If you are anything like me, you probably have some questions as a prospective student applying to the Medicine integrated bachelor’s and master’s programme at the University of Tartu. That is precisely why I decided to share some general information about what studying Medicine is like and some of my experiences as a first-year student in the programme.
The Medicine programme at the University of Tartu is quite extensive as you go through many different topics and specialisations throughout the program, with the opportunity to choose from various electives to become better versed in your pick of topics. The duration of the programme is six years, with the first three years dedicated to pre-clinical studies. As a first-year student, my courses include biology, histology, anatomy, first aid, nursing procedures, Estonian, as well as medical theory and ethics, along many more. During the first three years, the courses that are taught cover the principles and foundations of the programme, upon which the clinical phase of studies is built. These courses vary in domain, covering every aspect that may be needed in the future, from Estonian to ethics to biology and anatomy, providing you with various opportunities to get acquainted with wet labs, microscopy, dissection, and more.

Tartu University Hospital
Moreover, in the second semester, you can already start taking electives that interest you. For instance, I, along with many others, am taking the “Special Dissection” course, where you go into more detail than you study in the mandatory anatomy course, with the opportunity to focus more on the peripheral nerves and circulatory systems, among other things. Then, as the first year ends, you can team up with some of your course-mates and participate in the annual International Anatomy Olympiad right here in Tartu!

Photo retrieved from: https://iaotartu.com/past-events/
As these first three years come to an end, you enter the second phase of your medicine studies, clinical studies! During your clinical studies, you cover various specialisations, ranging from family medicine to surgery and more, where you have to interact with patients, attend lectures and seminars, etc. In my case, I am not 100% certain what I would like to specialise in, and therefore, the fact that we study a large variety of topics during clinical studies is something I am excited about.
Finally, the last part is the graduation examination. This exam covers the second half of your studies in the medicine programme, aka your clinical studies. Then, at long last, you’ll be proudly graduating with an MD in your hands and off to the next phase of your medical journey!

Photo credit: Andres Tennus
Cover photo retrieved from: https://iaotartu.com/past-events/
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