Read More
The University of Hong Kong has opened applications for its new four-year full-time Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduate entry track for degree holders, along with a one-year research master degree option enabling students to earn two degrees in five years.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The HKUMed program has been approved by the University Grants Committee, with an initial intake of 25 students expected to start in September this year and applications due by June 20.
The school stated the four-year MBBS graduate entry track’s curriculum aligns with the accredited six-year MBBS program, featuring intensive pre-clinical training in the first year and immersive clinical clerkships from the second to fourth years, similar to those of six-year program students.
To nurture medical research talent, HKUMed also offers enrolled students the chance to pursue its one-year Master of Research in Medicine program, allowing them to complete two degrees in five years.
This one-year program has attracted over 100 six-year MBBS students during their third-year Enrichment Year, many of whom received scholarships, attended international conferences, or published research papers.
Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine at HKU Lau Chak-sing noted that many top medical schools, including the University of Cambridge, have launched four-year graduate entry programs, providing insights for the curriculum design of HKUMed’s graduate-entry students-based on the existing six-year MBBS program.
Lau added that students with a first degree possess a strong academic foundation that enhances the integration of cross-disciplinary knowledge into medical education.
“This facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge integration, ultimately broadening the students’ horizons and enhancing their future career prospects,” he said.
Lau indicated that Hong Kong faces challenges such as an aging population and a shortage of healthcare professionals, making accelerated talent training a pressing priority.
“This new program opens a new pathway for aspiring medical professionals while strengthening and diversifying the talent pool for the healthcare system and clinical research.”
Lau also noted that the four-year MBBS (Graduate Entry) track will include three years of clinical training in public and private hospitals in Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area.
The program’s information session will be held next Wednesday at 6.30pm at the HKUMed Campus.
Meanwhile, the Chinese University of Hong Kong also announced the launch of a four-year Graduate Entry Track (GET) medicine program for applicants with internationally recognized degrees.
CU Medicine noted that it has received a high volume of applications from undergraduate degree holders via the non-JUPAS channel for its medical program, all of which are automatically considered for the GET.
The GET has an initial intake of 25 students, with successful applicants expected to begin their studies in September this year, and applications are due by May 30. The first round of interviews is scheduled for April 9.
The first year of the GET features a pre-clinical curriculum with core subjects that establish a solid foundation in medical knowledge and advanced subjects that prepare students for clinical training in years two to four.
From years two to four, GET students will train with six-year medical students at local hospitals and may also engage in overseas clinical training.
Dean of the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine Philip Chiu Wai-yan said: “We are very confident that the four-year GET program offers a new medical training opportunity for those aspiring to practice medicine with a background in science or medical-related fields.”
“It runs parallel to the six-year undergraduate medical curriculum, cultivating diverse medical talents to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals.”
(Cheng Wong)
