Hi everyone,
I just had to post after reading some of the comments floating around about RCSI. I am only in my second semester here, and can only offer my opinions based on what I've experienced as a 1st med student.
First off, I think someone posted a question awhile back concering the curriculum here and what it's like. This year with our class, they began a systems-based modularised system. For those of you who don't know, it means that you study the body in systems such as cardiovascular, endocrine, etc. and learn the relevant material in each subject (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, some pharm, etc.) that pertains to that system. Technically we are the guinea pigs but it seems to be working out thus far.
About the students here, I would say most of the people in my year are all incredibly bright students. The Irish kids who took their leaving certs had to score very high (average was 580/600 for RCSI last year I believe) to earn a spot here. It's difficult to believe sometimes that they are only about 18 years old and learning along side us college grads but let me tell you they are sharp people. The same can be said for the Irish and North American college grads who like me, attended college and obtained degrees before matriculating here. However, there are a few bad apples in every group who sometimes make you wonder how they got into medical school!
Now, onto my reflections about the education I've received. The anatomy instruction is unbelievabe, it is definitely one of the school's strengths. Every week for dissection, a pair of tables is given a former surgeon (or anatomy lecturer/professor) and they instruct you. They are an incredible resource given their experience. Oh, and anatomy lab here isn't so much student dissection as it is prosection and instructor dissection. Some people prefer this and some do not like it. I personally like it because the prosections are so much nicer to look at and the structures are distinguishable, plus these former surgeons know how to slice and dice. Others disagree and prefer to dissect themselves because they are interested in surgery and/or learn better doing it on their own. The clinical skills instruction is also very good. The class in broken-up into groups of about 12 and a physician instructs and guides us with history taking, palpation, and we've started some auscultation. But the quality of this instruction also depends largely on what physician your group gets! I've been pleased so far, maybe others not so much. As far as the normal lectures go for classes like physiology, they really depend on who is lecturing. I think the instruction in those areas is pretty standard from place to place. I will say that there is some attention paid to USMLE content and subject matter. The other day the Vice Dean was lecturing, and she told us that she was flipping through a USMLE question book and encountered a question on a particular physiological test used to check circulation in a patient. She added the information to her lecture because it was covered in that book, although it was a test she says she has never used or seen used in clinical practice. So they are paying some attention to USMLE topics.
Now, onto the weaknesses...
I hope it stays that way because there are 4 1/2 years to go! 
