The “Yale System” of Education

Key characteristics of the “Yale System” No grades or class rankings in the first two years Small-group teaching No class attendance taken Anonymous exams intended for student self-evaluation only A mandatory thesis based on original research.

Yale’s M.D. program is unique among American medical schools. The Yale system of medical education, with its emphasis on critical thinking in a nongraded, noncompetitive environment, seeks to foster a commitment to lifelong learning in the medical arts and to equip graduates with the tools they will need to become leaders in their chosen fields. While Yale in many ways adheres to the traditional approach to medical education (two years of basic science courses followed by two years of clinical training), its educational philosophy is that the memorization of facts is less important than understanding fundamental scientific principles, mastering methods of investigation and cultivating a scientific mindset about medicine.  The centerpiece of this approach to medical education is a thesis based on original research, which has been requirement since 1839.

Students cover the curriculum at their own pace. Most complete the program in four years, but many take an additional year to conduct research or to pursue joint degrees in other programs such as public health, management, environmental science, divinity or law. Many students earn a master of health science degree during their fifth year.