The Yale system of medical education was first introduced in 1931 and with little modification continues today. There are several essential ingredients:

• student freedom, flexibility, and individual responsibility
• no formal grading or class rank in the two pre-clinical years
• required submission of a research thesis for graduation
• intensive interaction and collaboration between students and faculty

The Yale system creates a supportive and interactive community of colleagues. All students, and especially minority students, thrive in this environment in which students are recognized and respected for their abilities.

	"What is the Yale System? Freedom, not license, responsibility, not negligence, accountability, not avoidance, principle, not dogma, mutual respect, not antagonism."
Greta R. Seashore, M.D. Professor of Genetics, YSM '65

Freedom with responsibility
The Yale system entrusts major responsibility to the student in pursuing their medical educational experience. The goal is to develop organized, self-disciplined and motivated physicians. The system allows students to advance at their own pace guided by their specific interests and goals. During the first two years, there are no required graded examinations. Faculty do provide written assessments of student performance in small group sessions and seminars.

The system offers numerous advantages. For example, the self-paced method of study allows the student the opportunity to pursue other interests unburdened by the frequent testing and competition that characterizes the pre-medical education experience. The method of evaluation reduces competition, and the small seminar and lab size allows maximum student-faculty interaction.

	"You don't have to study, but you'll look foolish if you don't because everybody else will. What you have to understand is that the tradition of excellence at Yale has been around for so long that eventually it pervades everything you do here."
Curtis L. Patton, Ph.D. Professor of Edpidemiology and Public Health

Anonymous examinations in pre-clinical years
All students are required to take an anonymous minimal-proficiency examination given by each basic science department. Students who fail the anonymous course exam are required to make-up the deficiency at a later date. Confidential extra help and tutoring are available for students who need assistance.

Thesis requirement
Each student is required to submit a thesis as a prerequisite for graduation. This requirement gives the student the opportunity to pursue an area of interest in greater depth. The thesis is not confined to basic laboratory research. Students may pursue projects in clinical medicine, public health, or other approved areas of interest. Ample faculty support is available in completing this requirement.

Faculty/student collaboration and interaction
There are approximately 450 Yale medical students (including MD/PhD students) and 1000 faculty members. Because all students are involved with faculty in mentored research, a culture of collegiality, collaboration and mutual respect has become an essential and enduring component of the Yale educational experience.

What do students say?
Thoughts from graduates of YSM.
More information on the Yale System.