Doctor of Medicine (MD)Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

At Duke-NUS, we strive to nurture leaders who have the curiosity and drive to question existing paradigms, chart new territory and influence change. Our programmes spur creativity and empower students to push boundaries in solving real-world problems. Our MD, PhD and MD-PhD students are part of a larger community that strives to impact lives by not only practising medicine, but also improving the practice of medicine.

Transforming MedicineImproving Lives

Vice Dean’s Message

As I recall all that has happened at Duke-NUS during our very short history, I am heartened by the remarkable achievements of our students and faculty in clinical work, research and education.

Since the very beginning, we’ve held firm to the belief that Singapore needs a new breed of physicians who can not only care for patients, but also solve some of the pressing problems our healthcare system faces today. In the light of increasing expectations, an ageing population and rising healthcare costs, traditional solutions are no longer enough to meet new healthcare challenges.

At Duke-NUS, we equip our graduates with critical and creative thinking skills expected of physicians in the future, so that they are able to ask the right questions, push boundaries and discover ways to meet challenges.

We welcome students with unique strengths from varied academic backgrounds, and nurture this diversity to give our students the opportunity to impact medicine in different ways. As a Duke-NUS student, you will gain strong research, leadership and teamwork skills, that allow you to proficiently practise medicine and/or improve the practice of medicine – not only for your future patients, but also for the healthcare system as a whole.

I encourage you to find out more about us and learn how we can shape your passions into skills that will enable you to touch lives and truly make a difference in this world.

Robert Kamei, MD Vice Dean, Education

At Duke-NUS, we cultivate the competencies required of our graduates to practise medicine and to improve the practice of medicine in a rapidly changing world. To this end, the curriculum is designed for students to acquire and improve upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of any medical practitioner: professionalism and ethics, medical knowledge, communication skills and clinical experience. Complementing these are the skills we believe are necessary to improve medical practice, namely research, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking.

Our StoryDuke-NUS is Singapore’s first and only US-style graduate medical school; a partnership between Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

In 2000, Singapore embarked on a biomedical sciences initiative, a component of which included raising the number of clinician-scientists. As part of a multi-faceted plan, a Singapore Ministry of Education-appointed international medical education review panel recommended that a graduate entry medical school be established in Singapore. In 2005, on the back of firm support by the Singapore government, NUS and Duke University, two academic institutions with track records in research and education, committed to a partnership. This was an opportunity to combine the unique medical education curriculum at Duke University School of Medicine with the academic rigour and rich resources offered by NUS, and to offer our students an enriching and innovative educational experience.

Duke-NUS resides on the main campus of the largest healthcare group in the country, Singapore Health Services (SingHealth). This group collectively delivers multi-disciplinary care among 42 clinical specialties across a large network of hospitals, national specialty centres and polyclinics. Duke-NUS and SingHealth have embarked on an ambitious Academic Medicine partnership, which strives to embody the tripartite of patient care, education and research.

Improving the Practice of Medicine

Our Mission

CanCeR anD SteM Cell BiologyCarries out basic cancer biology and clinical-translational studies, with particular interest in cancers that affect the Asian community.

CaRDiovaSCulaR anD MetaBoliC DiSoRDeRSStudies the clustering of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease, so as to uncover the underlying mechanisms for these disorders, and make translational discoveries that can impact clinical care.

eMeRging infeCtiouS DiSeaSeSAims to develop and discover effective methods to treat, prevent and control new and emerging pathogens.

HealtH SeRviCeS anD SySteMS ReSeaRCHFocuses on the organisation, funding and delivery of health services for effective and sustainable healthcare.

neuRoSCienCe anD BeHaviouRal DiSoRDeRSInvestigates molecular, developmental, systems and cognitive neuroscience and seeks to translate discoveries into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Research is a hallmark of a Duke-NUS education and students have the opportunity to work with world-renowned scientists on cutting edge research projects. Our students also enjoy access to some of the most sophisticated research facilities in the region. Duke-NUS focuses on five Signature Research Programmes (SRPs) that were established to study research areas important to Singapore and Southeast Asia:

improvemedical practice

Duke-NuS medical

School education miSSion

medical practice

Science Knowledge

Communication

Professionalism & Ethics

Clinical Experience

TeamworkTeamLEAD learning strategy

Leadership

Critical & Creative Thinking

ResearchSignature Research Programmes

5Duke-NuS

SRPs cancer and Stem cell Biology

cardiovascular and metabolic

disorders

health Services and Systems

research

neuroscience and Behavioural

disorders

emerging infectious diseases

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Doctor Of Medicine (MD)The Duke-NUS Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a four-year graduate degree programme aimed at developing physician leaders in patient care, medical research and education. Our graduates are awarded an MD degree jointly by Duke University School of Medicine and NUS.

Our Programmes

CurrICuLuM

yeaR 1

yeaR 1: PRe-CleRKSHiP

Students learn the fundamentals of science for the practice of medicine. This covers:

• 6weeksofMolecules,CellsandTissues(Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics)

• 12weeksofNormalBody(Histology,Anatomy and Physiology)

• 5weeksofBrainandBehaviour(Neurobiology,Neuroanatomy and Behavioural Medicine)

• 20weeksofBodyandDisease(Pathology,Pharmacology and Immunology)

Students also participate in a Practice Course to gain essential skills for clinical practice, and an Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) course that teaches students to critically evaluate, interpret and apply medical research to patient care.

yeaR 2: CoRe CleRKSHiPS

Students are immersed in the clinical environment to learn clinical skills as members of healthcare teams. Core clerkships are carried out at SingHealth institutions in six eight-week blocks designed to develop students’ ability to diagnose and treat patients. The core clerkships are:

• Medicine

• Surgery

• Paediatrics

• ObstetricsandGynaecology,Anaesthesia

• Neurology,Oncology,Radiology

• Psychiatry,Cardiology,GeriatricsandNutrition

Body & DiseaseMolecules,

Cells, & Tissues

Normal Body

Practice Course 1

Vaca

tion

Foun

datio

ns Brain & Behaviour Body & Disease

Practice Course 1 & EBM

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Practice Course 1

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Block 5Block 3 Block 4

Practice Course 2Practice Course 2

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ical

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yeaR 2

Block7

Practice Course 3

Block8

Block9

Block10 Research

Family Medicine (FM)

Research Methods & AnalysisVaca

tion

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yeaR 3

FM

Research

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yeaR 4

yeaR 3: ReSeaRCH

The research component in our MD programme is modelled after that at Duke University School of Medicine. The rigorous experience in biomedical and translational research with one-on-one mentorship by research faculty develops students’ ability to approach problems with a scientific mindset. Students choose to work on various medically relevant projects including basic, translational, epidemiological and applied clinical research. Research may be carried out with faculty members at Duke-NUS, Duke University, SingHealth, NUS or other Singapore research institutions. A list of approved research mentors can be found on our website at www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/md-programme/research.

In their third year, students typically continue clinical training by participating in the Family Medicine clerkship.Following the third year, some students may choose to pursue an additional research year.

yeaR 4: aDvanCeD CliniCal RotationS

To prepare students for patient care, clinical training at SingHealth institutions is provided in the following core specialities:

• FamilyMedicine

• MedicineSub-Internship

• SurgerySub-Internship

• MusculoskeletalCoreRotation

• EmergencyMedicineCoreRotation

• CriticalCareMedicineCoreRotation

Students can also pursue specialised training from over 125clinicalelectives,basedontheirpersonalinterests.

Throughout Year 3 and 4, students will continue with Practice Course, strengthen their clinical reasoning, teaching skills, train for clinical practice and prepare for residency.

Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/md-programme for more details on the MD programme.

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With a strong emphasis on teamwork, our seniors openly share their knowledge and experience.

Sandra Lynn JayaMD Student, Class of 2018BSc (Chemistry), National university of Singapore

TeamLEADWe have adopted an active learning approach using a unique team-based learning strategy called TeamLEAD (Learn, Engage, Apply and Develop). The learning environment emphasises how medical professionals practise – in collaborative teams that bring about the best patient outcomes.

TeamLEAD is applied in the first year of the MD programme, when students learn basic science for the practice of medicine. Students prepare for lessons before in-class activities and attend class for group discussions and consideration of multiple perspectives, facilitated by faculty. This way, knowledge acquired is meaningful and sustained.

Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/learning-philosophy to watch a video on TeamLEAD.

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Our Community

2%Business & Others

44%

of MD students were working before they

started medical training at Duke-NUS.

Duke-NUS MD students hail from

26 different countries, bringing a diversity of skills, backgrounds and

cultures to the community.

18canada

1France

1Greece

2united

Kingdom

1Zimbabwe

1poland

27united States

1haiti 7

phillipines

2hong Kong

1australia

4taiwan

1nepal

2Sri lanka

3pakistan

14india

1russia

40china

12indonesia

2vietnam

5South Korea 4

Japan

324Singapore

4Bangladesh

Our faculty have published over 2,000 papers

in peer-reviewed journals.

Our research programmes have garnered over

S$324 million in local and overseas funding.

Over 80 research collaborations and partnerships have been set up with various institutions

and organisations.

We have more than 1,000 faculty involved in research, education and

patient care.

1thailand

20% Engineering

72%Science

6%Arts & Humanities

Statistics reflect student enrolment uptoClassof2019

Statisticsasof31Aug2015

Academic background of MD students:

7malaysia

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Integrated Biology and Medicine (IBM)The Duke-NUS PhD programme in Integrated Biology and Medicine (IBM) prepares students for a career in translational and biomedical research, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines including cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and health policy. Supported by a world-renowned research faculty, students undertake their research in one of five Signature Research Programmes (SRPs). Students take between four and five years to complete the programme and are awarded a PhD degree by NUS. A Career Development Programme has been specifically tailored to help PhD students embark on a successful career upon graduation.

Pursuing my PhD in the Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, I’ve learnt to ask the right questions. It’s very fulfilling to be able to take ownership of a project and see it to completion.

Sarah FungPhD Student, Entering 2014 classBS (Chemistry), Carnegie Mellon university

5Duke-NuS

SRPs cancer and Stem cell Biology

cardiovascular and metabolic

disorders

health Services and Systems

research

neuroscience and Behavioural

disorders

emerging infectious diseases

yeaR 2:

Students start developing their thesis projects and engage in class work pertaining to their respective SRPs. During their PhD qualifying exam, students will defend a mock grant proposal, whereby faculty will evaluate their fundamental knowledge and ability to formulate hypothesis-based research.

OVErVIEW

yeaR 1:

Studentsattendaninteractive15-week“MoleculestoMedicines” core class, which introduces translational research concepts, experimental models and methods of investigating human diseases.

Students also undergo three six-week lab rotations from among the Duke-NUS SRPs. From these rotations, students select a specialty discipline for their thesis research in the second semester.

Year 1Semester 1 Semester 2

Lab Rotation 1

Lab Rotation 2

Lab Rotation 3 Start of Thesis Research

IBM Class: Molecules to Medicines SRP Specific Courses

Student Research Seminar

Year 2Semester 1 Semester 2

Thesis Research Thesis Research

SRP Specific Courses PhD Qualifying Exam (PQE)

Student Research Seminar Student Research Seminar

yeaRS 3-5:

Students are immersed in research to complete their thesis projects. They are also expected to actively participate in research seminars and journal clubs.

The programme culminates in the completion of a written thesis and an oral dissertation defence. Students are strongly encouraged to publish prior to their graduation.

Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/phd-programme for more details on the PhD programme.

YearS 3-5Semester 1 Semester 2 Completion of Phd

Thesis Research Thesis Research Successful Dissertation DefenceStudent Research Seminar Student Research Seminar

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I am fortunate that my job is my passion. It gives me tremendous joy to carry out research, and know that our findings can contribute to the betterment of society.

dr Lok Shee MeiAssociate Professor, Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme

MD-PhD TrackDuke-NUS offers a combined MD-PhD track to students who wish to further their academic training. The programme combines medical education with research training to develop clinician-scientists who interface between medicine and science.

Students embark on the PhD component after completing their second year of the MD programme. Upon completion of the PhD component, students will complete the final (fourth) year of the MD programme. Students admitted into the programme will be offered a full scholarship for the PhD component, as well as

Year 1 Year 2

MD MD

Basic Science Clinical Rotations

In lieu of MD Year 3 Research Year

Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Start PhD PhD PhD PhD

Coursework, Labs,

Choose Mentor

Identify Thesis, Qualifying Exam Research Research

Year 7

MD

Clinical Rotations

CurrICuLuM

scholarships to cover tuition fees for their first 2 years in the MD programme and their final year of MD training.

Interested students can either apply directly to the MD-PhD programme at the time of initial application or after matriculation into the MD programme. Every year, approximately15-20%oftheMDcohortmaybeofferedaplace in the MD-PhD track.

Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/phd-programme for more details on the MD-PhD track.

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Fees and Financial Aid tuition feeS

Tuition fees for the MD programme are reviewed by the Singapore Ministry of Education and subject to change annually. Tuition fees for each incoming class are fixed for the four years of study.

MD-PhD and PhD students will have tuition fees for the PhD component paid for and receive a stipend, for the duration of the PhD.

In addition, MD-PhD students will also be offered scholarships to cover tuition fees for their first 2 years in the MD programme and their final year of MD training.

SeRviCe CoMMitMent

As tuition fees at Duke-NUS have been subsidised by the Singapore government, all Duke-NUS MD and MD-PhD graduates have to complete a service commitment as follows:

• Singaporecitizens:fouryears

• InternationalgraduatesandSingaporePermanentResidents: five years

The service commitment period begins after the completion of the first year of training upon graduation.

There is no service commitment for PhD graduates.

SCHolaRSHiPS anD finanCial aiD

All students admitted into the MD programme at Duke-NUS may apply for merit scholarships or need-based scholarships (bursaries) to help pay for tuition and other fees. Students may also apply for tuition fee loans.

Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/admissions for the latest information on fees, scholarships and financial aid.

College SySteM There are four advisory colleges at Duke-NUS that offer support for students’ professional and personal growth. These colleges provide mentorship, peer support and opportunities for community service. This environment enables students to better cope with the challenges of medical training and develop social skills and values.

CoMMunity SeRviCe At Duke-NUS, we encourage active participation in community service projects, so as to foster values such as empathy, leadership and teamwork. Student groups and colleges offer a range of worthy projects in which students can invest their time and efforts.

StuDent inteReSt gRouPS Duke-NUS student interest groups, from academic to cultural, are initiated and developed by students themselves. These groups provide an additional outlet for students to channel their energy and pursue their passion.

StuDent wellneSS To help students cope with the stress of a demanding programme, Duke-NUS offers extensive support for students’ personal wellness through activities such as exercise classes on campus, mindfulness workshops and referral resources.

Our StudentsAt Duke-NUS, students enjoy a wide range of activities that enhance their academic experience. These activities foster a sense of community and cultivate personal growth.

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Pre-requisitesMD and MD-PhD track

• Bachelor’sdegreeinanydiscipline

• MedicalCollegeAdmissionTest(MCAT)orGraduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) score

• Volunteeringandresearchexperiencesarelookedupon favourably

PhD in integrated Biology and Medicine

• Bachelor’sdegreeinanydiscipline

• GraduateRecordExamination(GRE)General Test results

• Researchexperienceislookeduponfavourably

how to applyApplications to Duke-NUS programmes open in June each year and the deadlines are:

MD & 1 September for early application MD-PhD 1 december final deadline

PhD 15 January

To apply, candidates must submit the following:

• Anonlineapplication,includingwrittenessaysathttp://admissions.duke-nus.edu.sg/adm

• Threetofiverecommendationletters(typicallyfromprofessors, mentors and/or employers)

• OfficialtranscriptsfromBachelor’s(andhigher,ifapplicable) degree programme(s)

- World Education Services (WES) report where required

Admissions requirements Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/admissions for more details on the application process.

The practice of medicine is rooted in the understanding and love of humanity, steered by ethics and professionalism, powered by the mastery of science and sustained by servant leadership.

dr ThiruMoorThy ThaMoTharaMPiLLaiAssociate Professor, Duke-NuS Medical SchoolDirector, SMA Centre for Medical Ethics and Professionalism

At Duke-NUS, we utilise a holistic admissions review process that is individualised to each applicant. The admissions process takes into account a combination of personal attributes, experiences and academic accomplishments. In keeping with our School’s mission, as well as our Academic Medicine partnership with SingHealth, our ambition is to make significant contributions to improving the practice of medicine in Singapore and beyond. As such, we enthusiastically look forward to having promising applicants join our community and help realise our vision.

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Email: For MD and MD-PhD related enquiries, email us at info@duke-nus.edu.sg. For PhD related enquiries, email us at infophd@duke-nus.edu.sg.

Website: www.duke-nus.edu.sg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DukenuSgradMedSchool

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/insideDukenuS

Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award undergraduate and graduate degrees. Duke-NUS is not accredited by the Commission on Colleges and the accreditation of Duke University does not extend to or include Duke-NUS or its students.

Duke-NUS Medical School 8 College road, Singapore 169857Phone: (+65) 6516-5550