< Become a Doctor
What Is the Difference Between Basic Medicine and Clinical Medicine?
When it comes to medicine, there are two main types: basic medicine and clinical medicine. Basic medicine is the study of the fundamental principles of medical science. It focuses on understanding the human body and how diseases develop.
By: UAG
13/Jun/2022
UAG
What Is the Difference Between Basic Medicine and Clinical Medicine?
When it comes to medicine, there are two main types: basic medicine and clinical medicine. Basic medicine is the study of the fundamental principles of medical science. It focuses on understanding the human body and how diseases develop.

Clinical medicine, on the other hand, is the application of these principles to real-world settings. It involves diagnosing and treating patients in a clinical setting. 

There are several key differences between these two types of medicine. Read on to learn more about the differences between basic and clinical medicine to broaden your understanding of these two leading areas of medical science and application while you are at UAG School of Medicine.

Learn more about the MD program at UAG.

What is Basic Medicine?
Basic medicine is the foundation of all medical knowledge. It covers the basic concepts and principles that all doctors need to know to practice medicine. This includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.

Basic medicine encompasses the study of human anatomy and its functions. It involves learning the structures of the human body and the diseases that affect these areas. A study of basic medicine helps prepare medical students to become effective in a clinical setting. 

What is Clinical Medicine?
Clinical medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It's where doctors learn how to apply their knowledge of basic medicine to real-world situations.

Clinical medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in human beings. It is also concerned with the prevention of disease and the promotion of health. 

Clinical medicine includes both primary care and specialty care. Primary care is the kind of care that people receive when they first see a doctor or other health care provider. It may be for a routine checkup or for a specific problem. Specialty care is the kind of care that people receive from doctors who have special training in a particular area of medicine, such as cardiology or oncology.

Learn more about the MD program at UAG.

The Key Differences Between Basic Medicine and Clinical Medicine
Basic medicine is more theoretical in nature, while clinical medicine is more practical. Basic medicine focuses on understanding disease processes, while clinical medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating patients. Basic medicine is more research-oriented, while clinical medicine is more patient-oriented.

Working Hand in Hand
Both clinical and basic medicine play important roles in healthcare. Clinical medicine is essential for the treatment of patients, while basic medicine is essential for the understanding of the causes and mechanisms of diseases. Without both, healthcare would be greatly diminished.

Integrating Basic and Clinical Sciences During Medical School
The UAG School of Medicine offers a unique curriculum that integrates basic and clinical sciences from the very beginning of medical school. This approach to medical education is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of human health and disease, preparing them to become competent, compassionate physicians.

The first two years of the program are dedicated to basic sciences, with students taking courses in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and other core subjects. In the third and fourth years, students begin rotations in various clinical disciplines, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. Throughout their time at UAG, students have opportunities to conduct research and participate in community service projects.

Learn more about the MD program at UAG.

The Curriculum
The UAG School of Medicine is committed to educating future physicians who are not only knowledgeable but also ethical and socially responsible. We believe that our unique curriculum, which integrates basic and clinical sciences, provides our students with the best preparation for a career in medicine. Your four-year medical curriculum will involve: 

Medical Subject Areas
•    Genetics
•    Embryology
•    Histology
•    Biochemistry
•    Physiology
•    Pathology
•    Clinical Skills (diagnosing, treating, management)
•    Clinical Clerkships (examination, evaluation, care delivery)
•    Elective Clerkships

Coursework
•    Fundamentals of Medicine I 
•    Cardiovascular-Pulmonary-Renal Systems I 
•    Gastrointestinal-Endocrine Reproductive Systems I 
•    Musculoskeletal Medicine 
•    Neuroscience I -
•    Fundamentals of Medicine II 
•    Cardiovascular-Pulmonary-Renal Systems II 
•    Neuroscience II 
•    Medical Ethics, Humanistic Medicine, and Medical Psychology 
•    Gastrointestinal-Endocrine Reproductive Systems II 8 Weeks
•    Hematologic and Integumentary Systems 6 Weeks
•    Research Methodology 7 Weeks

Clinical Years (Done in Mexico, U.S., or Puerto Rico, U.S.)
Core Clinical Clerkship Rotations 48 Weeks

•    Family Medicine 
•    Internal Medicine 
•    Obstetrics and Gynecology 
•    Pediatrics 
•    Surgery 
•    Emergency Medicine 
•    Psychiatry / Neurology 

Elective Clinical Clerkship Rotations 48 Weeks

•    Anesthesiology
•    Medical Oncology
•    Cardiology
•    Orthopedic Surgery
•    Clinical Pathology
•    Pain Medicine
•    Dermatology
•    Radiology
•    Endocrinology
•    Transplant Medicine
•    Gastroenterology
•    Ophthalmology
•    Geriatrics
•    Infectious Diseases
•    Hematology
•    Urology
•    Critical Care Medicine
•    Otolaryngology

As the oldest and one of the most respected medical schools in Mexico, UAG School of Medicine offers students a world-class education. With over 80 years of experience and an international student body of over 18,000 U.S. graduates, UAG provides an excellent medical education. Contact us today at 1-833-531-5494.

CONTÁCTANOS

Compártenos tus intereses y en breve un asesor educativo se pondrá en contacto contigo.

NEW CAMPUS GUADALAJARA

P.R. ADMISSIONS OFFICE

654 Muñoz Rivera Ave.

Suite 1124

San Juan, PR 00918-4133

Tel. (787) 763-2457

Fax. (787) 753-0760

Toll Free: 1-800-981-9925

uagpr@uag.edu

© Copyright 2022 Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara