Medicine is the overarching term for scientific and practical studies aimed at understanding human health, and diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. It encompasses a vast discipline with numerous sub-branches, providing students with a comprehensive range of information from basic sciences to clinical applications.
Typically, spanning six years of undergraduate education, the medical department awards graduates the title of doctor. Following their undergraduate studies, these graduates continue to receive specialized training in their field of expertise. In Turkey and many other countries, medical education is primarily offered in medical faculties.
Medical education consists of several fundamental stages:
- Basic Sciences Period:
- Commencing with fundamental sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics, this period covers essential medical sciences like anatomy, histology, biochemistry, and physiology.
- Clinical Sciences Period:
- Following basic sciences, students enter the clinical period, where they delve into clinical sciences such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, enhancing their clinical practice skills.
- Internships and Practical Applications:
- Students apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings through internships in hospitals and clinical environments. This phase involves acquiring skills in patient care, medical evaluation, and treatment practices.
- Fields of Expertise and Specialization:
- Upon completing their medical education, graduates focus on a specific medical specialty. Specializations may include internal medicine, surgery, radiology, pediatrics, and neurology, among others.
Department of Medicine Courses
The medical department's curriculum is comprehensive, covering basic sciences, clinical sciences, and practical experiences to prepare students for the medical profession. Some courses in the curriculum include:
- Basic Sciences:
- Anatomy: The structure and organ systems of the human body.
- Physiology: Functioning of organ systems and physiological processes.
- Biochemistry: Biological molecules and cellular functions.
- Histology and Embryology: Structural and developmental characteristics of cells and tissues.
- Basic Health Sciences:
- Pathology: Causes, mechanisms, and textural changes of diseases.
- Microbiology: Study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi).
- Pharmacology: Drug interactions and treatment methods.
- Clinical Sciences:
- Internal Diseases: General health conditions and internal organ diseases.
- Surgery: Surgical techniques, procedures, and surgical diseases.
- Pediatrics: Child health and diseases.
- Gynecology: Women's reproductive health.
- Essential Clinical Skills:
- Medical Examination and Anamnesis Taking: Interaction with patients and diagnostic skills.
- Medical Ethics and Law: Ethical principles and legal responsibilities in health services.
- Communication Skills: Patient-doctor communication and team communication.
- Practical Experiences:
- Clinical Rotations: Practical internships in hospitals and clinics.
- Practical Skills Training: Practical learning of basic medical skills.
- Clinical Case Studies: Hands-on learning on real patients.
What Do Medical School Graduates Do?
Medical school graduates have various career options to consider. Here are some potential career paths for medical graduates:
- Doctor (Physician):
- Graduates can work as general practitioners (family physicians) or specialists in areas like internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, dermatology, and neurology.
- Surgeon:
- Some graduates opt for a career in surgery specializing in areas like surgery, cardiac surgery or orthopaedic surgery.
- Researcher and Academician:
- Medical school graduates have the option to pursue careers involving research and teaching in schools while mentoring students.
- Hospital Management and Health Policies:
- Graduates may venture into health services management and take on roles related to hospital administration and health policies.
- Health Services Consulting:
- Opportunities exist for graduates to work as consultants in the healthcare sector within companies or consulting firms.
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Sector:
- Medical department graduates can work as medical representatives, researchers, or medical sales representatives in pharmaceutical companies.
- International Health Organizations:
- Some graduates may engage in work addressing global health issues in international health organizations, such as WHO or UNICEF.
Best Medical Universities in the World
The ranking of medical schools that are considered the best around the world is as follows:
1. QS World University Rankings:
2. Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings:
3. Shanghai Ranking (ARWU):
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Medicine Universities Around The World