In an era of rapid technological and social change, these skills are more important than ever. The curriculum's first two years stress both factual knowledge and key skills such as critical thinking, establishing rapport with patients and colleagues, and conducting medical histories and physical examinations. In the final two years, students rotate through clerkships in the primary care fields and other specialties, applying what they have learned in the classroom to supervised experiences with real patients. During medical training, students also must take the United States Medical Licensing Examination, a three part test that all physicians must pass in order to practice medicine in the United States and Canada. A final section on clinical management usually is taken in the first or second year of postgraduate training.
Students make important career decisions as they reach their final years of medical school.
Most students secure residency positions through the National Residency Matching Program, which pairs the top choices of students and residency program directors. It reveals where they will spend the next several years of their education. All rights reserved.