Duke-NUS Brochure

TRANSFORMING MEDICINE IMPROVING LIVES

IS A CAREER IN MEDICINE YOUR TRUE CALLING? PURSUE YOUR DREAM AT DUKE-NUS! From accountants and engineers to entrepreneurs and artists, our students are as individual as their diverse academic backgrounds. But what they each share is a strong passion to become physicians.

Duke-NUS provides an opportunity for graduates of any discipline to embark on a career in medicine. Since we are a collaboration between two educational powerhouses – Duke University in the United States and the National University of Singapore – we offer two distinct advantages: a strategic location at the gateway to Asia and a global perspective.

Our students and faculty come from a broad range of academic and cultural backgrounds, enabling us to bring heterogeneous perspectives to address complex medical issues. We shape our educational programs to prepare doctors for the future, with an emphasis on leadership, clinical training, and research aimed at continually improving the practice of medicine in a way that transforms lives.

If medicine is your calling, Duke-NUS promises an experience that will transform your life.

About Duke-NUS Centrally located in a modern facility on the grounds of Singapore General Hospital, Duke-NUS is Singapore’s first US-style graduate-entry medical school. We draw on the rich medical training and research at Duke University in North Carolina and the outstanding resources at the National University of Singapore (NUS). In addition, we collaborate with a number of strong research institutions in Singapore, including the National Cancer Center, the National Heart Center, the National Eye Center, the National Neurosciences Institute, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Offering innovative MD, PhD, and MD/PhD programs with a focus on medical research, Duke-NUS prepares doctors who are not only skilled in patient care, but who are also well equipped to practice in the rapidly changing world of medicine. We prepare physician leaders who are problem solvers committed to improving the health of individuals and communities through research. At Duke-NUS, we are committed to helping our graduates transform medicine in the 21st century. The Duke-NUS MD degree is jointly awarded by Duke University and the National University of Singapore, while the PhD degree is awarded by the National University of Singapore.

To learn more about Duke University and NUS, visit www.duke.edu and www.nus.edu.sg

Duke-NUS MD Program

HIGHLIGHTS

TeamLEAD – 1COLLABORATIVE AN ACTIVE AND APPROACH TO LEARNING

In preparing you for the challenges of the ever-changing medical profession, our faculty has developed an innovative team-based learning strategy called TeamLEAD, where LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Apply, Develop. TeamLEAD creates a more effective learning environment that is reflective of how medical professionals should practice today, where healthcare providers work in collaborative teams to bring about the best patient outcomes.

DELIVERING A DYNAMIC AND RELEVANT MEDICAL CURRICULUM

The Duke-NUS MD program is distinctively designed to prepare physician leaders in medical research, education, and patient care.

Our students are being equipped to transform the way that medicine is practiced in tomorrow’s world.

Discover some of the key reasons why this innovative program gives you the edge.

Duke-NUS is among the first Schools of Medicine to apply this learning strategy throughout its basic science medical education. Our students prepare before class for in-class activities that focus on understanding, applying principles, problem solving, and strengthening creative thinking skills. Our classroom modules are conducted within collaborative student teams facilitated by faculty. Learning is driven by student inquiry and discussion, incorporating team-based interactive learning techniques and the latest information technologies.

As a student at Duke-NUS, you can expect to be part of an active-learning process that prepares you for the way clinicians learn and work.

EARLY EXPOSURE 2TRAINING TO CLINICAL

CLOSE INTERACTION 4 WITH OUTSTANDING FACULTY

Based on the innovative approach of the Duke University School of Medicine, our unique medical curriculum prepares students to begin applied clinical training in their second year of study, a full year earlier than their peers at most US medical schools. This is made possible by focusing on learning essential basic science concepts and building a firm foundation in clinical skills during the first year. In addition, the curriculum enables students to devote their entire third year to independent research.

The unique partnership between Duke University and NUS engages students with teaching and mentoring by worldclass faculty and researchers.

Sharing their firsthand clinical and research knowledge and experiences, our faculty bring the MD curriculum to life, instilling in our students a true understanding of patient care.

And thanks to the intimate environment fostered by our small class size and favorable student-faculty ratio, you can take advantage of close faculty contact and support.

YEAR 3TO THIRD IS DEDICATED INDEPENDENT

5DIVERSE STUDENT BODY

RESEARCH

In their third year, students expand their curiosity in scientific endeavors through an attachment to a research lab, and face the challenges in continuity of care over time through the Family Medicine Clerkship. The aim is to help the 3rd year medical students achieve the quantitative competencies deemed essential for today’s physicians. Students spend 10 to 12 months in a scholarly pursuit during the third year, after which they are expected to submit a thesis. Consistent with Duke’s philosophy, attention is given to each student’s individual career pathway.

As countries like Singapore become more culturally diverse, physicians need to be well prepared to work with a broad range of patients, colleagues, and allied health professionals. At Duke-NUS, we welcome diversity and have faculty, staff, and students who come from many academic and cultural backgrounds. The result is a very dynamic and enriching learning environment.

6 STRONG PARTNERSHIPS Through our collaborations with the SingHealth Group, Singapore’s largest healthcare organization, Duke-NUS is playing an integral role in building a vibrant healthcare community and advancing Academic Medicine so that clinical care, education, and research are integrated to provide the highest standard of patient care.

YEAR 3 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

CORE CURRICULUM STUDENTS WHO COMPLETE OUR 4-YEAR MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM ARE AWARDED A JOINT DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (MD) DEGREE BY DUKE UNIVERSITY AND NUS.

Devoted primarily to scientific research, students spend their third year completing research projects in Singapore or at Duke University School of Medicine. Our students are not serving as research assistants, but conduct independent research in an area of strong interest to them, mentored by a senior faculty member who has internationally recognized expertise in that area. Students engage in many types of medically relevant research, including basic, translational, epidemiological, and applied clinical. Students with engineering backgrounds may use their skills to pursue a third year project in areas such as medical device development.

During this year, students also continue their clinical training in a family medicine clerkship caring for chronically ill patients who often require a range of inpatient and outpatient care. Our students get to know these patients well and learn how chronic diseases impact individuals, families, and communities.

Students who are interested in completing an MD-PhD start their first PhD year during this third year and typically continue their PhD studies for a total of four years before completing their final MD year.

Following the third year, some students elect to take an additional research year. A competitive Goh Foundation Scholarship is available to help support the living costs of students who elect to do this.

Some students have also chosen to complete additional degrees including MPHs, MBAs, and Masters of Health Science in Clinical Research. In such cases, students begin work on their additional advanced degree starting with their third MD year. All of our students are eligible to attend the coursework offered by the Singapore Stanford Biodesign program and may apply for a Singapore Stanford Biodesign Fellowship.

YEAR 1 BASIC SCIENCE

YEAR 2 CLINICAL ROTATIONS

YEAR 4 SPECIALTY CLINICAL ROTATIONS

Students embark on a rigorous program, generally covered in two years in most medical schools, that is composed of four interdisciplinary basic science courses: Molecules and Cells, Normal Body, Brain and Behavior, and Body and Disease, taught by teams of expert clinicians and basic scientists. Students begin their clinical training in the Practice Course where they develop skills such as interviewing and history taking through mentored interactions with standardized patients. In the Investigative Methods and Tools course, students acquire research skills which help prepare them to become medical researchers who can capably and critically evaluate the empirical research of others.

Students become members of health care teams as they rotate through the core specialties of internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry and neurology. Students also experience the subspecialties of anesthesiology and radiology, and have selective opportunities in such areas as cardiology or orthopedics. Our students are not mere observers. They take an active role in patient care on wards and clinics under the close supervision of their superiors.

Through these clinical rotations, students develop clinical care skills as they develop their abilities to diagnose and treat patients.

Final year MD students continue the applied clinical education begun in the second and third years.

Clinical rotations are completed in four-week rotations. Rotations in internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, critical care, and musculoskeletal disorders are required. Students also choose from among a broad array of electives and sub-internships which help prepare them for further specialty training as residents following graduation.

During the fourth year, most students decide which medical specialty or specialties they are most keen to pursue following graduation.

They apply for Singapore residency placements in a process similar to the US matching system.

For more information on the MD curriculum, please visit our website: www.duke-nus.edu.sg

SERVICE COMMITMENT

SPECIALTY TRAINING & RESIDENCY

In return for the generous educational subsidies provided by the government of Singapore in support of their education, all medical students are required to commit to a period of service following their licensure:

Following graduation with the MD degree, students are expected to begin their postgraduate medical specialty education in US-style residency programs in Singapore. These programs have been designed in consultation with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I). The Singapore residencies are the first postgraduate medical programs ever accredited by ACGME-I. Students who successfully complete their first year of residency fulfill the requirements for Medical Registration (licensure) in Singapore.

The total time it takes to complete the medical training will depend on the requirements of particular specialties.

• 4 years for Singapore citizens • 5 years for international students and Singapore permanent residents Students typically fulfill this obligation by completing their postgraduate medical education in Singapore.

Please consult the following website for more information about the Singapore residencies: www.physician.mohh.com.sg/ residency/

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

EARLY ACCEPTANCE

We welcome applications from all academically strong individuals of any nationality who will complete their baccalaureate degrees before matriculation to Duke-NUS. First year classes typically start in late July. We seek students with strong humanistic values, a clear calling to a career in medicine and biomedical research, and a commitment to lifelong learning. We accept applications until 1st December of the year prior to matriculation.

Applicants who submit their applications, MCAT scores, and supporting documents on or before September 1st may qualify for Early Acceptance.

Strong candidates may be notified of acceptance as much as 6 months before those who apply under the December deadline.

To apply, you will need to submit the following: • Online application form: available at http://www.dukenus.edu.sg/admissions

• 3-5 recommendations from professors, mentors, and/or employers

• Official transcripts from your Bachelor’s (and higher, if applicable) degree program

• TOEFL or IELTS results, if English was not the language of instruction during undergraduate or graduate studies

• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) results: for more on the MCAT, visit www.aamc.org/ students/mcat/

FINANCIAL AID Along with government subsidies, additional financial assistance is available to all matriculating students, regardless of nationality. These include Merit Scholarships, Need-based Bursaries, and Tuition Fee Loans.

For the most current information on financial aid available, visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/admissions/programs/fees-financial-aid

Duke-NUS PhD Program in Integrated Biology and Medicine

ADVANCING SCIENCE TO IMPROVE MEDICINE

The goal is to train PhD scientists across multiple disciplines that will develop the skills and ambitions of translating basic scientific discoveries into useful therapies for patients. The education and training of the students is supported by an award-winning research faculty.

HIGHLIGHTS • Supported by an awardwinning research faculty • Unique – a degree in Integrated Biology and Medicine (IBM) rather than in traditional disciplines such as biochemistry or cell biology; the PhD degree is granted by NUS • Emphasis is on training in translational and biomedical research • Cutting edge researchers to take their research findings from “bench to bedside” • Thesis research is performed in one of our five Signature Research Programs

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW – PhD PROGRAMS YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1 Lab Rotation 1

SEMESTER 2 Lab Rotation 2

IBM Class: Molecules to Medicine

Start of Thesis Research SRP Specific Courses Student Research Seminars

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

Thesis Research

Thesis Research

SRP Specific Courses

PhD Qualifying Exam (PQE)

Student Research Seminars

Student Research Seminars

YEARS 3 TO 5 SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

Thesis Research

Thesis Research

Student Research Seminars

Student Research Seminars

COMPLETION OF PhD Successful Dissertation Defense

CORE CURRICULUM

YEAR 1 COURSEWORK, LAB ROTATION, AND THESIS RESEARCH

YEAR 2 DEVELOPING A THESIS AND QUALIFYING EXAM

YEARS 3 TO 5 RESEARCH AND THESIS

Within a small-group, collaborative environment, students participate in the IBM core class “Molecules to Medicine” and are introduced to the foundations of biomedical research and experimental models, methods, and mechanisms that drive current investigations into human disease. During the first semester, each student will also complete two eight-week laboratory rotations. In the second semester, they will commit to a mentor affiliated with one of the Signature Research Programs (see following page) for their thesis research.

Students continue to develop their thesis project and will participate in Student Research Seminars designed to help them in developing and improving their skills in communication, evaluation of scientific literature, and sharing their ideas on major breakthroughs and future directions in their research field – a critical foundation for a career in translational research.

Students will also take a PhD qualifying exam during Year 2.

After passing the qualifying exam, the PhD training consists of the execution of the thesis project and regular participation in Student Research Seminars and Journal Clubs. The PhD culminates in a written dissertation and a successful oral dissertation defense. The PhD program is expected to take 4 to 5 years to complete on average.

For more information on the PhD curriculum, please visit our website – www.duke-nus.edu.sg

Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Health Services and Systems Research

5

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders

DUKE-NUS

SRPs

Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders

Emerging Infectious Diseases

5 SIGNATURE RESEARCH PROGRAMS (SRP) STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE THEIR ADVANCED TRAINING IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FIVE SRPs:

CANCER AND STEM CELL BIOLOGY (CSCB)

CARDIOVASCULAR AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (CVMD)

NEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS (NBD)

Studies the causes and treatments of cancer and related diseases, encompassing basic cancer biology and clinical-translational studies, with special emphasis on cancers that affect the Asian community.

Focuses on areas in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease. The goal is to unravel mechanisms underlying these diseases with a focus on translational discoveries.

Focusing on the investigation of molecular, developmental, systems, and cognitive neuroscience, the program seeks to advance neuroscience nationally and to translate discoveries in basic science into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES (EID)

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS RESEARCH (HSSR)

The goal is to detect, identify, prevent, and control emerging infectious diseases, while also training physician scientists in the latest technologies. The research focuses on three major diseases: Dengue Fever, Zoonosis, and Influenza.

Focuses on the organization, funding, and delivery of health services. The goal is to promote humane, effective, sustainable health care by informing complex clinical and public policy decisions.

For details of specific research activities in each SRP, visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg/education/ phd-program/specialty-tracks

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS We welcome applications from academically strong individuals interested in pursuing a career in medical and scientific research.

Applicants should have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline before matriculation into the PhD program at Duke-NUS. Our application usually opens in June and closes on January 15th each year. Classes begin in August.

To apply, you will need to submit: • Online application form.

• Official transcripts from your Bachelor’s (and higher, if applicable) degree program. Applicants who completed their degrees outside Singapore or the United States may be required to submit their transcripts to World Education Services (WES) for a course by course evaluation. A detailed report by WES will be sent directly to Duke-NUS. Please visit www.wes.org for further details.

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test results. Visit www.ets.org/gre for more information.

• 3-5 recommendations from professors, mentors, and/or employers.

• TOEFL or IELTS results, if English was not the language of instruction during undergraduate or graduate studies.

Combined MD/PhD Program

DUKE-NUS MD/PhD TIMELINE

In lieu of MD YEAR 3 Research Year

YEAR 1

MD

Yr 1: Basic Science

YEAR 2

MD

Yr 2: Clinical Rotations

YEAR 3

Start PhD

YEAR 4

PhD

Identify Thesis, Qualifying Exam

YEAR 5

PhD

Research

YEAR 6

PhD

Research

YEAR 7

MD

Yr 4: Clinical Rotations

Coursework, Labs, Choose Mentor

HIGHLIGHTS • Modeled after the US MD/PhD programs, it is the only MD/PhD program in Singapore • Develops leaders in biomedical research and medicine

• Provides in-depth scientific and medical training • Affords unique career opportunities, such as leadership positions in hospitals and governmental organizations

Duke-NUS also offers a combined MD/PhD program that is unique to Singapore. As shown in the figure, the program may be completed in seven years. The program combines medical education with the excitement of scientific discovery and trains physicians to become future leaders that interface between medicine and science. This program is most appropriate for students who are committed to intensive research-oriented careers, combining biomedical research with the practice of clinical medicine. Students who secure an appropriate fellowship may also elect to pursue their PhD in one of the many programs available at Duke University and NUS. As shown in the figure, the program takes a total of seven years.

After the first two years in the MD program, students will join the PhD program in Integrated Biology and Medicine in lieu of their third year. After completion of the PhD program, students will then enter into their fourth year of the MD program.

Interested candidates can apply directly to the program. Students admitted to the Duke-NUS MD program may also apply at selected times during their 1st or 2nd years of study. Students admitted to the program will be offered a full scholarship for the PhD component, as well as financial support to cover the tuition for their final year of MD training.

Please refer to the Admissions Requirements of the MD program, which are also applicable to the MD/PhD program.

Full details of our MD/PhD program can be found on our website – www.duke-nus.edu.sg

Charting a Bold Future Upon graduation, you will benefit from Duke-NUS’s close collaboration with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth). SingHealth’s clinical expertise and Duke-NUS’s strong research and medical education capabilities combine to create a vibrant healthcare community and a future of outstanding opportunities.

If you’re looking for a world-class medical education right in the heart of a progressive medical and biomedical sciences research community, look no further than Duke-NUS!

SingHealth Residency

Academic Medicine

SingHealth is the largest healthcare group in Singapore and includes a network of acute care hospitals, national specialty centers, and primary care polyclinics that deliver multi-disciplinary and integrated medical care. When it comes to choosing your residency specialty, a SingHealth Residency offers specialist training based on a structured framework of core competencies guided by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I).

With a vision to contribute to the transformation and advancement of patient care in Singapore, SingHealth and Duke-NUS are promoting the close integration of clinical care, teaching, and research.

To work towards this vision, DukeNUS has established two institutes which students may participate in:

Besides having the most comprehensive ACGME-I accredited programs in Singapore, a SingHealth Residency offers you mentorship by renowned clinician educators, as well as unparalleled clinical exposure. Additional research training for residents is also available.

Academic Medicine Education Institute (AM•EI) – aims to create a vibrant learning environment within the Academic Medical Center and help develop our faculty to be outstanding educators and education scholars.

Academic Medicine Research Institute (AMRI) – aims to enable research-oriented careers of Duke-NUS/SingHealth faculty to achieve excellence in innovative translational, clinical, and health services research.

8 College Road, Singapore 169857 Phone: 6516-5510

You can get in touch with us via email: info@duke-nus.edu.sg for MD related queries and infophd@duke-nus.edu.sg for PhD and MD-PhD related queries.

To learn more about Duke-NUS, our students, or our programs and research capabilities, please visit our website: www.duke-nus.edu.sg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DukeNUSGradMedSchool YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/InsideDukeNUS Blog: http://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/admissions-blog/

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.