The Length of the Medical Course Itself
At the present time one can not hope to get a satisfactory medical education without taking a full four-year course in the medical school. The course of study in American schools of medicine at present is definitely laid out, and one can know beforehand just what subjects will have to be taken. Even at the end of the four-year course in medicine it is not advisable to begin the practice of medicine immediately. Those who are looking for good positions in the profession should add to the theory gained in college some actual practice. The best way to get this practical work is to serve as an interne in a hospital. Appointments to such positions are often made on the basis of an examination. Such positions last sometimes for one year and sometimes for two years. During the first period of his work in the hospital an interne is directed to some extent by other physicians, but largely by his senior internes. During the last six months of his experience as an interne, however, when he is usually acting as the house doctor or surgeon, he is shown especial attention by physicians and surgeons who have patients in the hospital. There is generally no pay given the interne aside from board and lodging. The period in which one acts as an interne is considered as a further educational period. It has been said that the experience gained during the two years’ interneship in New York City’s largest hospital is considered equal to that acquired in 10 years of ordinary undirected practice.
But even after one actually begins the practice of medicine his education is not complete. In order to keep up with the times he must do a great deal of reading. He must attend district medical meetings, and also State and national meetings. Moreover, he should visit other cities and thus come in contact with the ideas of other practitioners in other communities.
An ideal standard of medical education is outlined in the following quotation:
“The American Medical Association’s ideal standard of medical education as set forth by the Council on Medical Education, after years of extensive study, research, and investigation, is given herewith:
“(a) Preliminary education sufficient to enable the candidate to enter our recognized universities, such qualifications to be passed upon by the State authorities.
“(b) A course of at least one year to be devoted to physics, chemistry, and biology, such arrangements to be made that this year could be taken either in a college of liberal arts or in the medical school.
“(c) Four years in pure medical work, the first two of which should be largely spent in laboratories of anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, etc., and the last two years in close contact with patients in dispensaries and hospitals in the study of medicine, surgery in its various branches, and the specialties.
“(d) A sixth year as an interne in a hospital or dispensary should then complete the medical course. Under such procedure the majority of students would begin the study of medicine at about 18 years and graduate from the hospital interneship at about 25.”[15]
[15] Vocational Studies: School Edition, Teachers’ Aux. No. 1, p. 4, Collins Publicity Service, Philadelphia, Pa.