Training Structure
School of Medicine, Medicine Branch (Nîmes Campus)
Overview
The state-issued Doctor of Medicine degree qualifies one to practice medicine in France.
The Benefits of the Training Program
In accordance with Article L.4111-1 of the Public Health Code, no one may practice medicine in France unless they are:
1. holds a degree, certificate, or other credential listed in Article L.4131-1;
2. a French national, an Andorran citizen, or a national of a Member State of the European Community or a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, a country bound by a settlement agreement with France, Morocco, or Tunisia;
3. registered with the Medical Board, with this last requirement being contingent, in particular, on the fulfillment of the first two.
These conditions are cumulative.
By way of exception, physicians—whether French, EU nationals, or foreign nationals—who do not meet one or both of the first two conditions set forth in Article L.41111 of the Public Health Code may be authorized to practice medicine by individual order of the Minister of Health.
Registration with the Medical Board is mandatory for all physicians practicing in France; failure to do so may result in prosecution for the illegal practice of medicine (Article L.4161-1 of the Public Health Code; penalty: 2 years’ imprisonment, a fine of 30,000 euros—Article L.4161-5 of the Public Health Code).
Program
The curriculum for the state-awarded Doctor of Medicine degree is organized into academic cycles.
Students who enroll in a medical program must complete the following requirements:
- The Specific Health Care Track (PASS) – 1st year. For an overview of the program, click here
- the Diploma in General Medical Sciences (DFGSM) (2nd and 3rd years)
- the Diploma in Advanced Medical Sciences (DFASM) (4th through 6th year)
Then 3 to 5 years of graduate study (the duration varies depending on the chosen specialty)
Select a program
Diploma in General Medical Sciences
The Diploma in General Medical Sciences (DFGSM) consists of six semesters of study, upon completion of which students earn 180 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, corresponding to a bachelor’s degree.
PASS: 60 ECTS
DFGSM 2: 60 ECTS
DFGSM3: 60 ECTS
Diploma in Advanced Medical Sciences
The second cycle of medical studies is devoted to training in general practice and to hospital rotations established by the decree of April 8, 2013.
It consists of six semesters of study, culminating in the award of 120 ECTS credits, which correspond to the master's level.
DFASM1: 40 ECTS
DFASM2: 40 ECTS
DFASM3: 40 ECTS
Postgraduate Medical Education
Admission to postgraduate medical studies is based on the National Ranking Exam (ECN). Depending on their ranking, students choose their future specialty from among 11 disciplines:
- medical specialties
- surgical specialties
- general medicine
- Anesthesia - Critical Care
- clinical biology
- medical gynecology
- obstetrics and gynecology
- occupational medicine
- pediatrics
- psychiatry
- public health and social medicine
Each discipline corresponds to one or more Diplôme d'Etudes Spécialisées (DES).
The state-awarded Doctor of Medicine degree is conferred upon completion of:
- the awarding of the Diploma of Specialized Studies
- the successful defense of a capstone thesis at the end of the residency, during which the student takes the Hippocratic Oath.
See:
DES (Diplomas of Specialized Studies) in Medicine
DESC (Diploma in Complementary Specialized Studies) in Medicine
The duration of postgraduate studies ranges from 3 years (general medicine: 9 years of education after high school) to 5 years (other specialties: 11 years of education after high school).
https://facmedecine.umontpellier.fr/etudes-et-formations/etudes-en-medecine/theses/
Admission
Target Audience
Medical studies require a solid foundation in science, strong reasoning skills, and a high capacity for deduction and synthesis, as well as rigor, dedication, consistency, and perseverance in one’s work. Only the most motivated students will have the opportunity to succeed.