4.12: INDE 297: Reflection and Contextual Medicine

This information represents section 4.12 of the MD Program Handbook and Policy Manual and is related to the required curriculum for current Stanford students. Please refer to Section 4 of the MD Program Handbook and Policy Manual for additional information.

The curriculum for Reflections and Contextual Medicine (RCM) is designed to provide structured time independent of clinical clerkship duties, in order to promote both reflection on and reinforcement for learning in the clinical environment. RCM is structured as a two-year curriculum to span the clinical years. Sessions occur every 8 weeks, on the third Friday of even-numbered clerkship periods (see upcoming dates below), and incorporate the curricular components outlined below.

  • Period 2: August 16, 2024
  • Period 4: October 11, 2024
  • Period 6: December 6, 2024 (Climate Change)
  • Period 8: Feb 21, 2025
  • Period 10: April 18, 2025
  • Period 12: June 13, 2025

Attendance and participation in INDE 297: Reflection and Contextual Medicine is required for all medical students enrolled in clerkships at Stanford affiliated sites (SHC, LPCH, VAMC, Kaiser Santa Clara and Valley Medical Center). Please note that this applies to students enrolled in required, selective, and elective clerkships.

To receive the 4-units of credit for INDE 297, students must attend all sessions throughout the day as specified and any absences should be communicated in advance. The attendance expectations for INDE 297 align with those outlined in Section 3.25: School of Medicine Absence Policy and Expectations. If a student anticipates missing a required session, they  must communicate and receive approval from the course director in advance of the session. In cases involving illness and unexpected emergencies, students should notify the course director and/or coordinator as soon as possible. Students are responsible for the content and work associated with all missed sessions. Students enrolled in Selective II Clerkships (Sub-internships) may choose to participate in clinical duties but are expected to communicate their absence in advance.

If a student anticipates missing a required-attendance session, please communicate your absence to your E4C in advance and complete the absence request form for approval. 

Students should enroll in INDE 297 through Axess in their last quarter of enrollment prior to graduation.

end Section 4.12; updated August 2024