The Medical profession.

  • Reaney, Michael Foster.
Date:
1905
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The Medical profession. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    State of the Medical Profession in 1904. I. PRELIMINARY EDQCATION. Before commencing the actual study of his profession, it is only right that the student should produce some evidence of having reached a certain standard of general education. The General Medical Council, a body brought into exist- ence by the Medical Act of 1858, and of which it will be necessary to say more later on, has for many years past com- piled a register of medical students ; and it has been the custom for all the various examining bodies, until quite recently, to insist on all applicants for their degrees or diplomas having their names on this register. Quite recently, however, the Conjoint Board in England ceased to require such registration of its candidates; an unfortunate position brought about by the controversy between the two English Colleges and the Council, re the first year of professional study. Recently, this question of preliminary education and examination has come very much to the fore. Some critics claim that the standard exacted is too low, and further that the standards of the different examinations vary greatly. The latter contention is undoubtedly true, and is only what one would expect, considering the different classes of exami- nations which are accepted. The present controversy may be said to have two main issues,—first, the standard to be accepted ; second, the sub- jects which shall be obligatory on each candidate. It is necessary to consider these separately. The Standard of Preliminary Education. The lowest standard that shall be accepted is necessarily a subject of considerable importance, as on it, to some extent, depends the class of medical men of the future. First of all, B