The microbiology and immunology discipline at VCOM teaches students the foundations and science of the immune system and its responses. Medical students learn about common disorders of immunosuppression and autoimmunity. They discuss how osteopathic principles can be applied to restoring health and homeostasis to an ailing patient.
Faculty in the field of microbiology and immunology use an interactive approach to learning and combine traditional lectures with case-based learning so that students can integrate their knowledge of immunological principles with other basic sciences and clinical medicine. Students are taught general immunologic principles on the cellular and organ system levels, which may be directly applied to understanding the integrated organ systems that make up the human body. Understanding microbiology and immunology provides students with knowledge of the basic scientific principles of medicine needed to perform successfully on the COMLEX and USMLE exams.
