The field of medicine has been changing rapidly. Patients expect Doctors to adapt and be
equipped with the knowledge they need to perform the growing
... [Show More] volume of tasks expected of
them. Through this paper, I plan to expound on the changes that have occurred in medical
education from the 1800s to today. Secondly, describe, compare, and contrast the apprenticeship
versus the academic models of medical training, and how it progressed. And lastly, evaluate the
significance of understanding the history of medical education, and its benefits to educating
prospective medical graduates now and in the future.
The Changing Scope of Medical Education
Medicine has made dynamic changes throughout history, to what it has become today.
Through these changes, the way we educate physicians has contributed to medicine’s evolution.
While we marvel on the wealth of information medical students are required to absorb, let’s
review how medical education has evolved from the 1800s, to what it is today.
The first medical school in the United States was founded by John Morgan in 1765.
Originally named the Philadelphia College of Medicine; it was soon changed to the University of
Pennsylvania (Slawson, 2012). Medical universities during the 1800s were comprised of
Preceptors, who lectured students with little to no oversight or structure. To obtain a degree in
the field of Medicine during the 1800s, prospective medical students had to meet the following
requirements; be at least 21 years of age, complete two years of schooling, and three years of
apprenticeship training (Slawson, 2012). Terms for classes during each semester consisted of
sixteen week sessions, with no grading applied. Schools required no formal college prerequisite
degree or pre entrance testing (Slawson, 2012).
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CHANGES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION 3
Medical schools today are structured differently than those in the 1800s. Before a student
can be accepted into a medical school program, this candidate must precure a four-year
bachelor’s degree before being considered. The Candidate must then apply for and pass the
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and gain admission into a university that is accredited
by the Liaison Committee of Medical Education (LCME). When the candidate receives
acceptance into a medical program; requirements includes intensive academic courses, followed
by a rigorous clinical residency apprenticeship, including rotations through various medical
specialties, After successfully completing these requirements, the Candidate must sit for and
successfully pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) examination
(DeZee, et al., 2012).
If one desires to become a doctor today, a commitment of eleven years of post-secondary
school education will be required (DeZee, et al., 2012). Compared to Medical School training in
the 1800s, today’s program is very rigorous, and dynamic is nature. It requires the Candidate to
not only be dedicated, but disciplined, often sacrificing work-life balance, to achieve success.
Apprenticeship verses Academic Models
The cornerstones that shaped medical education standards today comprise of an
apprenticeship and academic approaches. Both models in its own manner formed an
infrastructure for professional enrichment, through advancement and learning opportunities for
potential medical students. The apprenticeship model provides medical students direct
involvement within a clinical atmosphere. This model emphasizes a hands-on approach of
learning for students, which promotes problem-solving skills, establishes an understanding of
common medical challenges, which can aid medical students in executing problem solving
independently. For guidance; senior practicing physician would oversee each student during
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