I recently returned to Toronto after an international selective in Argentina. One of the most noticeable differences between medical education in Canada and Argentina lies in the structure of the undergraduate medical program.
In Argentina, similar to the European system, students enter medical school directly from high school. The program is 6 years in length and involves solely theory and clinical observation. Medical students get no practical, hands-on experience until they graduate. After graduation, students are required to complete 1 year of "practical" work in a variety of specialties (similar to our clerkship years). After this, students begin residency.
In observing the first year residents on my surgical rotation I found it hard to believe that their involvement in the OR was similar to that of a clerk in Canada. Residents were shocked to hear that in our program we are assisting in surgeries and delivering babies from 3rd year. However, I think that the clinical knowledge of residents in Argentina was well above ours. They also seem to have an incredible amount of responsibility, even as a PGY1.
For myself, I enjoyed the opportunity to explore other areas of interest in university prior to medical school to ensure that I was making the right decision in pursuing Medicine. As a hands-on learner, I also enjoy the opportunity to have extensive practical experience in our final years of medical school. Nevertheless, I think that both structures have their pros and cons and perhaps a student's success would depend on his/her learning style.
-JD
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