Loma Linda University School of Medicine has launched a new capstone clerkship focused on whole person care. This clinical experience is designed for fourth-year medical students to apply the principles of whole person care in various clinical settings, practice providing holistic care to patients, and reflect on their personal journey.

In recent years, the school’s curriculum has evolved to further integrate Loma Linda University Health’s approach to whole person care.

“This clerkship is the culmination of years of thoughtful curriculum development,” Tamara L. Thomas ’87, dean of Loma Linda University School of Medicine, said. “It gives students a chance to bring together what they’ve learned about themselves, their patients, and what it truly means to practice whole person care. Our hope is that it shapes how they practice medicine for the rest of their careers.”

The two-week clerkship builds upon the foundation of what the medical students have learned during their Christian Physician Formation courses, Social Determinants of Health curriculum, and community engagement experiences. Students engage in small-group rotations across various specialties, participate in simulation exercises, and apply advanced whole person care techniques in patient interactions.

A key component of the clerkship is the introduction of a Whole Person Care Note within Epic, the electronic health record system. Students will be trained to conduct thoughtful, patient-centered interviews, and the goal of the note is to capture each patient’s unique story and highlight what matters most to them.

Students will learn how to introduce themselves, conduct interviews to understand the patient’s life context, and document the encounter in the Whole Person Care Note. These notes will not include medical decision-making and will be reviewed and co-signed by Paige Elyse Stevens, ’16, whole person care clerkship director, before being added to the official medical record.

“We hope this new note in Epic inspires not only our students but also our faculty, residents, and fellows to further engage with patients—understanding their whole story and not just the medical aspects of their illness,” added Thomas.*

Read the full story here.

*Reprinted with permission from the School of Medicine Report.

Published in the summer 2025 ALUMNI JOURNAL.