Abstract

MESTRES-VENTURA, Pedro  and  BECKER, Kurt W.. Studying medicine in Germany. Educ. méd. [online]. 2012, vol.15, n.2, pp.69-76. ISSN 1575-1813.

This article gives a general overview on the organization, structure and curriculum of medical studies in Germany. The regulations governing these studies, called Approbationsordung, were reviewed and amended in 2002, in adaptation to the new rules created by the European Union. The curriculum dedicates six years and three months to the study and training of students (two years of basic sciences, three years of clinical sciences, and a final year dedicated to clinical work in hospital). Any candidate applying for a course at a German University must meet certain requirements, regardless of whether or not he or she is member of the EU. Assessment of progress is carried out at different levels during the course. Essential here is the state exam in Medicine, which is divided into two parts, the first part dealing with the basic and the second with the clinical period. The new Approbationsordung (AppOÄ) brought a series of changes that are still under implementation. Specialization takes place in the postgraduate period of medical studies. At the end of this period the doctor obtains a specialist (Facharzt) title granted by the College of Physicians. Traditionally the organization of these studies lies in the hands of the trainees themselves; however, this is lined up for substantial modification. As a specialist the doctor is obliged to participate in ongoing education programs, with periodic performance evaluation. A controversial topic at present is the Doctor title in Medicine and its medical relevance. Many research programs are emerging thematically in a clinical context and apparently some past deviations can be corrected. Links and sources to obtain information about studying in different faculties in Germany have been included.

Keywords : Curriculum medicine; Evaluation; Germany; Postgraduate medical education; Undergraduate medical education.

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