The Flow of Learning in the School of Medicine
At the Keio University School of Medicine, we provide systematic learning that integrates practice and research. Students study liberal arts and basic medical sciences at the Hiyoshi Campus, and from the second year onwards, they progress to specialized education and clinical practice at the Shinanomachi Campus. Here, we introduce the flow of learning through the six years of the undergraduate program, as well as the Master's and Doctoral Programs.
Acquiring Knowledge and Experience as a Medical Professional
The Flow of Learning Over Six Years
If you would like to check the flow of learning in a diagram, please refer to the PDF.
Year 1
Learning the Broad Framework of Medicine through Lectures and Practicums
Hiyoshi Campus / Shinanomachi Campus
In addition to mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, foreign languages (English, German, French), and humanities/social sciences, students study basic subjects in medical sciences. The Early Exposure Program (EEP I), which allows students to experience medical settings early after entering the School of Medicine, also begins, helping students grasp the broad framework of healthcare. For first-year students, the "Introduction to Medicine" lecture is held at the Shinanomachi Campus, and they travel to the Shinanomachi Campus every Wednesday afternoon.
Year 2
Deepening Specialized Medical Knowledge Across Various Fields
Shinanomachi Campus
Specialized medical education begins in earnest at the Shinanomachi Campus. In addition to the subjects from the first year, students acquire basic knowledge of the human body to study medical sciences professionally.
Year 3
Increasing Opportunities for Independent Learning through Research Activities
Shinanomachi Campus
Students study basic and social medicine subjects, and from the second semester, they also study clinical medicine such as internal medicine and surgery. Through independent study—a curriculum where medical students actively and proactively engage in research—one-on-one research initiatives between students and faculty members also begin.
Year 4
A Preparation Period to Refine Accumulated Knowledge and Head Toward Practical Settings
Shinanomachi Campus
Students study clinical medicine and social medicine subjects, and in the second semester of the fourth year, the Introduction to Clinical Clerkship begins. Students prepare for clinical clerkships by integrating their knowledge and mastering the skills and attitudes they have learned so far.
Year 5
Clinical Clerkships Begin, Moving to On-site Learning with Direct Patient Contact
Shinanomachi Campus
Clinical clerkships begin at Keio University Hospital and other affiliated teaching hospitals. Students rotate through various departments in small groups and interact directly with patients.
Year 6
Gaining Experience through Clerkships and Heading Toward the National Examination for Medical Practitioners
Shinanomachi Campus
Continuing from the fifth year, students learn through clinical clerkships. After an evaluation of whether they possess sufficient knowledge, skills, and attitudes at the time of graduation through the Post-CC OSCE (Post-Clinical Clerkship Objective Structured Clinical Examination)—a practical exam that comprehensively evaluates the examination, diagnosis, and presentation skills learned during clinical clerkships—students take the National Examination for Medical Practitioners in February of their sixth year.
Graduation, Residency, Graduate School, or Employment
To Respective Paths as Medical Professionals
After graduation, many students choose to enter graduate school or become residents after passing the National Examination for Medical Practitioners. Other options include becoming research physicians, clinicians, or private practitioners at university hospitals, affiliated hospitals, and research institutions. There are various career paths, including working for private companies related to healthcare or as public officials.
Master's Programs
Doctoral Programs
School of Medicine Learning that Deepens Expertise Throughout the Six Years
Inter-Professional Education Program
This is an inter-professional education program where students from Keio University's three medical-related faculties—the School of Medicine, the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, and the Faculty of Pharmacy—learn together with an eye toward team-based medicine.
Professionalism Education
Considering the importance of professionalism education in current medical education, the Keio University School of Medicine launched a new curriculum in 2014, providing consistent professionalism education over the six years from the first to the sixth year.
International Exchange
The Keio University School of Medicine lists "qualities as an international medical professional" as one of its educational goals (competencies at graduation) and encourages students to engage in international exchange. We provide opportunities such as clerkships at overseas hospitals and international exchange programs.