The 21st century focuses on translational science, where basic biomedical research will be bridged with its clinical application. The MBBS-PhD Programme is thus established to train medical-scientists who are able to apply basic research in the investigation and solution of biomedical problems. This programme
is jointly supported by the National University of
Singapore, in collaboration with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
The Programme aims to produce future medical scientists who can carry out world-class scientific research with a pertinent understanding about clinical practice in Singapore. With medical training in background, they will be able to effectively translate basic science discoveries from the bench to the bedside for the benefit of patients.
Under the sequential programme (see structure given below), scholars will complete their 5 years MBBS at NUS, followed by 1 year Housemanship and National Service (where applicable) before proceeding on their PhD studies overseas.
Applicants must be Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's medical students who have completed the first 3 years of the MBBS training and who have the necessary research experience.
Students will be accepted into the Programme on the basis of excellent academic results, prior research experience (for a minimum of 3 months) and strong interest in pursuing a medical scientist track.
Grace Ng: "The MBBS-PhD programme fulfills my
desire to do both medicine and research."
Students selected for the MBBS-PhD programme will be awarded prestigious scholarships from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) which will pay full tuition fees and provide generous stipends from the time of admission until the end of the programme. The students will be expected to support themselves for any additional time required to complete the programme beyond the first 8 years.
Successful graduates who joined the programme during Medical Year 4 and 5, a service commitment period of 5 years will be imposed by A*STAR. The commencement of the service commitment will be after the completion of the PhD studies.
For those who enter the programme at the beginning or at the end of Housemanship, a service commitment of 4 years be imposed by A*STAR. The commencement of the service commitment will also be after the completion of the PhD studies.
The A*STAR bond will run concurrently with the Ministry of Health (MOH) bond.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to do a PhD degree at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. This program is sponsored by UCSD, NUS and A*STAR. Please refer to this URL http://meded.ucsd.edu/adpst/nus_mbbs.html for more details.
