Doctor of

Medicine (MD)
Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD)
 Vice Dean’s
Message

Transforming At Duke-NUS, we strive to nurture leaders who As I recall all that has happened at Duke-NUS during our very short history,
have the curiosity and drive to question existing I am heartened by the remarkable achievements of our students and faculty
Medicine paradigms, chart new territory and influence in clinical work, research and education.

Improving change. Our programmes spur creativity and

empower students to push boundaries in solving
Since the very beginning, we’ve held firm to the belief that
Singapore needs a new breed of physicians who can not
We welcome students with unique strengths from varied
academic backgrounds, and nurture this diversity to

Lives 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.
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.
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

Our Story Our Mission
Duke-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). Improving the Practice of Medicine
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 Duke-NUS
track records in research and education, committed to a partnership. This was an opportunity to combine the unique Medical
medical education curriculum at Duke University School of Medicine with the academic rigour and rich resources School Education
offered by NUS, and to offer our students an enriching and innovative educational experience. Mission
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. Science Knowledge Leadership
Professionalism & Ethics Critical & Creative Thinking
Teamwork
Communication
TeamLEAD learning strategy
Research
Clinical Experience
Signature Research Programmes
improve
Medical
Medical
Practice
Practice
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.
3
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:
Neuroscience Cardiovascular
and Behavioural and Metabolic
Disorders Disorders
Cancer and
5
Duke-NUS Emerging
Stem Cell
Biology
SRPs Infectious
Diseases
Health Services
and Systems
Research
Cancer and Stem Cell Biology
Carries out basic cancer biology and clinical-translational
studies, with particular interest in cancers that affect the
Asian community.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders
Studies 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 Diseases
Aims to develop and discover effective methods to treat,
prevent and control new and emerging pathogens.
Health Services and Systems Research
Focuses on the organisation, funding and delivery of
health services for effective and sustainable healthcare.
Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders
Investigates molecular, developmental, systems
and cognitive neuroscience and seeks to translate
discoveries into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
4 5

Our Programmes
Doctor Of Medicine (MD) Year 1: Pre-Clerkship Year 3: Research
Students learn the fundamentals of science for the The research component in our MD programme is
The Duke-NUS Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a four-year graduate degree programme aimed at developing physician practice of medicine. This covers: modelled after that at Duke University School of Medicine.
leaders in patient care, medical research and education. Our graduates are awarded an MD degree jointly by Duke The rigorous experience in biomedical and translational
• 6
 weeks of Molecules, Cells and Tissues (Cell
University School of Medicine and NUS. research with one-on-one mentorship by research faculty
Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics)
develops students’ ability to approach problems with a
• 1
 2 weeks of Normal Body (Histology, Anatomy
scientific mindset. Students choose to work on various
and Physiology)
Curriculum medically relevant projects including basic, translational,
• 5
 weeks of Brain and Behaviour (Neurobiology, epidemiological and applied clinical research. Research
Neuroanatomy and Behavioural Medicine) may be carried out with faculty members at Duke-NUS,
Year 1
• 2
 0 weeks of Body and Disease (Pathology, Duke University, SingHealth, NUS or other Singapore
AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Pharmacology and Immunology) research institutions. A list of approved research mentors
can be found on our website at www.duke-nus.edu.sg/
Molecules, Students also participate in a Practice Course to gain education/md-programme/research.

Vacation
Foundations

Brain &
essential skills for clinical practice, and an Evidence
Vacation

Vacation
Cells, & Normal Body Body & Disease Body & Disease
Behaviour
Tissues
Based Medicine (EBM) course that teaches students to In their third year, students typically continue clinical
Practice Course 1 Practice Course 1 & EBM Practice Course 1 critically evaluate, interpret and apply medical research to training by participating in the Family Medicine clerkship.
patient care. Following the third year, some students may choose to
pursue an additional research year.
year 2 Year 2: CORE CLERKSHIPS
AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Students are immersed in the clinical environment to
Year 4: Advanced Clinical Rotations
learn clinical skills as members of healthcare teams. Core
clerkships are carried out at SingHealth institutions in six To prepare students for patient care, clinical training at
Orientation to
Clinical Year

SingHealth institutions is provided in the following core

Vacation

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6 eight-week blocks designed to develop students’ ability
to diagnose and treat patients. The core clerkships are: specialities:
Practice Course 2 Practice Course 2 • Family Medicine
• Medicine
• Medicine Sub-Internship
• Surgery
• Surgery Sub-Internship
year 3 • Paediatrics
• Musculoskeletal Core Rotation
AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Anaesthesia
• Emergency Medicine Core Rotation
• Neurology, Oncology, Radiology
• Critical Care Medicine Core Rotation
• Psychiatry, Cardiology, Geriatrics and Nutrition
Block Block Block Block
Vacation

7 8 9 10 Research
Students can also pursue specialised training from over
Research Methods & Analysis 125 clinical electives, based on their personal interests.
Practice Course 3 Family Medicine (FM)

Throughout Year 3 and 4, students will continue with

Practice Course, strengthen their clinical reasoning,
year 4 teaching skills, train for clinical practice and prepare for
AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN residency.

Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/md-programme
Clinical Practice

Graduation
Vacation

Block Block Block Block Block for more details on the MD programme.
Advanced

Capstone

Research
CPX 4

11 12 13 14 15 Block
16
FM Practice Course 4
6

TeamLEAD
We 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.

With a strong
emphasis on
teamwork, our
seniors openly
share their
knowledge and
experience.
Sandra Lynn Jaya
MD Student, Class of 2018
BSc (Chemistry), National University
of Singapore
Our Community
1 1
Poland Russia

2 40
United China
Kingdom
5
18 27 1
South
Korea
Canada United France 4
States
4 Japan
1
1 Greece
Taiwan
2
Haiti 7 Hong Kong

Duke-NUS MD
Phillipines
2
students hail from 1 Vietnam

26 different Thailand

countries, bringing 7
1 Malaysia
a diversity of skills, Zimbabwe 12
backgrounds and Indonesia

cultures to the
1
community.
2 4 Australia
Sri Lanka Bangladesh

Statistics reflect student enrolment

14 3 1 324
up to Class of 2019
India Pakistan Nepal Singapore

44
of MD students were
%
Academic background
of MD students:
72%
Science

20%
Engineering
working before they We have more than Our research programmes Over 80 research collaborations Our faculty have published
6% 1,000 faculty involved in have garnered over and partnerships have been over 2,000 papers
started medical training Arts & Humanities
research, education and S$324 million in local and in peer-reviewed journals.
set up with various institutions
at Duke-NUS. 2% patient care. overseas funding. and organisations.
Business & Others

Statistics as of 31 Aug 2015

10

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.

OVERVIEW

Year 1:
Students attend an interactive 15-week “Molecules to
Medicines” 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 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.

Year 1 Year 2 Pursuing my PhD

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2

Lab Lab Lab Start of Thesis Research Thesis Research Thesis Research in the Cancer and
Rotation 1 Rotation 2 Rotation 3
IBM Class: Molecules to Medicines SRP Specific Courses
SRP Specific Courses PhD Qualifying Exam (PQE) Stem Cell Biology
Student Research Seminar
Student Research Seminar Student Research Seminar
Programme, I’ve
learnt to ask the
Years 3-5:
Students are immersed in research to complete their
right questions.
Neuroscience Cardiovascular thesis projects. They are also expected to actively It’s very fulfilling
and Behavioural and Metabolic participate in research seminars and journal clubs.
Disorders Disorders to be able to take

5 ownership of a
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. project and see it
Cancer and Duke-NUS Emerging
Stem Cell
Biology
SRPs Infectious
Diseases
Years 3-5 to completion.
Semester 1 Semester 2 Completion of PhD

Thesis Research Thesis Research Successful

Health Services Dissertation Sarah Fung
and Systems Student Research Seminar Student Research Seminar Defence PhD Student, Entering 2014 class
Research BS (Chemistry), Carnegie Mellon University
Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/phd-programme
for more details on the PhD programme.
12

MD-PhD Track
Duke-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
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,
approximately 15-20% of the MD cohort may be offered a
place in the MD-PhD track.
Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/phd-programme
for more details on the MD-PhD track.

Curriculum
In lieu of MD Year 3 Research Year
YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7
MD MD Start PhD PhD PhD PhD MD

Coursework,
Identify Thesis,
Basic Science Clinical Rotations Labs, Research Research Clinical Rotations
Qualifying Exam
Choose Mentor

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 Mei
Associate Professor, Emerging Infectious
Diseases Programme
14 15

Our Students
At 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.

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.

STUDENT Fees and Financial Aid

INTEREST GROUPS
Duke-NUS student interest groups, from Tuition Fees In addition, MD-PhD students will also be offered
academic to cultural, are initiated and scholarships to cover tuition fees for their first 2 years in
Tuition fees for the MD programme are reviewed by the
developed by students themselves. These the MD programme and their final year of MD training.
groups provide an additional outlet for
Singapore Ministry of Education and subject to change
students to channel their energy and pursue annually. Tuition fees for each incoming class are fixed for
their passion. the four years of study. Service Commitment
As tuition fees at Duke-NUS have been subsidised by
MD-PhD and PhD students will have tuition fees for the the Singapore government, all Duke-NUS MD and MD-
PhD component paid for and receive a stipend, for the PhD graduates have to complete a service commitment
duration of the PhD. as follows:
COMMUNITY SERVICE
At Duke-NUS, we encourage active • Singapore citizens: four years
participation in community service projects,
• International graduates and Singapore Permanent
so as to foster values such as empathy,
leadership and teamwork. Student groups
Residents: five years
and colleges offer a range of worthy
projects in which students can invest their The service commitment period begins after the
time and efforts. completion of the first year of training upon graduation.

There is no service commitment for PhD graduates.

STUDENT wellness Scholarships and Financial Aid

To help students cope with the stress of a All students admitted into the MD programme at Duke-
demanding programme, Duke-NUS offers NUS may apply for merit scholarships or need-based
extensive support for students’ personal scholarships (bursaries) to help pay for tuition and other
wellness through activities such as exercise
fees. Students may also apply for tuition fee loans.
classes on campus, mindfulness workshops
and referral resources.
Visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/admissions for the latest
information on fees, scholarships and financial aid.
16

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

Pre-requisites
MD and MD-PhD Track At Duke-NUS, we utilise a holistic
• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline admissions review process that is
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Graduate individualised to each applicant.
Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) score The admissions process takes into
• V
 olunteering and research experiences are looked account a combination of personal
upon favourably attributes, experiences and
academic accomplishments. In
PhD in Integrated Biology and Medicine keeping with our School’s mission,
• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline as well as our Academic Medicine
• G
 raduate Record Examination (GRE) General
partnership with SingHealth, our
Test results ambition is to make significant
• Research experience is looked upon favourably contributions to improving the
practice of medicine in Singapore and
beyond. As such, we enthusiastically
How to Apply look forward to having promising
Applications to Duke-NUS programmes open in June
each year and the deadlines are:
applicants join our community and The practice of
help realise our vision. medicine is rooted
MD & 1 September for early application
MD-PhD  1 December final deadline in the understanding
PhD 15 January and love of humanity,
steered by ethics
To apply, candidates must submit the following: and professionalism,
• A
 n online application, including written essays at
http://admissions.duke-nus.edu.sg/adm
powered by the
• Three
 to five recommendation letters (typically from
mastery of science
professors, mentors and/or employers) and sustained by
• Official
 transcripts from Bachelor’s (and higher, if
applicable) degree programme(s)
servant leadership.
- World Education Services (WES) report where
required Dr Thirumoorthy Thamotharampillai
Associate Professor, Duke-NUS Medical School
Director, SMA Centre for Medical Ethics
and Professionalism
 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 169857
Phone: (+65) 6516-5550