Ohio State’s “Lead.Serve.Inspire.” (LSI) curriculum is a three-part, four-year program that integrates basic science learning in the classroom with clinical science applied in the clinical arena. The LSI competency-based framework ensures that future physicians are prepared to provide high-caliber health care to diverse populations. Early hands-on experience in longitudinal, practice-based clinical services encourage students to apply classroom knowledge to actual patient situations. Additionally, when choosing a medical school, it is important to look at the Step 1 and Step 2 pass rates for their students as a testament to the curriculum offered. Since 2002, our medical students have received Step 1 and Step 2 pass rates equal to or above the national average.

One major component of LSI curriculum is the opportunity to take Advanced Competencies and Electives. Students may choose from a variety of advanced competencies and clinical electives to become proficient in their specialty. Our goal is to help students prepare for their chosen post-graduate residency programs and ultimately move on to their areas and specialization and practice.

Tenets of the LSI Curriculum

  • Early longitudinal practice-based clinical service that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real patients
  • Self-directed learning with multiple assessment methods to provide individualized learning with standardized outcomes
  • Coaching with renowned faculty to support strong clinical skills
  • Project work that requires critical thinking and synthesis
  • Clinical-based problem solving in a team-based environment

A world-class medical center campus

Ranked one of America’s “Best Hospitals” for the 30th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is at the forefront of medicine, where discovery and innovation in research laboratories make unique, effective therapies available to patients months, even years, before other hospitals. A major referral center throughout Ohio and the Midwest, the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center manages more than 2 million patient visits each year.

This offers trainees the chance to see patients with a wide array of complex and sometimes rare medical conditions — an opportunity that students don’t have at many other schools. As members of the medical team at Ohio State, our students work side by side with other health care professionals within 8 hospitals located in central Columbus, diagnosing and treating patients as they master the professional and personal skills needed to drive breakthrough health care solutions to improve people’s lives.

Where our students learn

Arial view Ohio State University Hospital

Ohio State University Hospital

Consistently recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, University Hospital is the flagship patient care facility of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. University Hospital is home to a Level I Trauma Center, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit and a groundbreaking Center for Neuromodulation. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Worms-eye view of the James Cancer Hospital

The James Cancer Hospital

 

As the third largest cancer hospital in the country, The James fully integrates scientific research with education and excellent patient-care. Designated a Comprehensive Caner Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), The James is one of only a few centers in the nation funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs sponsored by the NCI. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Inpatient Tower

Opening 2026

Ohio State is taking a major step forward with the development of a new hospital that, combined with modern educational space, will enhance a unified Ohio State Wexner Medical Center campus providing leading-edge research, outstanding clinical training and world-class patient care. The 1.9 million-square-foot inpatient hospital is the largest single facilities project ever undertaken at Ohio State with up to 820 beds in private-room settings to elevate patient-centered care, safety and training for the next generation of health care providers.

Learn more about the Inpatient Tower

Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio

Nationwide Children's Hospital

As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital is where medical students are trained in pediatric care and is currently ranked #6 for best children's hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Located within 15 minute drive from medical campus. Shuttle service is also provided.

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Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital

Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital

Top ranked in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, the Ross Heart Hospital provides care for every type of heart or vascular disease. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital

Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital

Home to central Ohio’s top-ranked neurology/neurosurgery program, the Brain and Spine Hospital has specialized units for stroke care, neurotrauma and traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and spine surgery, epilepsy, chronic pain, acute rehabilitation and neurosurgery.

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Ohio State East Hospital

Ohio State East Hospital

The Ohio State East Hospital blends academic medicine with a community-based setting in a comprehensive outpatient facility and 190-bed hospital on Columbus’ east side. Home to a Level III Trauma Center, East Hospital provides a full range of medical and surgical services to patients throughout central Ohio, including orthopedics, general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, ENT, cardiovascular and pulmonary care, urology, family medicine, general internal medicine and emergency medicine.

Located within 15 minute drive from medical campus. Shuttle service is also provided.

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Ohio State Harding Hospital

Ohio State Harding Hospital provides the most comprehensive behavioral health care services for adults, older adults, children and adolescents in central Ohio. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Ohio State Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital

Ohio State Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital

At Ohio State’s nationally ranked inpatient rehabilitation services at Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital, residents receive training in general and neurorehabilitation, neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnostics and musculoskeletal ultrasound to helps individuals live their lives to the fullest after disabilities caused by trauma, illness, congenital deficits or disease. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Training for the 21st century physician

As medicine continues to evolve, we constantly seek ways to keep pace and anticipate challenges in the future. That’s why we’ve made a $3 billion investment in our strategic plan, a multi-faceted approach to growth in research, education and culture, among other areas. The plan calls for infill of open sites and renewal of earlier facilities, including Hamilton Hall. The medical school of the future is well underway. 

Learn more about the new Hamilton Hall

Our curriculum in action

Our innovative Lead.Serve.Inspire. curriculum integrates foundational science with early patient interaction and longitudinal clinical practice, supported by the vast resources of an academic medical center on the campus of a top 10 public research university.

Learn more about the LSI Framework

Simulation Center

The Clinical Skills Education and Assessment Center (CSEAC) is a state-of-the-art training center simulating actual patient care experiences. The changing nature of medical practice and national demand for accountability in medical education highlight the need for a leading-edge clinical skills center.

Learn more about the CSEAC

Community Service Opportunities

As a medical student at Ohio State, you will develop the competence to provide outstanding care to diverse patient populations. Through community events, student run free clinics and many student organization opportunities, you have a variety of opportunities to provide care and resources to patients in the community.

Learn more about community service opportunities

Learn more about the LSI Curriculum

Curricular requirements for completion of the MD degree include demonstrated competency in the curricular learning outcomes.  In addition students must pass Parts 1, 2, & 3 of the curriculum, post a passing score on USMLE Step 1 and 2CK, and meet all professional standards.