Medical education in the dilemma between theory and praxis

The 2002 German medical licensing regulations for physicians represent an interim end point of a development that demands stronger orientation of medical education towards practical skills training. Meanwhile the responsible institutions have implemented the regulations. The article portrays the history of this reform of medical studies and critically discusses the value of an early practical orientation during the course of medical education. The article stresses the value of medical knowledge, which must receive priority in order to sustain the high quality of medical practice.