Pursuing a degree in Medicine includes everything that makes up the final stage of a professional cycle, from learning about human anatomy to detecting illnesses, treating them, and using the information for the benefit of society. I can actually predict that many medical students would want to study and graduate in one of the best medical institutions of the world, with this list of the best medical schools in the world you sure will find a good and affordable school you can study in.
What Is A Medical School?
A medical school is a tertiary institution that teaches or train medical students into becoming licensed physicians or doctors. It also confers doctoral degrees to its graduates.
In medical schools, students learn about the human body, disease processes, and medical treatments, and also gain hands-on experience working with patients followed by a residency program, which provides further training in specific medical specialties.
Students who go through and graduate from medical schools are are awarded a degree, such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), which allows them to practice medicine and become licensed to do so.
Why Attend A Medical School
Attending a medical is worth the resources, time and investment cause at the end of the day you get lots of career opportunities some of which I will list below:
- Improving other people’s life and well-being: However, your top priority as a doctor is to materially improve your patients’ health and quality of life. Helping the patient’s family deal with their terminal sickness is a profound thing that goes beyond simply “wanting to help people.”
- Career in Medicine anywhere in the World: A career in medicine is a respected and stable profession, with a wide range of specialties and opportunities for growth and advancement.
- A lot of people are in need of doctors: The World needs more doctors. In 2013, the WHO estimated that by 2030, low- and middle-income countries would be lacking 14.5 million healthcare professionals.
- Careers in healthcare offer high salaries and job security: Also another crucial consideration when determining whether to pursue a career in this field is the level of job stability you will have once you graduate. Medical doctors are typically well-compensated, and have a relatively high earning potential, which can provide financial stability and security.
- Advancement in technology and science: The medical field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatments being developed, its actually a great opportunity to be part of these medical technological developments.
How Long Does It Take To Graduate From Medical School
Although medical school usually takes four years but in some countries like the United Kingdom most medical degrees are 5 to 6 years long.
Case study on Nigeria which I know more about, it takes up to roughly 8 years, students spend up to five years in the university before proceeding for clinicals and posting in a teaching hospital for 2 years.
What Are The Requirements For Studying Medicine
The requirements for studying medicine depends on the medical school and country you the school is located in, cause many countries have different requirements and criteria to study medicine there. However, there are some general requirements that are common across most institutions:
- Undergraduate degree: Most schools require applicants to have completed a first degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Most medical schools in the United States and Canada require applicants to take the MCAT, which is a standardized test that measures knowledge of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- GPA: Medical schools typically have minimum GPA requirements for applicants. This may vary between schools but usually, the average GPA is 3.5 or above.
- Clinical experience: Most schools require or prefer applicants to have some form of clinical experience.
- Personal statement and references: Most medical schools require applicants to submit a personal statement and provide at least one or two letters of reference from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications and skills.
- Background check and certification: Some medical schools may require a background check and certification of the applicant.
- I.B: Candidates for the I.B. must submit three subjects at a higher level. This covers three subjects at the Standard Level in addition to Chemistry and Biology. Not every university demands an International Baccalaureate (I.B.) diploma.
- English Proficiency: some schools will require international to at least show an English proficiency Basic IELTS and TOEFL scores
Requirements For Studying Medicine In American Medical Schools
Additional requirements for admission to some American medical schools include completing prerequisite courses like:
- One year of laboratory-based college biology
- One year of lab-based general college chemistry
- Biology and chemistry require a minimum of 24 semester hours in the humanities.
- Mathematics (calculus or statistics for one year) (6-8 semester hours)
- One year of laboratory-based general college physics (8 semester hours)
List Of The Best Medical Schools In The World
Here is a list of the best medical schools in the World:
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California–San Francisco
- Stanford University
- University of Toronto
- University of Washington
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Oxford
- Duke University
- Columbia University
1. Harvard University
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States, with a history dating back to 1636.
It is the oldest medical school in the United States and is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in the world.
Medical Programs Offered In Harvard University:
- MD Program
- MD-PhD Program
- Master of Medical Sciences (MMS) in Global Health Delivery
- Master of Medical Sciences (MMS) in Clinical Investigation
- Master of Medical Sciences (MMS) in Medical Education
2. Johns Hopkins University
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was established in 1876 which makes it the oldest research university in both the western hemisphere and the United States.
Medical Programs Offered In Johns Hopkins University:
- MD Program
- MD-PhD Program
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Health Science (MHS)
- Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI)
3. University of California San Francisco
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 14.4%
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a public research university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the University of California system and is exclusively dedicated to health sciences.
It offers a variety of medical programs to help students achieve their career goals in the field of medicine
Medical Programs Offered In University of California San Francisco:
- MD Program
- MD-PhD Program
- Master of Science in Translational Medicine (MSTM)
- Master of Science in Health Professionals Education (MS-HPE)
- Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR)
- Master of Science in Global Health Sciences (MS-GHS)
- Master of Science in Medical Physics (MS-MP)
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Family and Community Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Neurological Surgery
- Obstetrics
- Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Psychiatry
- Radiation Oncology
- Radiology
- Surgery
4. Stanford University
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
Stanford University which was established in 1885 is a private research university located in Stanford, California. History had it that the university is named in honor of late Leland Stanford Jr., who died of typhoid fever at the age of 15.
The university is also known for its high level of student engagement, with numerous opportunities for students to participate in research, service, and other extracurricular activities
Medical Programs Offered In Stanford University:
- MD Program
- MD-PhD Program
- Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (MSBI)
- Master of Science in Medical Education (MSME)
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
- Radiology
- Surgery
- nesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
5. University of Toronto
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 43%
The University of Toronto is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada which was founded in 1827 by a royal charter granted by King George IV which makes the oldest university in the province of Ontario and one of the oldest universities in Canada.
UT is also known for its active student life, with over 300 student clubs and organizations, recreational sports and fitness programs, and a wide range of cultural and arts events.
Medical Programs Offered In University of Toronto:
- MD Program
- MD/PhD Program
- MD/MSc Program
- MD/MBA Program
- MD/JD Program
- MD/MPH Program
- MD/MEd Program
- MD/MSc(PT) Program
- MD/MSc(OT) Program
- MD/MSc (AHS) Program
6. University of Washington
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 53.5%
UW founded in 1861 and one of the oldest universities on the west coast of the United States. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is a group of the top research universities in North America.
In terms of medical programs, The University of Washington School of Medicine offers a four-year MD program, MD-PhD program, and a variety of residency and fellowship programs.
Medical Programs Offered In University of Washington:
- Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education (BIME)
- Clinical Investigation
- Global Health
- Medical Education
- Medical Genetics
- Medical History and Ethics
- Medical Sciences in Anesthesiology
- Medical Sciences in Neurology
- Medical Sciences in Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Sciences in Pathology
- Medical Sciences in Pediatrics
- Medical Sciences in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Medical Sciences in Radiology
7. University of Pennsylvania
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
UPenn is a private Ivy League research university which was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. The institution is known for its strong programs in a variety of fields including medicine.
The school offers a wide range of graduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of medicine Its hospital is even rated as one of the top-ranked hospitals in the United States and is affiliated with the Perelman School of Medicine.
Medical Programs Offered In University of Pennsylvania:
- Biomedical Graduate Studies
- Medical Genetics
- Medical Physics
- Medical Scientist Training Program
- Basic science research
- Clinical research
- Population health research.
8. University of Oxford
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 17.5%
The University of Oxford, established in 1096. with a history dating back over 900 years it is seen as one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It is a university with a strong focus on research and a global reputation for academic excellence.
Medical Programs Offered In University of Oxford:
- MSc in Global Health Science.
- MSc in Medical Sciences (Clinical Neurosciences)
- MSc in Medical Sciences (Global Health)
- MSc in Medical Sciences
- DPhil in Medical Sciences
- Intercalated BSc program
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
9. Duke University
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
Duke University School of Medicine is one of the most renowned medical schools in the United States, known for its strong emphasis on research and innovative medical education.
The medical school offers a variety of degree programs, including the Doctor of Medicine (MD), the Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS), the Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR), and the Master of Health Sciences (MHS)
Medical Programs Offered In Duke University:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS)
- Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR)
- Master of Health Sciences (MHS)
- MD/PhD
- MD/MBA
- MD/MPH
- MD/MHS
- MD/JD
- MD/MA in Bioethics
- MD/MSc in Global Health
10. Columbia University
Website: Visit here
Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
Columbia is one of the top academic and research institutions in the world, conducting pathbreaking research in medicine, science, the arts, and the humanities.
It has a distinguished faculty, including numerous Nobel laureates and members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Medical Programs Offered In Columbia University:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD
- MD/MBA
- MD/MPH
- MD/MS in Bioethics
- MD/MS in Narrative Medicine
- MD/MS in Medical Physics
- Post-baccalaureate Pre-medical Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD)
Note:
Please be informed that the programs and acceptance rate quoted in this article is subject to change, you are best advised to visit the university website of any school you are interested in applying for.
I will continue to update the list and availability of programs in the various institution, what do you think about this article? drop your words of encouragement in the comment box.
Conclusion
It is important to note that the ranking of medical schools can vary depending on the source, and the ranking should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a medical school. It is also important to research and compare the different medical programs and the institution’s specific strengths and specialties, location, cost, and student life should also be considered before making a decision.
The institutions mentioned, such as Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, University of California San Francisco, University of Toronto, University of Washington, University of Pennsylvania, University of Oxford, Duke University, Columbia University, offer some of the best medical programs and research opportunities in the world, I strongly recommend them to you.
FAQs
Which nation is the greatest for medical school?
The best universities to study Medicine can be found in the U.S. and the U.K.
Which university offers the greatest programs in Medicine?
The best university in the World to study Medicine or dentistry science is Harvard Medical School in the United States; This is according to the Q.S. rankings for 2021. To learn more about the other universities, read this article to the end.
What is the typical cost of medical school abroad?
To study Medicine abroad, you need to budget an average of $53,000 to $1.33L.
Additionally, you will always receive a few diverse scholarships thanks to your grades and test results. This will put you at the top of the list for acceptance rates.
What other nations are renowned for their medical schools abroad?
Germany, Russia, China, the Philippines, and Ukraine offer top-notch medical education in addition to the U.K. and the USA.
References
usnews.com