Medical school: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Medical school generally refers to a tertiary educational institution (or part of such an institution) which is involved in the education of future medical practitioners (medical doctors). Faculty of medicine is a term used in many parts of the world (such as in Australia and the United Kingdom) to describe the division of an tertiary instituion involved in such teaching.

The entry criteria, structure, and nature of medical programs offered at medical schools vary considerably around the world.

In the United States, a medical school is most often a four year institution with the purpose of educating doctors in the fields of allopathic or osteopathic medicine. Medical students begin study after receiving a bachelor's degree from a conventional university. Following satisfactory completion of medical school, most graduates are awarded either an M.D. or a D.O.

In the United Kingdom, medical students receive 2-3 years of degree-level preclinical training, followed by clinical work at a teaching hospital for an additional 2-3 years. After successful completion of clinical training they graduate as Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery, usually abbreviated as 'MB BS' or 'BM BCh'.