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📖 Table of contents
"How long does it take to study medicine?" is a frequently asked question.
In general, you can assume that you will study for at least 12 semesters or 6 years. At least, because this is the usual minimum period of study for medical degree programmes. However, there are some exceptions, such as the PMU in Salzburg, where medical studies can be completed in a minimum study time of "only" 5 years. However, this is only possible because the timetable is more compressed and thus the free time is shorter. I would now like to briefly report on how the studies in Bratislava at Comenius University are structured.
The preclinic
The first two years of medical studies are generally called "preclinical". The name comes from the fact that you usually do not spend any time in the clinic during the first two years. In these four semesters, theoretical knowledge of various areas is learned. Practical experience in the clinic is not yet on the timetable at most universities during this period.
The biggest exams are anatomy, histology and physiology, which require a lot of preparation and time.
The clinic
After that, it's off to the clinic. You come into contact with patients for the first time and can put into practice what you have learned in the first two years. In addition, in the third year you take further very demanding exams such as microbiology, pathophysiology and pathoanatomy, which many medical students struggle with.
The fourth year is supposed to be one of the more relaxed years. The major exams here are pharmacology and clinical biochemistry. Furthermore, many decide to take an Erasmus year in the fourth year. Studying in a foreign country, whether for just one semester/year or for the entire degree, offers a unique opportunity to get to know new people and cultures.
In the fifth year, you are then specifically prepared for the final year, because in the sixth year, four state examinations await you. These are internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics and gynaecology. You prepare for these by gaining practical experience in the clinic, among other things.
After graduation
After successfully completing the four examinations, one ultimately receives one's professional doctorate. After receiving the title MUDr. and completing the studies, one can finally specialise in a specialist of one's choice after receiving the licence to practise medicine.
On the whole, it can be said that studying medicine prepares you very well for your future profession. However, it must also be mentioned that as a doctor you never stop learning and always have to acquire more knowledge!
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