Wasted Years written by Trent McBride. I like Trent’s writings. He always makes me think. However, once again I must disagree with him.

I have no idea about law school, but I can echo the sentiment as far as medical school is concerned. 4th year med students are just as notorious for “taking it easy” as the law students coming down the same stretch. I spent the year doing about 2-3 months of real work, some more on vacation, and a good chunk taking board exams and traveling for interviews. The last two are the only things that really matter, and I could have done those while taking a year off and not racking up another 25K in debt. (Plus, the board exams are over 2K, and travel expenses can range anywhere from 1K to 10K, depending on many variables)

Back when I was a medical student, my medical school experimented with allowing a few students each year to finish in 3 years. I worked with some of those premature graduates, and something was missing.

Trent tries to make an economic argument. He is correct that we charge too much tuition. However, that is independent of the importance of the 4th year.

In the past few days, I interviewed three 4th year students (letter of recommendation time). Each student was gaining something important during the first months of their 4th year.

So what does the 4th year do? First, it helps some students clarify their career goals. Many students need the first half of the 4th year to decide on a specialty. Second, students gain medical maturity. All students have to do acting internships. These intensive months enhance their learning. Third, the 4th year allows students to absorb the impact of what they have learned during the first 3 years.

As I read Trent’s complaints, I can only say, “J’accuse”. I accuse you of wasting an opportunity. Many students mature greatly during that year.

So join the fight against high medical school tuition costs, but use the 4th year to your greatest advantage.