Duration
4 years full time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
January
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Learn more
Student experience
Overview
As a Doctor of Medicine student, you'll begin an incredibly rewarding journey to become a healthcare professional dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier lives. This career path is perfect for those who have a deep fascination with science and a genuine desire to understand and care for people on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
As one of the world's leading medical schools, the Melbourne Medical School attracts top-notch staff and students who share your drive and ambition. You'll have the privilege of learning collaboratively with like-minded peers and being mentored by world-class clinician researchers who are at the forefront of their fields.
Day-to-day experience
The four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) offers a rich and diverse learning experience. Clinical learning will be a significant part of your journey, where you'll gain invaluable knowledge and skills directly from working with patients. Every patient has a unique story to share, and you'll have the opportunity to understand their individual circumstances and needs.
You'll spend time in community clinics, where most healthcare is delivered, and develop a deep understanding of promoting healthy lifestyles, rather than solely treating diseases. Additionally, you'll be immersed in clinical settings, including opportunities in rural and remote areas of Australia, maximizing your learning and exposure to diverse healthcare environments.
The Melbourne Medical School is committed to your overall well-being, recognising that healthy doctors are better equipped to provide exceptional care. You'll be encouraged to prioritise self-care and maintain a balanced lifestyle throughout your studies.
Furthermore, the School values scholarship in medicine, which is why the Doctor of Medicine course includes the option of a full semester dedicated to research. This experience will not only teach you how to apply research findings but also how to generate your own, equipping you with invaluable skills for lifelong learning and professional growth.
Learning Mode
Becoming a skilled and compassionate doctor is a continuous journey of learning and growth. The Doctor of Medicine course at the University of Melbourne will provide you with a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime of professional skills. You'll learn to not only understand the answers to patients' problems but also to comprehend the underlying reasons and the impact on their lives.
After an initial year of learning how to interact with patients and understanding the mechanisms behind their illnesses, you'll spend the remainder of the course closely engaged with your colleagues in your hospital-based clinical school. This immersive experience will allow you to learn various aspects of medicine, such as communicating with patients, conducting examinations, and contributing to their care – all with the support and guidance of passionate clinical teachers.
Opportunities
The University of Melbourne's MD is highly regarded worldwide, serving as your entry ticket to an endlessly fascinating and meaningful career. Whether you aspire to lead an international research team or provide compassionate care to patients in remote corners of Australia, this degree will open doors to a wide range of opportunities.
The course is structured to allow you to explore different paths and pursue specific areas of interest. You'll have the chance to delve into a research topic under the guidance of a dedicated supervisor and explore the clinical discipline that most resonates with you.
Most importantly, from the very first day of the course, you'll be recognised as someone with a commitment to high-quality healthcare, becoming a valuable part of the medical profession who is preparing to make a lasting impact on people's lives.
Profile
Ciara Harrison
I’ve enjoyed the Doctor of Medicine, in particular getting to know everyone else in my cohort. It’s been very different to undergraduate study, where it was hard to get to know other students because there were so many of us. In the MD we all know each other, which is great.
I really enjoyed doing some research in my final year, and it has set me up for returning to study when the time is right. I’m considering paediatrics because I’ve really enjoyed the placements in that field, but I haven’t decided 100% yet.
I only have a few weeks of placement left, and I’m feeling well-prepared for starting work as an intern next year. I’ll be working at Western Health, where I have been on placement this year, so I feel comfortable there.
I’ve also been working in Sunshine Hospital (which is part of Western Health) during the COVID crisis, as the pandemic left them short-staffed. Initially I was supporting junior doctors, doing much of the administrative work we’ll be doing next year. And now I’m working in the dialysis unit, helping with COVID screening and setting up the machines.
Reassuring patients who are being swabbed and explaining the need to self-isolate until their results arrive has really helped me develop my communication skills. I’ve practised some conflict resolution too, which I’m sure will stand me in good stead next year!