Skilled physicians for future needs: The educational policy programme of the Finnish Medical Association (published 2017)
The number of students admitted to medical schools has varied greatly in recent decades. The view of the FMA is that an adequate supply of doctors for public health care should be ensured by improving the remuneration and working conditions of public health doctors rather than by still increasing the number of students.
Students come into contact with patients from the beginning of their studies. Problem-based learning methods have been introduced. All medical schools have research programmes for students who wish to undertake scientific work.
During the clinical period of their courses, students participate in the work of various hospital departments and health centres, where they learn the necessary medical skills.
The basic medical education lasts for a minimum of six years and leads to the degree of Licentiate of Medicine. In Finland, the universities are also responsible for specialist training.
Special competences
As a supplement to the official system of specialisation, the Finnish Medical Association has introduced a number of special competences. These relate to specific specialty areas in which particular skills of a demanding nature are required. Suggestions for the establishment of new areas of special competence usually stem from the specialist societies.