Education
Being a physician transcends beyond interest and passion.
While these are relevant aspects, there is a significant part that education plays. Precisely, you will need to get trained as a physician and qualify as same. As such, to practice as a licensed physician, you will need to pass the medical board exams or have passed the medical school.
Generally, physician education trains people with the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and treat sicknesses and diseases.
Many scholars believe that the history of the education of physicians started with the ancient Greek society. Hippocrates, the great Greek physician, is believed to have taught today’s widely-confessed Hippocratic oath in 5th century BC.
Purpose of Physician Education
Why physician education? The primary goal is to build capacities in solving the health needs of a country. So, the curriculum and education framework of physicians varies according to the needs of various countries. But you should know that are certain fundamental elements common to most physicians’ education curriculum.
Model of Physician Education
Ideally, the physician’s education should is flexible. Their education caters to the changes and development in medical knowledge and advances in medical technology and innovation. Regardless, the standard physicians’ education teaches practical and professional capacity in taking care of human health. Also, the health councils or ministries regulate their physicians’ education.
Stages of Physician Education
Pre-Medical Education
Physician education is a competitive study, so schools often limit their admissions to just a few. Many people apply, but only a specified number gain entry to study to be physicians.
In some western countries and commonwealth countries, applicants must pass a stipulated entrance or aptitude tests. Some universities and colleges also require applicants to have aced some basic subjects such as biology, chemistry, etc.
Undergraduate Education
Physician education at the undergraduate level ranges from four to five, or even seven-year courses in some countries. Students usually take introductory courses in their first years in school.
So, they later take more specific subjects regarding human anatomy, psychology, and physiology. Intensive practical and clinical works characterise the later stages of their education. This stage is often known as medical schools in some commonwealth countries.
Post-Graduate Education
Graduate physicians often decide to further their education to gain specialisation and expertise. They usually learn under the expert supervision of clinicians in teaching hospitals as graduate physicians.
This is commonly known as a residency, which is the equivalent of internship or training contracts, which usually take about a year.
Continuing Education
Physicians also learn during practice. They participate in reputable medical and scientific conferences, whether national and international. Some also attend medical forums and engage in clinical discussion groups and meetings.
Like the calendar, physicians keep themselves up-to-date with new developments in their field. They do this mainly through medical journals, courses, and other training opportunities.
You can contact us for more information about getting educated as a physician.