Thread/Theme Directors: Key Leaders in Curriculum Delivery

In the Foundations Phase of the UWSOM Curriculum, recurring content known as Threads and Themes is integrated throughout the basic science blocks. Thread/Theme Directors are responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of Thread/Theme content within each block of the curriculum throughout the WWAMI region. Their leadership is essential to maintaining the integrity, consistency, and relevance of these cross-cutting areas throughout the Foundations Phase.

There are three Threads: Anatomy & Embryology, Pharmacology, and Histology & Pathology. There are four Themes: Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Ethics, Health Systems Science, and Planetary Health.

This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for Thread/Theme Directors, outlining the workflow and administrative tasks associated with each phase of a block (see the Anatomy of a Block Lifecycle visual) —from course preparation, through instruction, to course evaluation. It is organized chronologically to support Directors in planning and executing their responsibilities effectively.

To begin, review the Curriculum Schedule for block start dates (See the Curriculum Visual for the entering class you are teaching) and the Per Block Checklist, then proceed through the guide to explore the details of each task.

While this guide provides valuable tools and insights, it is not a substitute for active collaboration with the Foundations team, whose support is crucial to fully leveraging available resources.