Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)

The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) is offered jointly by the University of New England and University of Newcastle in partnership with Hunter, New England and Central Coast Local Health Districts. There is a common curriculum across both campuses.

Studying to be a doctor is challenging and rewarding. The program provides you with the skills and knowledge to begin a career focused on helping restore, maintain and promote individual and community health in Australia and around the world. Doctors act as key players on multidisciplinary health teams to diagnose and treat patients.

The field of medicine is rapidly changing, with advances in technology and research enabling new therapies and improved patient outcomes. Doctors play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of health conditions. This degree has been developed in close consultation with doctors, other healthcare providers, health service representatives, graduates of the program and current students to ensure it is relevant and responsive to the rapidly changing health environment. The degree creates work-ready interns with a dedication to excellence in all aspects of patient care, and a commitment to self-directed, lifelong learning.

Students enrolled in this program are required to undertake clinical placements at locations away from their university of enrolment. These placements may be outside the standard University semester dates. In third, fourth and fifth years, clinical placements are completed within the six JMP clinical schools. Students will have the opportunity to apply, or may be required to spend up to one year at a rural clinical school (Armidale/Taree/Tamworth). All students are required to complete one year at a metropolitan clinical school (Hunter/Central Coast/Maitland).

This degree requires students to participate in clinical placements in NSW Health facilities. During placements, students will be subject to policies and procedures laid down by NSW Health. Students must also meet all NSW Health verification requirements before attending.

Students enrolling in this degree are required to obtain a WorkCover-approved Provide First Aid Certificate during semester 1 and those students enrolling at the University of New England are also required to obtain a Working with Children Check.

The Joint Medical Program and future professional practice are both mentally and physically demanding. Prospective students should be aware that mental and physical capabilities sufficient to perform all aspects of routine medical practices, such as physical examination and routine medical and surgical procedures, are required in order to meet program requirements. Students may be required to practise hands-on examinations and simulated treatments/procedures with other students in laboratory classes. For more information refer to Inherent Requirements.

Applicants who may be unsure of their ability to complete the program and work in the profession should contact the University prior to applying.

Areas of study

Medicine, including medical sciences, clinical medical and surgical specialties (e.g. respiratory and cardiovascular medicine, cancer treatment, orthopedics), community and public health, women’s and children’s health,  mental health, hospital-based medicine, research and the critical evaluation of evidence.

Career opportunities

General practitioner, rural generalist, emergency medical specialist, epidemiologist or medical researcher, surgeon, paediatrician, obstetrician and gynaecologist, psychiatrist, oncologist, neurologist, diagnostic specialist (e.g. radiologist, pathologist), paediatrician, palliative medicine specialist, medical administrator, public health physician, medical researcher, university lecturer/academic.

Professional recognition

On successful completion of the Joint Medical Program, graduates are eligible for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. A period of accredited intern training is then required before general registration as a medical practitioner can be approved.

Practical experience

Opportunity to complete placements in urban, regional and rural settings across Australia. Our clinical teachers are highly skilled national and international experts in their field. Your clinical experience will begin in the first semester and increase throughout the degree. You will gain a range of professional experiences and an in-depth understanding of the patient journey as you meet with patients and carers, visit hospital wards and outpatient clinics, and spend time with doctors in practice. You will develop an understanding of global health systems and have opportunities to undertake clinical placements and exchanges abroad. Throughout the program there are opportunities for hands-on research experience supported by active medical researchers.

Honours

Students who complete the Bachelor of Medical Science are eligible to apply for a Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours), a one-year full-time honours degree designed to provide students with training in scientific method and in the verbal and written communication of scientific results.

Fees and charges

Refer to UNE current fee information.

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.