The German medical dissertation - Time to change?

German medical students must conduct a research project and write a dissert ation in order to receive the title "Doctor." However, the dissertation is not required to graduate, enter a residency, or practice medicine. About 90 % of practicing physicians hold the title "Doctor"; a career in academic me dicine almost always requires it. Although no convincing evidence supports the usefulness of the dissertation, many regard its completion as important to maintaining a high level of scientific competence and patient care. In recent years, the number of successfully completed dissertations has declin ed. Lack of time during medical school, the perceived irrelevance of the di ssertation to medical practice, and the poor design of many projects may be at least part of the problem. There is also increasing evidence that condu cting research frequently delays graduation and may affect clinical skills because students working on projects attend fewer classes, ward rounds, and clinical tutorials and do not spent sufficient time preparing for examinat ions. The scientific value of students' research has also been criticized; critics point out that students do not have enough time or experience to cr itically analyze methods and data, and they often are not properly supervis ed. European unification will probably lead to standardized requirements fo r medical education and research. The authors hope this will eliminate the dissertation requirement in Germany.