How Medical School Learning Pathways Work at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Choosing a medical school is not only about where you are accepted. It is about how you will learn, how you will spend your days, and how well the educational environment supports your ability to succeed.

At LECOM, students complete the same rigorous medical curriculum through different learning pathways. Each pathway is designed to support different learning styles while maintaining the same academic standards, board preparation, and clinical outcomes.

LECOM students, regardless of their learning pathway, all take Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) as well as History and Physical Examination (H&P) courses together which consist of lectures and labs across all four semesters of the first two years of the curriculum. The majority of the remaining curriculum is delivered through different learning pathways.

This article explains how LECOM's three primary pathways work, what students experience day to day, and how to think about choosing the pathway that fits you best.

Key Takeaways

• LECOM offers multiple medical education pathways that deliver the same curriculum through different learning models
• All pathways prepare students for board examinations and clinical rotations
• Learning style, structure, and your daily schedule vary by pathway
• There is no single best pathway. Maximal success depends on choosing the environment that matches how you learn
• Students and faculty emphasize self-awareness when selecting a pathway

Watch: LECOM Medical School Pathways Explained

Why Learning Pathways Matter in Medical School

Medical education requires you to absorb, apply, and retain a large volume of information. Students do not all learn effectively in the same environment.

Some students benefit from structured, faculty-led instruction. Others thrive with more independence and self-directed study. Some learn best by working through clinical problems in small groups.

LECOM recognizes these differences and offers multiple pathways so students can engage with the curriculum in a way that supports their strengths without compromising academic rigor.

Overview of LECOM's Medical School Pathways

LECOM offers three primary learning pathways during the preclinical years. While the format differs, the curriculum, assessments, and expectations remain consistent.

Lecture Discussion Pathway

The Lecture Discussion Pathway provides a traditional medical school structure. Students attend scheduled lectures and labs throughout the week, guided by faculty and clinicians.

This pathway offers a predictable daily schedule, consistent classroom time, and regular interaction with faculty. Students' who value structure, routine, and guided instruction often find this model effective.

Problem Based Learning Pathway

The Problem Based Learning Pathway centers on small group sessions where students work through clinical cases together. Faculty serve as facilitators rather than lecturers.

Students spend fewer hours in scheduled classroom time and more time studying independently. Accountability comes from group expectations, preparation, active participation, and independent learning.

This pathway suits students who learn by discussion, application, and self-direction and who are comfortable managing their time independently.

Directed Study Pathway

The Directed Study Pathway emphasizes independent learning with structured checkpoints. Students are responsible for reviewing assigned material on their own schedule while attending required meetings, quizzes, and exams.