Med students learn interaction with patients from 2nd year in medical school, that can never be replaced with online learning. Online learning is an adjunct to traditional learning. Clerkship, together with online learning is a great idea, only as an adjunct !!!. For schools offering online learning as a primary, can not get their graduates proper licensure requirements. Online learning together with attendance and FULL clerkship, of 2 years. 36 months should be the minimum standard for any MD degree, where 24 months should be allocated to patient's observations under clinical settings, in conjunction to academia.
Hope this helps,

__________________