| Studies in medical school typically take 4 years to complete. This phase of education can be divided into two sections: basic (2 years) and clinical (2 years).
The first two years of basic science teach medical students the core scientific knowledge about the human body. These years can be further subdivided into the first year, where the student learns about the "normal" aspects of the human body, and the second year, where the student learns about the "abnormal".
The basic science years are followed by two years of clinical rotations and electives. Students are introduced to the actual care of patients in several fields, such as surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, etc. The required rotations may differ among medical schools.
After completion of medical school, the student receives a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) and the title of "doctor". The fresh graduate is not yet permitted to independently practice medicine, but must complete additional training and be licensed. |