Medical Building Exterior

The Medical Building as seen from Grattan Street

About

The Melbourne Medical School is internationally renowned for its global leadership in teaching and training, and health research, policy and practice. Its first students commenced in 1862 (and its first women students in 1887) making it the first medical school to educate doctors in Australia. The strength in research is based on outstanding graduates and world leading researchers. Our alumni include Nobel Laureates Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet (1960) and Sir John Eccles (1963). As part of the University’s strategic plan for undergraduate ‘New Generation’ degrees leading to professional entry courses, in 2011 the Medical School introduced a new medical course. The Doctor of Medicine or MD qualification will replace the previous MBBS course with graduation of the last cohort of MBBS students in 2013. Our Biomedical Science Departments also teach into the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Bachelor of Science degrees, which form excellent pathways into the MD course.

Melbourne medical graduates are equipped to become outstanding doctors and world class leaders in different fields of medicine. Students benefit from the University’s strong partnerships with excellent general and specialist teaching hospitals, as well as some of Australia’s finest Medical Research Institutes.

The goal of the Melbourne Medical School for 150 years has been to produce fine doctors who will contribute to their community through prevention and treatment of illness and provision of medical care. At the same time we aim to advance medical knowledge and the science that underpins these advances. This proud tradition continues with our current emphasis on teaching and learning, research and research training and community engagement.

Read a profile on the Head of Melbourne Medical School, Professor James Best.

Fast Facts

  • The Melbourne Medical School is the oldest medical school in Australia. It is internationally renowned for global leadership in teaching and training, health research, policy and practice. The School encompasses all major fields of medicine and rural health.
  • Located at the heart of a dynamic medical precinct with key nodes throughout Victoria.
  • Partnered with Victoria’s leading teaching hospitals and medical research institutes.
  • Trains outstanding members of the clinical and research workforce and is home to over 800 graduate researchers and over 1000 academic staff.
  • Our alumni include Nobel Laureates Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet (1960) and Sir John Eccles (1963). Current academic staff include Professor Peter Doherty (1996 Nobel Prize in Medicine), who discovered how the immune system recognises virus-infected cells. The School has had a global impact on health, including the development of the Bionic Ear.
  • The new Doctor of Medicine (MD) provides a fresh approach to medical training. As the only Australian professional entry masters level program, the Melbourne MD creates a new benchmark in 21st century medical education.
  • Global leadership in health research, policy and practice. World renowned for biomedical research.
  • Innovative curriculum, interactions with outstanding bioscientists and world-class clinicians in quality teaching and learning facilities within the University and our associated hospital and community health care services. The School provides professional and research career pathways well connected with the health sector.
  • First in Australia and 14 in the world for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2011-12). A major partner in research developments in Victoria including: the Melbourne Brain Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and the Peter Doherty Institute.
  • Currently engaged in key innovation and discovery for improved future healthcare, including the development of the bionic eye, vaccines and related technologies and the translation of research outcomes into community settings.
  • The Melbourne Medical School comprises a diverse community of highly motivated health professionals and has an extensive international alumni.
  • The University is minutes away from the vibrant city centre of Melbourne, close to outstanding galleries, theatres and restaurants, and flanked by glorious parklands.