Towards 2022: The new Doctor of Medicine*

The 21st century requires medical graduates who can thrive in complex environments and be the leaders of change. That’s why we are redesigning the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, for launch in 2022.

We know – not least because our students tell us – that two things need to start earlier in the Melbourne MD: clinical experience and development of students’ capacity to undertake high quality, collaborative research. And we need to create the right conditions so that students can pursue their passions, while still gaining a solid, consistent core of knowledge and practice across our campuses.

If there’s one word that captures where we need to go, it’s diversity: diversity in our students, the life experiences they bring to their studies, their special interests, and their ability to relate to the communities they serve. Diversity in how they build their own degree, and how we enable them to do that. And diversity in the opportunities we co-create with the Medical School’s 30+ key partner organisations across Victoria and beyond, including the vibrant Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

There’s a lot of work still to be done, but you’ll see in this video below where we are headed.
Join us as we shape the health leaders the world needs.

Build your own unique medical degree

The MD redesign allows you to build your own unique medical degree. Practical time in clinics and research options will start in the first year. The core units will be available online, allowing flexibility. And discovery subjects offer a chance to explore a wide range of topics or deep dive into a future specialty – the choice to learn extra skills and even take part in a joint degree.

Recognising prior knowledge

A key aspiration of the new Doctor of Medicine (MD) is to recognise prior knowledge and learning. Therefore, your choice of undergraduate studies would set you up to maximise the potential flexibility of the new MD. The Melbourne Medical School (MMS) aims to recognise prior knowledge for core content.  This frees you up so that you’ll have more time to explore the clinical, research and discovery tracks and create your own distinct path. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the innovative MD curriculum by jumping higher and faster.

Removing prerequisites for 2022 **

The MMS is also removing prerequisite subjects as a selection criteria. This further diversifies the MD cohort to reflect the multiplicity of doctors required in society. It removes any disadvantage students may have in accessing science and health subjects in their previous degrees, especially in rural areas. Most medical degrees at Australian universities do not require prerequisite subjects as an entry requirement, allowing students to study the undergraduate degree that suits them best. The new Melbourne MD entry requirements will still involve MMI, GPA and GAMSAT components.

In case you’re wondering about other graduate courses at Australia’s leading health and medical faculty

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and Doctor of Optometry (OD) have not changed their entry requirements.

Below is an indicative list of the various blocks that will make up the new Doctor of Medicine.