates are determined by the Foundations Phase Remediation for Blocks and Threads Policy.

Expectations

Students are expected to:

Before remediation starts:

  • Set up a meeting with the Block/Thread Director (or designated faculty)* to develop a study plan and ask the faculty to share their expectations and remediation format.
    • This meeting should occur no sooner than June 1 (MS1s) or December 15 (MS2s), to ensure accurate information is communicated.
  • Register for an Independent Study Remediation course(s):
    • MS1s (Summer) must also register for Triple I and MHS II courses.
    • MS2s (Winter) discuss with Assistant Dean of Basic Sciences or Foundations Dean appropriate quarterly registration for Winter Quarter.

* Note: if unsure who to contact – please reach out to Edith Wang: ehwang@uw.edu

During remediation:

  • Utilize available resources (including Block or Thread Canvas site, recorded videos, and AMBOSS) to revisit material to achieve competency in this area.
  • Schedule the following meetings:
    • with your faculty mid-way through the quarter to check-in on the remediation plan.
    • with a tutor at least once a week to go over material in the study plan.
    • with a learning specialist at least once during quarter to review study strategies.
  • Complete the cumulative exam by the deadlines listed in visual timelines above.

Block/Thread directors (or designated faculty) are expected to:

  • Meet with students individually before the beginning of the remediation period to develop a study plan based on course materials available on canvas and clearly provide your expectations and remediation plan (including exam format).
  • Create a cumulative remediation exam.
    • Block exams need to include thread questions.
  • Complete a mid-quarter check-in with the student, the student should schedule.

Remediation FAQs

These are questions we often get about remediation. Please email foundmed@uw.edu if you have any immediate questions not seen here.

Visit the Foundations Phase Remediation for Blocks and Threads Policy webpage for the most up-to-date version of the policy.

  • You will be notified by a Block/Thread Director.
  • Student Progress Committee (SPC) determines if remediation is allowed at the next meeting.
  • Curriculum (Dr. Edith Wang – ehwang@uw.edu) will notify the student about timelines and remediation details.
  • Failure to meet satisfactory performance of remediation coursework will result in notification to SPC for determination of subsequent action.
  • You can always reach out to us for guidance or help (foundmed@uw.edu) we can connect you to those who can answer your questions.

This is a common question! Please refer to the graphic on the Curriculum Home page to get a reminder of which blocks are in each term.

The answer to this question varies for each student, the Thread Director reviews the cumulative performance for each student across the term and in each block. They will inform the student which blocks require remediation of thread content. There will be an exam for each block that requires remediation, it will only be on thread content.

Yes, if you are remediating a block the cumulative remediation exam will include thread questions.

Yes, there are two other required courses:

  • Independent Investigative Inquiry (III or Triple I)
  • Medicine, Health, & Society II (MHS II)

Yes, we can adjust the Triple I (III) coursework for students with extenuating circumstances and/or required remediation over the summer. We refer to this adjusted course as a modified Triple I. Students complete a Scholarship of Integration Triple I option often in the topic area of choice (frequently on a remediation topic or topic of interest as to not cause additional stressors).

A student will be required to complete this Scholarship of Integration Triple I (III) option in the following instances:

  • If a student fails two or more blocks in the 1st year.
  • If a student fails one block and does not achieve competency in one or more threads in the 1st year.
  • If a student does not achieve competency in three or more threads during the 1st year.

If you have any remediation from the 1st year of medical school and are concerned about III completion during Summer Quarter between Years 1 and 2, and want to do a modified III, please reach out to somiii@uw.edu. The III program will work with you to develop a modified III that will make sure you have achieved competency of the required course-work during the 1st year of medical school.

For a Block Fail: A failing grade in a block will be noted on your transcript. The course taken for remediation also will appear on your transcript with a Pass or Fail grade corresponding to whether you successfully remediated. Additionally, your MSPE letter will include this information under the “Academic History” section.

For lack of Thread Competency: Not achieving competency in a Thread will NOT be noted on your transcript. However, the remediation of a Thread will appear on your transcript as an independent study course. The required remediation through an independent study course will be reported on your MSPE letter, under the “Academic History” section.

If a student successfully completes the remediation course, they may return to the curriculum and complete their remaining credit requirements. If they do not pass the remediation course, they will be referred back to the Student Progress Committee.

Here is general information about UWSOM Grading & Assessment.

Foundations Policies and Procedures