For Medical Students

3-year MD program puts students on the fast track

Several U.S. medical schools are experimenting with programs that allow students to obtain a degree in three years instead of four, according to a story in American Medical News.

In the past five years, at least four schools have initiated or are developing three-year programs, American Medical News reports. The schools condense their courses of study by eliminating breaks and electives and allowing students to begin clerkship training in their second year, a year earlier than the traditional four-year curriculum.

These programs, which are geared for primary care, could be significantly less costly for students, who in practice can expect to earn less than other specialties. One program projects that its students will save more than $50,000, including tuition and living expenses, American Medical News reports.

Apply today for AMA-MSS Governing Council seats

If you're interested in a national leadership position with the AMA Medical Student Section (MSS), then apply for a position on the AMA-MSS Governing Council.

The section is accepting applications for vice chair, delegate, alternate delegate, at-large officer, speaker and vice speaker. The AMA-MSS Governing Council acts as the "board" for the section in that its members direct the programs and activities of the AMA-MSS on a national level. Applications are due Thursday; download one today.

Learn more about the available governing council positions.

Specialties guide can help with career decisions

AMA medical student members have exclusive access to a helpful resource guide that can help them choose a career path.

Choosing a Medical Specialty: The AMA's Resource Guide for Medical Students offers detailed snapshots of the most common specialties and subspecialties with data from the Graduate Medical Education Directory, FREIDA Online and specialty associations. Specialty summaries include skills required to succeed in a specialty, interaction with common types of patients, guidance about work-life balance and more. AMA members can log in to access the guide.

Don't miss out on valuable resources for AMA members. Renew your membership or join the AMA today to begin receiving these benefits.

In addition, AMA members can attend the AMA Medical Student Section's ninth annual Medical Specialty Showcase, scheduled for June 16 in Chicago, and meet physicians from a variety of specialties, including radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopaedics and emergency medicine. Physicians on hand will provide an introduction to their specialty and offer materials to help with career decisions.