A year of preliminary internal medicine is available for individuals interested in pursuing a variety of specialty fields such as neurology, radiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, or physical medicine and rehabilitation. An emphasis is placed on practical patient care training through hands-on educational experiences. By the end of this year, preliminary trainees can confidently evaluate new patients with concise, insightful histories and complete physical examinations. They can assimilate data to arrive at accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate therapeutic plans. Preliminary interns have the same number of service months (ward, ICU and night float) as do categorical medicine interns.  All preliminary medicine interns do a month of emergency medicine.  Neurology preliminary medicine interns also do a month of psychiatry, at the request of the Department of Neurology. Preliminary Year Curriculum      Number of Months                                General Medicine Service 1-2 Subspecialty Medicine Service 3-5 MICU 0-1 Night Float 0-1 Emergency Medicine 1 VA Outpatient Clinic 0-1 Elective/Consult 3-4 Neurology Preliminary Curriculum Number of Months                       General Medicine Service 1-2 Subspecialty Medicine Service 3-5 MICU 0-1 Night Float 0-1 Emergency Medicine 1 Psychiatry 1 VA Outpatient Clinic 0-1 Elective/Consult 2-3