4 Year M.D.
The four year M.D. Program of the University is designed for English Speaking college graduates who have completed their premedical education and required courses.
The following courses must have been completed satisfactorily:
- General Chemistry I+II (including lab) - 1 Year
- Organic Chemistry I+II (including lab) - 1 Year
- General Biology I+II (Including lab) - 1 Year
- Physics I+II - (Including lab) - 1 Year
- English - 1 Year
Required Application Documents:
- Completed Application
- Non-refundable application fee of $200 made payable to "Poznan University of Medical Sciences"
- Official Transcripts received directly from your University
- Two Letters of Recommendation from Science Faculty.
- Copy of Passport
- Poznan University Health Certificate (Completed by your Physician) Make sure Hepatitis B, TB results, and Chest X-Ray results are completed.
- 6 Passport size photos (Please sign and print your name on the back)
- MCAT Scores sent directly form AAMC using the THx system
- Immunization or Vaccination Record
- Diploma ( Original diploma or copy certified by a Polish Consulate or Notary Public) If your degree has not yet been completed you may send your diploma once it is received.
- MCAT scores: If you are a U.S. or Candian citizen or permanant resident or you have completed your Degree at a US or Canadian University or College MCAT scores are required within the last 3 years. Students from outside the US or Canada who have not taken the MCAT will have an exam before their interview where their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics will be verified.
Students attending schools at which they have the option of enrolling in courses for a letter (or numerical) grade or on a pass-fail basis, are encouraged not to enroll on a pass-fail basis in the above courses.
The University does not require that applicants major in a particular field. In fact, the University seeks individuals with broad educational backgrounds.
Nevertheless, each candidate must demonstrate a record of academic achievement. Ability to master scientific concepts and employ them with confidence is essential for success in this program. In this connection.
Apart from these academic characteristics, the Admissions Committee recognizes a responsibility to consider applicants as individuals; particularly in the evaluation of the breadth of their educational experience, their personality traits, maturity level, and appropriate motivation and commitment to a career in medicine.
The University also conducts "preliminary interviews" of students contemplating medical school. Specific actions and courses which enhance applications in the future are discussed with the admissions staff. Furthermore, previously unsuccessful candidates for medical school may wish to take advantage of this service to solicit advice in the improvement of their applications.
Of particular importance to some applicants, is the early admissions procedure (EAP) according to which candidates may apply for early acceptance on a preferred basis. Successful candidates in this ongoing procedure may reserve their place in the class commencing in the following September, thus eliminating a great deal of uncertainty in their academic plans and prospects.
Basic Sciences
Gross Anatomy
This course is devoted to teaching the morphological and functional anatomy of the human body. The emphasis of the course is to assist the student in developing a three-dimensional visual image of the way the human body is put together. Each student, as a member of a team, does a complete dissection of the body. Presentation consists of lectures (mostly on basic anatomy) and laboratory study (cadaver dissection and study of cross sections, prosections, skeletal material, models, X‑rays).The anatomical background and vocabulary are established for clinical correlations and the other basic medical sciences.
Histology
This course provides a basic knowledge of the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs at a microscopic level, so that students are able to recognize and identify all major cell and tissue types of the human body. The normal structural characteristics are correlated with basic biochemical and physiological processes as background material for the study of microscopic pathology. The lectures are illustrated with relevant audio‑visual material and photomicrographs. During the laboratory sessions each student has the use of a binocular microscope and a collection of over 80 stained tissue slide preparations. Computer analysis of cell and histochemical reactions are discussed in seminars and demonstrations.
Embryology
Embryology Introduces basic and clinical aspects of human normal and abnormal development. Organogenesis, the origin and formation of all organ systems in the human, constitutes the major part of the course. The various congenital anomalies are explained as deviations from normal development. Presentation is done by lectures. Embryology is also taught during the courses of anatomy and histology.
Human Genetics
This course offers an understanding of the contribution of genetic diseases to human morbidity and mortality. Basic aspects of DNA chemistry, the structure, function and regulation of procaryotic and eucaryotic genes are taught using clinical examples. Clinical applications of genetic principles and laboratory techniques including caryotaping are emphasized. Case presentations are used to illustrate basic principles of genetic diseases.
Neuroscience
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding of the central nervous system organization and function and includes a general overview of basic elements, gross structure and vocabulary. The student learns simultaneously a part of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuropathology. Later, clinical implications related to specific neurological pathologies are stressed. Lectures are supplemented by laboratory sessions which consist of human brain dissections and neurophysiology.
Psychology (Behavioral Science)
Ten hours of lectures are focused on the psychology and physiology of life cycles. The general objectives are to descrive the normal stages of human development and to discuss the psychological and physical factors that affect people in different periods of life. The aim of the next part of the course is to five students the basic information concerning mental status examination, communication, interviewing and the factors which may influence the doctor-patient relationship. Next block of lectures covers those aspects of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and genetics which relate to psychiatry.
Biostatistics
Introduces basic statistical methodology including descriptive statistics, the normal distribution, hypothesis testing and confidence intervals using the Z and t distribution, regression and correlation, chi‑square and common nonparametric procedures. Statistical concepts are illustrated by appropriate biomedical applications.
Law & Ethics in Medicine
A series of lectures and discussions designed to show how the lives and work of doctors are addected by civil and criminal law and to help meet the challenges posed by the ethical problems, from those before birth to after death, which a physician has to face during the practice of medicine.
Sociology
The object of this course is to provide an overview of the current and probable future expansion of society's role in the regulation of the practice of medicine. The basic principles of malpractice including the definition of negligence and the measurement of damages are stressed.
Medical First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
The student learns how to manage the most common emergencies such as posttraumatic bleeding, fractures of the bones, cardiac arrest, heat and cold injures, pneumothorax e.c.t. The emphasis is placed on prompt diagnosis of acute cardiac and respiratory failure and practical knowledge of resuscitation.
Biochemistry
The course presents the basic principles of biochemistry: mechanism of biochemical reactions, biosynthesis, utilization and degradation of major constituants of the human body in order to explain the pathomechanism of various diseases. Exploration of the metabolic characteristics of each organ is correlated with an understanding of metabolic interplay between organs. The students learn the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The course places emphasis on both physiological chemistry and molecular biology giving a biochemical framework to clinical studies.
Physiology
This course acquaints students with the dynamic functional interrelationship that exists among cells, tissues and organ systems so that an understanding of the functions of the human organism as a whole is obtained. The course begins with elements of biophysics and provides a review of key points previously covered by the student in anatomy, cell biology and histology. Later, physiology of the major body systems: gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, endocrine and reproductive, is presented in lectures and laboratory exercises.
Immunology
This course introduces student to the major principles and mechanism under‑lying the immune system's function. The lectures begin with the presentation of information related to anatomical and histologic features of the reticuloendothelial system, humoral immunity and cellular immunity. The course emphasizes the transposition of basic science information into clinical problems. The laboratory sessions summarize the diagnostic application of immunological techniques.
Microbiology and Parasitology
Introduces the basic principles of microbiology including classification and taxonomy, microbial physiology, the host‑parasite relationship and epidemiological concepts. The epidemiology, symptomatology, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis and therapy of the major bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens are covered. The laboratory portion of the course includes laboratory methods in bacteriology, mycology and parasitology.
General and Systemic Pathology
General pathology emphasizes those changes or reactions wlilch may occur in various diseases and in different organs. The lecture series thus covers: cell injury and cel I death, necrosis inflammation, blood coagulation, thrombo‑embolism and infarction, vascular diseases, tumors, immune deficiency diseases, infectious diseases, environmental pathology, diseases of infancy, childhood and aging. The laboratory consists of a collection of many color transparencies arranged in a series of modules. The modules contain not only color transparencies of gross and microscopic changes but also a number of electron photomicrographs. Systemic pathology deals with specific diseases affecting the various organs of the body. The laboratory sessions in systemic pathology consist of examination of a series of slides arranged to coincide with the lecture material, which show the microscopic changes in the various disease states.
Laboratory Medicine
This course instructs medical students how and when to order laboratory tests in relation to the patient's symptomatology and/or disease and how to interpret these tests and recognize their limitation. Clinical chemistry, clinical hematology, hemostasis, diagnostic immunology and nuclear medicine are presented in lectures and laboratory sessions.
Pathophysiology
The mechanism of various diseases of the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hematological, immunological and endocrine systems is discussed on both the subcellular and cellular levels. The course provides an Insight into the disturbed physiologic changes resulting from specific disease processes of individual organ systems. It also includes a study of immunological defense mechanism, repair mechanism, modes of injury, diseases of development and growth, blood disorders and neoplasia. Selected problems of human genetics are reemphasized. The lectures include the relevant basic science material, alterations in structure and function, related symptoms and signs, common clinical Pictures and therapy.
Pharmacology
This course covers knowledge of the sources, biochemical and physiological effects, mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics as well as therapeutic and other beneficial uses of drugs. Emphasis is placed on understanding the disposition, effects, efficacy and relative toxicity of all major drug groups in the light of their biochemical and physiological mechanisms. The clinical aspects focus on rational drug therapy. The use of drugs is analyzed with respect to pharmacologic principles, mechanism of action and pathophysiologic abnormalities of disease states.
Hygiene and Epidemiology
The central theme is the importance of preventive medicine. To develop this concept the course includes lectures and exercises in biostatistics, epidemiology and public health. Laboratory sessions give students practical experience in solving public health problems. The influence of the environment on health is also considered.
Clinical Medicine
Internal Medicine
Introduces the principles of patient diagnosis in the clinical setting. Students are expected to develop a logical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients' complaints and technical skills, which enable them to obtain a history and perform a physical examination. The student studies one or two patients per week, presents them on teaching round, follows them throughout their hospital stay and finally writes a history of the patient's disease, using his patient's problems as a basis for discussion. Activities include rounds, consultations, laboratory sessions, specific diagnostic procedures and the planning of treatment. Students participate also in outpatients clinics held by physicians. The training experience emphasizes the clinical manifestations of various diseases in such areas as: cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology, nephrology, pulmonology, endocrinology, nuclear medicine etc. A basic material is also presented through series of lectures.
Surgery
The main goal of this rotation is to aquaint the student with those diseases or injures that require surgical treatment. Emphasis is placed not to surgical technique but on learning the pathophysiology of diseases, establishing the diagnosis and participating in the treatment of patients. The student is integrated into the clinical team and assigned to specific patients. Responsibilities include taking histories, performing physical examinations, participating in the management of these patients including, whenever possible, operative procedures. The attendance at daily rounds of physicians is mandatory in order to recognize the most common postoperative complications. Subspecialities of surgery include traumatology, urology,gastroenterology, thoracic, vascular and cardiac surgery.
Pediatrics
The purpose of this clinical rotation is to allow the student to understand the common disorders and diseases of childhood, especially their diagnosis, prevention and management, including surgery. Emphasis is placed on the special needs of the newborn. The rotation gives the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills of taking a pediatric history, to examine children of all ages and to gain experience in the assessment of important clinical information. In such a way It is possible to formulate a plan of management fully intelligible to the parents and, if necessary, to the child. The student learns history taking, physical examination and the principles of infant feeding, fluid and drug therapy. Lectures provide the student with the basic knowledge or the normal physical and mental development of children as well as essential information about cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurological, hematological, immunological and other diseases of childhood.
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)
The goals of the rotation are to provide the student with knowledge of the clinical problems encountered in this field. Emphasis is placed on obtaining experience in routine obstetric delivery, outpatient gynecologic manage to his patient's disease and to pay attention to public health aspects as they relate to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, venereal disease, cancer detection and human sexuality.
Psychiatry
Introduces the care of psychiatric patients. Learning objectives are to increase the student's ability to recognize psychopathology, use interview techniques, correctly diagnose psychiatric disorders and use psychopharmalogical agents. The student is taught how to evaluate and manage psychiatric emergencies including substance abuse, how to feel more comfortable with psychiatric patients fully understanding their biological, psychological and social determinants of behavior. The history and mental status examination are presented to the preceptor and later are discussed. The student must attend word rounds and outpatient sessions.
Neurology
Presents the natural history of common neurological diseases and the diagnosis and management of these disorders. The student attends daily rounds with neurologists and participates in consultations. Learning objectives are to increase the student's ability to recognize neuropathology, to examine the patient correctly and to use appropriate therapy. Lectures and seminars provide the student with indications for and the value of EEG, CT, angiography and NMR procedures.
Radiology
Concentrates on didactic lectures and seminars illustrated from extensive teaching and active files. In addition to routine X-ray examination the student learns the principles of ultrasound, computed tomography, angio and cardiography and nuclear medicine, including NMR imaging. The group of students with a staff member cover the basic principles of interpreting chest, abdominal and bone radiographs by observation and discussion of current cases. The student is required to observe special procedures and attend all departmental teaching conferences.
Anesthesiology
During this rotation the student becomes familiar with the techniques and principles of intubation and the use of intravenous, arterial, central venous pressure, and Swan‑Ganz catheters. He or she also learns about the problems occurring in postoperative and intensive care units and the pharmacology of the common anesthetic agents. In the operating room the student learns the principles of general and local anesthesia and the management of the anesthetised patient.
Orthopedics
The student is introduced to the many facets of orthopedics: recognition of fractures, the management of late complications, casting techniques and reconstructive surgery. The student prepares histories and performs physical examinations, makes rounds, follows his patients to the operating room and throughout postoperative care, including rehabilitation.
Laryngology
During this clinical rotation the student learns the principals of symptomatology and the treatment of most common diseases relating to nose, throat, larynx and oesophagus. The student participates in the evaluation and treatment of outpatients and patients in the clinic. The lectures and seminars include the relevant basic science material related to specific pathology such as malignant diseases, inflammatory processes and trauma of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus.
Ophthalmology
Lectures, seminars and clinical rotation acquaint students with the major ocular disorders in a manner that will interest, first of all, candidates for general practice. The course covers the practical clinical aspects and the related mechanism underlying various disorders such as retinal and choroidal diseases, glaucoma, corneal trauma, cataracts and others. Emphasis is placed on obtaining experience in careful examination and first posttraumatic aid.
Infectious Diseases
This Clinical rotation provides the student with the opportunity to learn the aetiology, symptoms and treatment of various infectious diseases in children and adults. Special attention is focused on AIDS and viral hepatitis. Students take histories, perform physical examinations and present data on rounds. They are required to attend lectures and seminars. They review the current techniques of laboratory investigation and the use of antimicrobial agents.
Dermatology
This clinical rotation allows the student to learn the symptomatology of most common diseases of the skin. During lectures and clinical presentations the student learns how to recognize and differentiate various primary and secondary skin changes and how to use specific external and internal treatments. The student is also introduced to the evaluation and treatment of venereal diseases.
Oncology and Palliative Care
This course summarizes the knowledge about malignant diseases obtained by students during specific clinical rotations and courses (pathology, pediatrics, internal medicine, Surgery, etc.) The students participate in physical examinations and discuss radiation of the disease. They also have an opportunity to learn the treatment and critical care of terminally ill patients.
Forensic Medicine
The course introduces forensic aspects of medical practice. Lectures and seminars present problems of serohematology, drug and chemical intoxication, parenthood and its identification. The student has the opportunity to participate in forensic autopsies and thus to get some experience in the assessment of specific injuries (gunshot, penetrating injuries), intoxications and others.
Medical Polish
This course is designated to help facilitate the development of basic communication skills in Polish. The scope of the course will cover real everyday situations including patient interviews, gathering medical data, and the basic conversation required for medical examinations in Polish clinics.
Family Medicine
The course will introduce the main principles of family medicine. Seminars will be conducted on the following topics: different models of general practice in Ireland, Scotland and Poland; doctor-patient communication; clinical approach in general practice; health education and promotion; home care; cooperation between G.P.s and other elements of the National Health Service and the structure of general practice. Moreover, students will participate in the daily activities of family doctors in their practice (1 student per tutor). Equipment, as well as computer programs used in general practice will be presented.
If a students financial obligations are not met, the student will not be allowed to attend classes and seminars, and may be forced to leave the dormitory.
Tuition, Insurance, Dormitory, and Dormitory Deposits are paid via mail to:
Poznan University of Medical Sciences
USA Office Bursar
108 Village Square, #402
Somers, NY 10589-2305, USA;
Checks must be written out to: "Poznan University of Medical Sciences" and must bear the students name on the check memo field.
This is the University's North American Office. Payments have different due dates depending on the program which a student is entering, and the year that they are entering into. Payment for North American Students is made in US Funds by certified check (or equivalent) to the order of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. There are special requirements for Canadian payments, check the Common Questions section for details.
Although it is possible to secure private quarters in the City of Poznan, the University recommends that first year students reside on campus. Dormitories are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. There are three main dormititories. In the event that the dormitories have no room, students will be given a place in Hotel "IKAR". If a room becomes available in one of the University dormitories, the student will be required to re-locate to a University dormitory. There are a number of requirments for stay in the dorm. It is suggested that all students review the Student Handbook, for information about the dormitories and how to make room reservations.
There are many services which allow books to be purchased in advance and shipped to Poland, books may also be purchased on http://www.amazon.co.uk and shipped to Poznan. There are a number of shipping services that will send your books from the USA to Poznan for you.
There are also collegiate bookstores in Poznan that offer the required materials. We suggest you view the Student Information link on the left for further information about books and travel.
Entering students applying for financial aid are encouraged to submit financial aid applications 60-90 days in advance of the start of the semester.
Foreign students in Poland can buy Health Insurance in Narodowy Fundusz Zarowia for approximately EU 10.00 per month, although there is a lot of paperwork involved. It is suggested that students have their own medical insurance from the states, which allows for travel abroad.
* Students supplying their own Health Insurance must provide an original letter on Insurance Carrier stationary agreeing to full medical and hospital coverage in Poland.