'New pathway' for aspiring medical professionals

Cheng Wong

The University of Hong Kong has started accepting applications for its new four-year full-time Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery graduate entry track for degree holders, along with a one-year research master's degree option enabling students to earn two degrees in five years.

The HKUMed program has been approved by the University Grants Committee, with an initial batch of 25 students expected to start in September and applications due by June 20.

The new program'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.

To nurture medical research talent, HKUMed also offers enrolled students the chance to pursue its one-year Master of Research in Medicine program.

HKU's Dean of Medicine Wallace Lau Chak-sing said the city 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," he explained.

An information session will be held next Wednesday at 6.30pm at the HKUMed Campus.

Meanwhile, the Chinese University of Hong Kong also launched a four-year Graduate Entry Track medicine program for degree holders.

GET will accept 25 students for the start of the program in September. Applications are due by May 30, and the first round of interviews is on April 9.

GET's first year features a pre-clinical curriculum with core subjects that establish a solid medical foundation and advanced subjects that prepare students for clinical training. 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 CU 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."