students. For the entering class of 2016–2017, a total of 10,754 applications were received, with 138 students matriculating. Curriculum The curriculum at Rush Medical College is academically challenging, rigorous and integrates all basic science and clinical components. In 2010, the Rush Medical College curriculum underwent an extensive transformation as it implemented a system-based curriculum. Each organ system is organized into an individual block that integrates material from anatomy, biochemistry, histology, physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, immunology, and pharmacology. Preclinical years are graded as Pass/Fail, and clinical years are graded as Honors, High Pass, Pass, Fail. There are currently no external or internal rankings for preclinical students. Concurrently, students in the first two years are enrolled in the EXPLORE Program. This program introduces students to various aspects of medicine and provides hands-on physical examination training. Students obtain clinical experience starting in the first weeks of school as they are required to work alongside a mentoring physician in any field of choice. An evidence-based medicine (EBM) course is included during the first and second year. A USMLE Step 1 passing score is required for promotion into the clinical years. USMLE Step 2 CK and CS must be taken by November 1 of the fourth year, and passing both is required for graduation. Notable alumni James B. Herrick – physician who first described sickle cell anemia, and a type of myocardial infarction. Max Thorek - best known for founding the International College of Surgeons. David J. Peck – In 1847, became the first African American to receive a Doctor of Medicine degree from an American medical school Robert Holbrook Smith ("Dr. Bob") – Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous Bob Smith (doctor) Esther Somerfeld-Ziskind – neurologist and psychiatrist Benjamin H. Southworth – Physician and member of the University of Michigan 1901 National Championship football team. Henry Tazelaar – lung, heart and transplant pathologist Ernest E. Irons - president of the American Medical Association (AMA), the American College of Physicians and the American Association for the Study and Control of Rheumatic Diseases. Ruth May Tunnicliff – bacteriologist, medical researcher Morris Fishbein – Editor of JAMA from 1924 to 1950. He was notable for exposing quacks and debunking dubious medical practices. J. M. Adams – Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1870 Charles Erwin Booth – Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly Truman W. Brophy – Founder of Chicago Dental Infirmary Henry Arthur Callis – One of the