6-Year Curriculum of Medicine surgery in Italy

6-Year Curriculum of Medicine surgery in Italy

  • Date: November 20, 2024
  • Author: Maham Ovis
  • Tag: 6 years Curriculum, IMAT, SSM, Italy

Description

Studying medicine in Italy is a six-year journey — but the timeline is only part of the story. From entrance exams and enrolment procedures to clinical rotations, licensing, and specialisation, the path to becoming a doctor in Italy involves multiple critical steps. In this guide, Future Meds Academy breaks down every stage of the process clearly and chronologically — so you know exactly what to expect, when to expect it, and how to prepare. Whether you are just starting to explore medicine in Italy or already enrolled, this is your complete roadmap to earning your MD and practicing as a qualified physician in one of Europe's most respected medical education systems.

6-Year Curriculum of Medicine surgery in Italy

The master's degree in medicine and surgery in Italy spans six years. However, it’s not just about the time commitment—there are several other complex procedures and requirements that must be fulfilled along the way. In this guide, we’ll explain all the key steps and give you a clear timeline to help you understand what it takes to become a doctor in Italy. Whether you’re planning to start this journey or are already on your way, this guide will help you know what to expect.

How does the educational system work?

The medical education system in Italy is structured into two key phases: [translate:Preclinical studies] and [translate:clinical training].

The preclinical phase typically spans 2–3 years, during which students focus on building a solid foundation in essential medical sciences, including biology, biochemistry, anatomy, histology, and other core subjects (the subjects for all six years of study at one of the Italian Med schools are listed in this guide).

The clinical phase marks a pivotal shift from theoretical learning to hands-on experience. Starting in the third or fourth year, students engage in hospital rotations across various specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, and paediatrics. These clinical years offer real-world exposure under expert supervision, allowing students to develop critical clinical skills, patient interaction techniques, and practical medical knowledge, thereby preparing them for professional practice in the medical field.

Below, we have listed the 6-year subjects from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. This will give you an idea of what is typically taught, as many subjects are similar across universities. However, each university has its own study plan. For example, universities like Politecnico di Marche focus on Engineering Courses as well during the first 3 years.

Year 1

  • 1st Semester: Biology, Histology and Embryology, Human Anatomy I, Clinical practice I
  • 2nd Semester: Biology, Histology and Embryology, Human Anatomy I, Clinical practice I

Year 2

  • 1st Semester: Physiology, Immunology and Immunopathology, Human Anatomy II, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • 2nd Semester: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Physiology, Clinical practice II

Year 3

  • 1st Semester: Clinical Symptomatology, General Pathology and Physiopathology, Laboratory Medicine
  • 2nd Semester: General Pathology and Physiopathology, Human Sciences, Systemic Pathology I, Clinical Practice III

Year 4

  • 1st Semester: Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology, Public Health, Systemic Pathology II
  • 2nd Semester: Anatomic Pathology, Pharmacology, Systemic Pathology III

Year 5

  • 1st Semester: Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Musculoskeletal System Diseases, Neurological Sciences, Psychiatry
  • 2nd Semester: General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Genetics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric Sciences

Year 6

  • 1st Semester: Dermatology and plastic surgery, General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Genetics, Specialistic disciplines
  • 2nd Semester: Clinical Practice VI, Emergencies, Forensic Medicine

White coat ceremony

At the beginning of the third year, students participate in the [translate:White Coat Ceremony], a symbolic event where they receive their white coats and take an oath to uphold the principles and ethics of medicine. This marks the transition from theoretical learning to hands-on practical training. Following this, students begin their clinical studies (in 3rd or 4th year depending on the university), which involve hospital visits and real-world medical practice under supervision. This ceremony serves as a reminder of the profound journey students are about to undertake as they step into the world of patient care.

Examinations

In the Italian medical universities, majority of exams are conducted orally, and many subjects are interconnected, following an integrated curriculum approach. The system shows some leniency to the students as you get several calls for the same exam in one academic year, moreover, failing an exam does not necessarily prevent you from advancing to the next academic year. You may be promoted to the following year, allowing you to complete any pending exams from a previous year alongside your current coursework. For example, a second-year exam can be attempted during your third year. However, you cannot graduate until all exams and needed procedures for the course are successfully completed, regardless of how long it takes—even if it extends to 10 years.

How are exams graded?

In the Medicine and Surgery program, you need to complete a total of 360 CFU (university credits), with 60 CFU required each year. Each exam is assigned a specific number of credits based on the number of lecture hours. When you pass an exam, you earn the credits associated with it.

Every exam is scored out of 30 marks, with 18 being the minimum passing grade. The highest achievable score is 30 cum laude (30L), which is awarded for exceptional performance above 30. Additionally, students have the right to reject their score if they believe it does not reflect their preparation or expectations. In this case, they can choose to retake the exam during the next exam session. After completing the exam, you are given the choice to either accept or reject your score.

Tirocinio Professionalizzante Valutativo per l’Esame di Stato ([translate:TPVES]) internship

Once students successfully complete all their exams by the fourth year, they become eligible to begin the [translate:Tirocinio Professionalizzante Valutativo per l’Esame di Stato] ([translate:TPVES]). Previously, this internship was completed after graduation. However, starting from the 2019/20 academic year, it has been integrated into the Medicine and Surgery Degree Program under the name Professionalizing and Evaluative Internship for the State Exam ([translate:TPVES] in Italian language).

The TPVES is carried out during the fifth and sixth years of the course and consists of a total duration of three months:

  • 1 month in the Surgical Area
  • 1 month in the Medical Area
  • 1 month in General Medicine ([translate:MMG])

This structure allows students to gain hands-on professional experience in these areas before completing their degree and taking the state exam. This structured internship provides students with practical experience in key medical areas, preparing them to transition from academic learning to professional practice.

The TPVES ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their medical careers and serve their communities effectively. An important aspect of this internship is maintaining a comprehensive logbook or booklet, which serves as a record of your activities and progress. This booklet must be regularly updated and signed by the professor or supervisor under whose guidance you are working. It basically acts as a formal document to track your practical experiences, ensuring that all required tasks are completed.

Medical thesis

The medical thesis is typically started during the fifth year of the six-year postgraduate program and holds significant importance for graduation. It is crucial for students to plan their thesis and degree timeline carefully. Delaying the start of your thesis can lead to complications, potentially postponing graduation and placing you in the [translate:fuori corso] category (students who extend beyond the standard program duration).

The thesis accounts for 18 credits in the degree program and is a mandatory requirement for the final examination. To qualify, students must have completed all courses and passed their exams. It needs to be done under the supervision of an academic advisor. It serves as the student’s first foray into scientific research, emphasizing originality and critical inquiry.

There are two primary types of thesis:

  1. Literature Review Thesis ([translate:Tesi Compilativa]) or observational thesis: it includes the comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing literature on a selected topic. This type focuses on bibliographic research and discussion based on existing sources, without requiring a personal contribution.
  2. Experimental Thesis ([translate:Tesi Sperimentale]): involves conducting original research, such as data analysis, clinical or preclinical investigations, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses.

The thesis must be defended on your graduation day, where you will answer questions related to it, contributing to your overall score.

Graduation day

In Italy, multiple graduation dates are offered. You can select the one that best fits your schedule, e.g., February, July, or September. On graduation day, you will present and defend your thesis in front of a committee of professors, fellow graduates, family, and friends. The committee evaluates your presentation, responses, and research quality scoring up to 110 points.

Graduates wear the iconic gown and [translate:corona d'alloro] (laurel crown), a symbol of Roman tradition. Flowers are gifted by family and friends to honor the graduate’s success, followed by photographs and celebrations.

State exam

The ultimate step is passing the [translate:Esame di Stato]. After six years of medical school, you must complete a six-month clinical placement and pass a national exam to become a registered generalist. Once registered with the medical professional association, you can begin practicing.

To specialize, you need a 3-6 year residency program after passing the exam. Admission to residency depends on test scores and academic performance. Residency positions are limited by the Ministry of Education and highly competitive.

Graduates with an Italian medical degree will find that recognition abroad depends primarily on the destination country’s regulations.

EU Countries

  • Italy is a member of the European Union, so its medical degree is automatically recognized in other EU and EEA countries thanks to mutual recognition agreements.
  • Italian medical graduates can apply directly for registration with the medical council of their chosen country. In some cases, they may also need to provide proof of language competence.

United Kingdom

  • Italian medical graduates who want to practice in the UK need to apply for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
  • Applicants must submit documents verifying their qualifications and demonstrate proficiency in English.

United States

  • The United States applies a rigorous process to recognize foreign medical degrees.
  • Italian graduates are required to obtain ECFMG certification, which involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge), and 2 CS (Clinical Skills).
  • Graduates must have their medical degree verified from its primary source.
  • After ECFMG certification, applicants can apply for residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Canada

  • The process in Canada is similar to the one in the US.
  • Graduates must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination.
  • Upon successful completion of these exams, graduates are eligible to apply for residency positions through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).

This concludes the overview of how an Italian medical degree can be recognized abroad. The path of studying medicine in Italy demands hard work and dedication, combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for a successful medical career.

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