(Seated; from left) Sunway University’s School of Medical and Life Sciences dean Prof Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali, Sunway University president Prof Sibrandes Poppema, UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman and UKM Faculty of Medicine former dean Prof Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Ghafor with (standing; from left) Higher Education director-general Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman, Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, UKM board of directors chairman Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Razak and Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee during the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at Sunway University.
THE role of a medical doctor extends far beyond traditional patient care.
To meet the challenges of a globalising healthcare landscape, future clinicians must possess a comprehensive understanding of global health, environmental factors, technological advancements and research skills.
Aiding in this endeavour, Sunway University recently announced the launch of its Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme, in a public-private partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
This transformative course is designed to prepare future medical professionals and clinician-scientists for a globalised and rapidly advancing healthcare ecosystem.
The collaboration harnesses UKM’s expertise and Sunway University’s innovation to integrate planetary health in medicine and advanced healthcare technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, precision medicine, telemedicine, digital healthcare, entrepreneurial skills and sustainability in medicine – to empower students to lead in the modern and dynamic healthcare system.
It also aligns with global health goals, inspiring students to tackle health inequities, promote sustainability and advocate for universal health coverage.
Additionally, the new MD programme offers a unique advantage through its affiliation with Sunway Medical Centre, which is one of the nation’s most pioneering medical institutions where students can engage in hands-on clinical training and patient care, enabling them to translate theory into real-world skills.
The programme also promotes inter-professional education allowing medical students to engage and discuss with biomedicine, biotechnology, life sciences, nursing and psychology as well as engineering, business and social science students for a holistic and well-rounded understanding of patient care.
It also offers unique transformative community engagement opportunities like the Desa Mentari Project, translating public health medicine that builds real-world experience and commitment to community service.
“At Sunway University, we envision a medical programme that equips students with core medical skills, as well as research skills, while fostering a deep understanding of global health issues, environmental factors and technological advancements,” said Sunway University president Prof Sibrandes Poppema.
“Our curriculum is designed to produce adaptable, forward-thinking medical professionals, who are prepared to lead the way in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.”
Sunway University’s MD programme is designed to prepare future medical professionals and clinician-scientists for a globalised and rapidly advancing healthcare environment.
Sunway University’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme
The newly launched MD programme spans five years and will equip students with both academic knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.
Guided by the university’s School of Medical and Life Sciences, under the leadership of consultant gastroenterologist and dean, Prof Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali, the programme balances rigorous and holistic training with cutting-edge innovation.
Structured over 10 semesters (two semesters per year), the MD programme covers foundational biomedical sciences and integrated systems-based biomedical sciences. It is divided into the pre-clinical phase and clinical clerkship phase.
The pre-clinical phase, which is part of Years 1 and 2, will see students gain foundational knowledge in basic biomedical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and microbiology, to name a few. This phase builds a robust understanding of the science behind medicine. In addition, students will also be taught by experienced psychologists in behaviour science in medicine which is badly needed in this post-normal era.
Initiated from the first year, students will also be tasked with various intensive research projects focusing on the local issues that will be supervised by Sunway University’s scientists along with clinicians at Sunway Medical Centre, to nurture clinician-scientists who are equipped for a future of medical discovery.
The clinical clerkship phase takes place during Years 3, 4 and 5, where students will transition into real-world settings, engaging in specialty rotations in various fields such as internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, emergency medicine and so on. This phase emphasises patient care and the practical application of theoretical knowledge as well as professional development.
Its affiliation with Sunway Medical Centre, recognised among the Top 250 in the Newsweek-Statista World’s Best Hospitals 2024 rankings, ensures access to top-tier facilities including outpatient and inpatient care, operating theatres and clinical laboratories, providing unparalleled opportunities for professional development.
Moreover, the programme’s curriculum is also designed with a forward-thinking approach, incorporating planetary health, environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, sustainability and ethics into medical education, empowering students to adopt sustainable medical practices and advocate for responsible healthcare.
Students are encouraged to understand the interplay between health and the environment while developing a global perspective on healthcare challenges.
Scholarships and new intake
The inaugural intake for the MD programme begins on Dec 27, with a variety of scholarship opportunities for prospective students, offering tuition fee reductions of 25% and 50% for 2024 admission.
There’s even a special offer for Sunway progression students – who are not on scholarships and have previously studied at Sunway Colleges or Sunway International Schools – as they can benefit from the Sunway Pals Loyalty Bursary, which offers 10% off tuition fees.
Sunway Open Day
Those interested in learning more about the MD programme can visit the Sunway Education Open Day on the weekend of Dec 7-8.
During the event, visitors can explore educational opportunities and participate in activities such as engaging workshops, personalised counselling sessions and guided campus tours.
There will also be educational talks conducted by medical educators from the university’s School of Medical and Life Sciences, offering insights into the MD programme, its curriculum and the future of medical education.
For more information about Sunway University’s Doctor of Medicine programme, visit https://my.sunwayuniversity.edu.my/medicaldegree/
