Traditionally, the first half of medical school trains students in the classroom setting, and the second half takes place in a teaching hospital.
YEARS ONE AND TWO
Basic Sciences courses: pathology, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, behavioral sciences, interdisciplinary topics, such as nutrition, genetics, and aging.
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United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE) Step 1 (basic sciences) assesses whether medical school students or graduates understand and can apply important concepts of the basic sciences to the practice of medicine. As of 2007, it covers the following subjects, in both systemic (general and individual anatomical characteristics) and procedural (functional, therapeutic, environmental, and abnormality) themes: Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Behavioral sciences, Interdisciplinary topics, such as nutrition, genetics, and aging. US medical students take Step 1 at the end of the Basic Sciences portion of the curriculum, usually after the second year of medical school.
YEARS THREE AND FOUR
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Clinical Rotations (clerkship) refers to the practice of medicine by medical students during their final year(s) of study. Clerkships give students experiences in all parts of the hospital setting, including the operating room, emergency department, and various other departments that allow learning by viewing and doing. During this training, students are required to rotate through different medical specialties and treat patients under the supervision of physicians. Students elicit patient histories, complete physical examinations, write progress notes, and assist in surgeries and medical procedures. The work hours are that of a full-time job, generally similar to that of residents. Students may also be required to work on weekends and to be on call.
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USMLE Step 2 is designed to assess whether medical school students or graduates can apply medical knowledge, skills and understanding of clinical science essential for provision of patient care under supervision. US medical students typically take Step 2 during the fourth year of medical school. Step 2 is further divided into two separate exams.
AFTER THE M.D. DEGREE IS AWARDED