The Single Cycle Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery of the University of Messina - named University of Messina International Medical School (UniMe-IMS) - aims at training medical doctors with multidisciplinary theoretical-practical and methodological knowledge and professional, decision-making and operational autonomy for health promotion, prevention and the treatment of diseases in Italy as well as within international contexts; it also provides the methodological foundations of scientific research and the methodological and cultural bases for lifelong learning.
The access to the Single Cycle Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery is programmed at national level and the admission method is established by the same ministerial rule in all Italian Universities that make available an International Medical School.
The degree program lasts six years which include 360 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), in accordance to current Italian and European legislation. The students get at 73 ECTS through training activities aimed at the maturation of specific professional skills. The professional activities are mainly carried out in the Operative Units of the 'G. Martino' University Hospital in Messina, where care and assistance to the patient are combined with teaching and scientific research, and in the medical offices of the General Practitioners.
During the first two preclinical years the degree program allows the progressive acquisition of knowledge provided by basic sciences, which is preparatory to the acquisition of clinical skills through the study of the characterizing disciplines, the development of professional activities and the preparation of the thesis, which all together occupy the remaining period of study. The students can also personalize their study plan with elective didactic activities (seminars, monographic courses, participation in conferences and congresses, clinical and research internships in Italy and abroad, clinical clerkships etc.) in fields of their own interest, which enable them to get 16 credits, 8 of which are devoted to elective clinical clerkships.
It is possible to carry out training periods abroad at partner Universities both in Europe and outside the EU.
The degree program ends with the discussion of the thesis, for which the students get 14 ECTS. Pursuant to article 102, paragraph 1, of Law Decree no. 18/2020, the final exam of the Single Cycle Medicine and Surgery Degrees relating to the LM-41 class in Medicine and Surgery has the value of a state exam enabling the exercise of the profession of Medical Doctor, after passing the practical-evaluation traineeship governed by the Decree of the Minister of Education, University and Research 9 May 2018, n. 58. The graduate may also, after a public exam, access the Specialization Schools, the Specific Learning Courses in General Medicine, or continue his/her studies in Second Level Master's Programs and PhD programs.
The official language of the Course for lessons, practical activities and exams is English, and the minimum level of knowledge required for access is B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference of languages (CEFR). Moreover, further linguistic knowledges (the Italian language for international students) are required in order to ensure an effective learning while interacting with patients during professional activities carried out in Italy or abroad.