The science of medicine and the art of medicine: A student perspective on the U.S. medical education system.

This personal view about the overemphasis placed on United States Medical Licensing Examination scores and how the U.S. undergraduate medical education system currently assesses medical student competency is based on my personal experience as both a medical student and a hospitalized patient. In this unique perspective piece, I describe my story as a patient and how that experience led me to consider if the current pressure placed on students to master scientific concepts ('Science of Medicine') is hindering our ability to develop the skills that are required to connect with patient at the bedside ('Art of Medicine'). I propose a restructuring effort of the current training environment and methods of assessing medical student competency in the U.S. could improve the future quality of patient care provided by trainees.