Doctor of Medicine

Transform lives through excellence in medicine

The Doctor of Medicine is a benchmark in 21st-century medical education, designed to support both your personal and professional growth. Experience flexibility and choice as you build your future in the MD course, tailored for those committed to professional medical training. Through this course, you'll receive comprehensive training to prepare you for the challenges of internship and an increasingly diverse medical career.

Key features  

• Register as a doctor. The Melbourne MD program is externally accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration to the Medical Board of Australia to practice as a doctor across Australia.
• Flexible pathways. The MD course offers you a choice of pathways and discovery subjects to pursue your interests.
• Advanced clinical and academic training. Develop as a well-rounded medical professional, equipped to thrive in complex environments and lead change.

Why study medicine at Melbourne?  

As a Doctor of Medicine student at the University of Melbourne, you will learn alongside peers committed to clinical excellence, mentored by researchers actively shaping practice in their fields. As an MD student, you'll have access to strong partnerships with leading hospitals and research institutes, and develop core medical and ethical skills.

• Patient care. You will learn to establish trusting relationships with patients and their caregivers, perform patient-focused assessment, and use clinical reasoning to provide the best treatment plan.
• Active health advocacy. Advocate collaboratively through health promotion and apply a structured approach to improve patient care.
• Leadership. Model the qualities of compassion, respect, and integrity, while working effectively with other health professionals to ensure best outcomes for patients.

What pathways are there for rural medicine students?

North Western Pathway

For students who are committed to a career in general practice and primary care in North Western Melbourne, up to eight Commonwealth-Supported places are available for eligible domestic students from selected Victoria University courses to enter the Doctor of Medicine.

Students will receive priority access to the Enhanced Primary Care Stream of the MD and will be based at the Western Clinical School for their clinical placements.

For further information please see 'Entry Requirements'.

The North Western Pathway is a collaboration between the University of Melbourne and Victoria University. The universities and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have entered into an agreement and the universities acknowledge the generous support of the Commonwealth to strengthen the general practice and primary care medical workforce in the Western and North Western Melbourne growth corridor.

Rural Pathway

As part of the University of Melbourne's commitment to rural health, the Melbourne Medical School offers a Rural Pathway option for the Doctor of Medicine. This unique pathway allows you to complete your entire medical degree training in rural Victoria.

The Rural Pathway intake commenced in 2022, offering 30 Commonwealth-Supported Places (Bonded Medical Places) offered for admission into the Doctor of Medicine program.

For detailed information about the Rural Pathway, please visit the dedicated Rural Pathway page.

What support services can Doctor of Medicine students access at Melbourne? 

Navigate student life and plan your career with a range of student support services.

• MDHS Student Hub. Stop by for help with placement checks, wellbeing, training, and support.
• The University of Melbourne Medical Students' Society (UMMSS). Participate in a range of networking, industry, educational, and social events
• Peer tutoring. Get to know and learn from those in higher years through a mentoring program.
• Health & Wellbeing Practitioners. Access free health and wellbeing support from an independent qualified practitioner.
• Small groups. Students work in small groups, facilitating relationship building.

What do students say about the Doctor of Medicine?

Alina Ouyang

"Facing real-world situations introduces a new level of difficulty and pressure. I think the early clinical exposure we get as first year medical students is particularly eye-opening."

Learn more about further medicine resources, the faculty, tips and helpful links  

Faculty page, Student Enrichment and Support

Past information sessions

Doctor of Medicine Information Session

When:  Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 6:00PM - 7:00PM AEST

Hear from key academics at the Melbourne Medical School and learn more about the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. This session will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions, meet current students, and gain insights into their MD experiences.

Watch recording

Doctor of Medicine Rural Pathway Information Session

When:  Monday, 13 April 2026, 6:00PM - 7:00PM AEST

Gain valuable insights into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Rural Pathway from key academics at the Melbourne Medical School. This session will allow you to ask questions, meet current students, and learn more about their experiences in the MD Rural Pathway program.

Watch recording

Doctor of Medicine North Western Pathway Information Session

When:  Monday, 4 May 2026, 6:00PM - 7:00PM AEST

In this webinar you will hear from key academics at the Melbourne Medical School, along with current Doctor of Medicine students. We will talk to you about what it is like studying medicine at the University of Melbourne and the new North-Western entry pathway.

Watch recording