Education

In its MD and other degree programs, the School of Medicine educates future leaders in medicine, public health, and biomedical science. The MD program follows a unique educational philosophy, the Yale system of medical education, which was established in the 1920s by Dean Milton C. Winternitz, MD. No course grades or class rankings are given in the first two years, examinations are limited, and students are expected to engage in independent investigation. Since 1839 Yale medical students have written a thesis based on original research. The thesis requirement grew out of the recognition that the scientific process of investigation, attentive observation, interpretation of data, and critical evaluation of literature are fundamental to the practice of medicine.

Many Yale medical students opt to take a tuition-free fifth year to complete their studies. Some pursue in-depth research or explore clinical electives and subinternships. A significant number each year are awarded fifth-year research fellowships from Yale and organizations including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Sarnoff Foundation, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. A living stipend is included. Students on funded fellowships also earn the MHS degree. The MD/MHS program offers access to resources and faculty guidance, but students design their own projects.

Each year, approximately 12 students enroll in the school’s MD/PhD Program, one of the original Medical Scientist Training Programs established and funded by the NIH. Graduate students in the Combined Program in the Biomedical and Biological Sciences earn a PhD degree through the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The School of Medicine also offers joint degree programs with other professional schools including Public Health, Law, Management, and Divinity.

* Of the 371 students enrolled in the MD Program, 45 are currently on extended
study pursuing academic research, clinical rotations, or a combination of both.

Class of 2014 profile