Medicine Schools and Programs in Switzerland

Medicine Studies in Switzerland

Students who take the noble step of pursuing an education in medicine subject themselves to nearly ten years of schooling when you include their internship.  This can be very taxing to say the least, despite the rewards that await them on the other side of these studies.  One of the ways to break up this monotony is to enroll in a study abroad program—a program that allows prospective students to live and study for a semester or year in a foreign country such as Switzerland; a place that not only offers excellent universities, renowned instructors, and a fresh academic perspective, but also countless things to do and see during those times when school is not in session.
 
Also known as the Swiss Confederation, Switzerland is a spectacular country on many different levels.  The country is organized as a federal parliamentary republic, consisting of 26 distinct canons, with the city of Bern serving as the seat of the federal authorities.  Switzerland is located in the west-central part of the European continent, where it is bordered by Austria and Lichtenstein to the east; Italy to the south; France to the west; and Germany to the north.  The country is completely landlocked, and is divided geographically between the world-famous Alps, the Swiss Plateau and the Jura, spanning a total area of nearly 16,000 square miles (41,285 sq. km).  Though the Alps occupy the greater part of Swiss territory, the population of Switzerland, totaling some 8 million inhabitants; is concentrated mainly on the Swiss Plateau, where you’ll find the country’s largest cities.  Among these cities are the international treasures of Zurich and Geneva.
 
Switzerland is a very modern and wealthy country and a great place in which to study and live.  Zurich and Geneva, for example, two of the country’s largest cities, are consistently ranked among cities with the highest quality of life in the world, with the former coming in second globally in the latest poll.  This high standard of living and the country’s relative wealth can partially be attributed to the country’s excellent system of education, one of the best in the world, say experts, in terms of student achievement and research.
 
Medical Education in Switzerland
 
Medical education in Switzerland is very similar to that of other developed countries around the world, but its outstanding facilities and instructors make it one of the major hubs for this type of education in Europe, attracting thousands of students.
 
In order to qualify for admission into one of Switzerland’s superb medical schools, students must first earn a Bachelor degree or its equivalent, preferably in one of the science-related fields, such as Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy or Physiology.  All students must also take and pass the National Medical School Admissions test prior to being considered for admission.
 
Once accepted into a Swiss Medical School, students will spend at least four years taking a combination of theoretical and practical courses.  Some of the areas these classes will cover include:
 

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Pathology
• Pha rmacology
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• n Surgery
• Medical terminology

 
Some schools follow a system in which the theoretical classroom-based courses must be completed prior to any clinical or practical coursework, while other institutions integrate these courses to help aid comprehension.
 
Once students successfully complete their coursework they are awarded a Medical Degree (M.D.), although before they can take the licensing exam that will allow them to practice medicine, they must first complete a one to two year internship or residency, during which time they will treat patients under the direct supervision of a licensed medical professional.
 
Why Study Abroad in Switzerland
 
Studying abroad in Switzerland is much more than just an academic experience; it’s an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.  Students studying here will meet like-minded students from around the world, learn to appreciate and embrace the Swiss culture, and participate in their customs.  Students will also have an opportunity to sharpen their language skills and sample delectable Swiss cuisine—a cuisine that borrows the best elements from that of its nearest neighbors, including France, Germany and Italy.  There are also a countless number of sites and attractions worth visiting in the country, including:
 
The Matterhorn
 
The Matterhorn is the most renowned peak in Switzerland and the Alps.  Measuring some 14,700 feet (4,500 m) in height, the Matterhorn is impressive in its own right, but high atop this massive peak is also the world-famous Zermatt Ski Resort, offering hours of fun slicing through the hard packed powder of the Alps.  During the summer, the Matterhorn makes for a nice hiking destination, offering breathtaking views of Switzerland and beyond in every direction.  It is said that the Matterhorn is the most photographed mountain in the world, and once you see it we’re sure you’re going to see why.
 
The Chateau de Chillon Castle
 
The Chateau de Chillon Castle was built in the 11th century on the shore of Lake Geneva. It is situated just one mile (3 km) east of Montreux and is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe.  From inside the castle, every window offers another spectacular view—whether it's one of the flower-filled courtyards or a view of the snowy mountains in the background.  Guided tours are offered daily, during which guides will walk visitors through a number of the castle’s ancient rooms, including the dungeon upon which Lord Byron based his famous poem "The Prisoner of Chillon."
 
The Gruyere Region
 
The Gruyere Region is one of the Swiss local’s favorite weekend destinations. Each week, hundreds of people from nearby Lausanne and Geneva visit this gentle-hilly landscape, to take in the view and admire the Medieval Château.  If you decide to visit this Swiss oasis, be sure to sample some of their fondue or raclette, prepared using the world-famous Gruyere cheese.  Once a year at the Gruyere Castle, there is also a fantastic art exposition you might like to visit, featuring the paintings and sculptures of both professional and local artists.