1. Secondary Education (Secondaire): Completion of a Haitian secondary school education (similar to high school) is the prerequisite. A strong academic record, particularly in science subjects, is crucial for acceptance into medical school.
2. Medical School (Faculté de Médecine): Haiti has several medical schools, both public and private. Admission to medical school is highly competitive and requires passing a rigorous entrance examination. The medical school curriculum typically lasts six to seven years and includes extensive theoretical and practical training in various medical disciplines. This includes pre-clinical years focusing on basic sciences and clinical years involving rotations in hospitals and clinics.
3. Internship (Internat): After graduating from medical school, aspiring doctors must complete a year-long internship (internat) in a hospital setting. This provides crucial hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced physicians.
4. Residency (Spécialisation - Optional): While not mandatory for practicing medicine in Haiti, pursuing a residency (spécialisation) allows doctors to specialize in a particular medical field (e.g., surgery, pediatrics, cardiology). Residencies can last several years.
5. Licensing Examination: Upon completion of medical school, internship, and any chosen residency, aspiring doctors must pass a licensing examination administered by the Haitian authorities to be legally permitted to practice medicine in the country.
It's important to note that the quality and resources available within the Haitian medical education system can vary. The challenges faced by the country also impact the resources available to medical schools and training hospitals.