Teaching "doctoring": a model curriculum for family medicine.

The authors present a model of an interdisciplinary, longitudinal (lifecycle), generalist "doctoring" course that spans the first 2 years of osteopathic medical education and training. This course is intended to run concurrently with a nongeneralist curriculum and to link this curriculum sequentially. The educational topics and objectives show a unique alignment with anatomy and osteopathic principles. The course encompasses (1) logical sequencing of curricular content; (2) a strong interconnection between the didactic and clinical practice experiences throughout the continuum of education and training; (3) additional exposure to clinical applications during the early and formative stages of medical education; and (4) additional coverage of specific clinical competency areas.