Doctor of Medicine

Overview

The Doctor of Medicine course from The University of Western Australia aims to produce graduates committed to the wellbeing of the patient, community and society as responsible, accountable, scholarly, capable and caring doctors. This course prepares graduates with the clinical and professional attributes required for successful internships and future training. The course is accredited by the Australian Medical Council and graduates are able to be registered for professional practice as a doctor.

In the first year of the MD program, you’ll gain necessary background knowledge in biomedical sciences. In years two and three, students have clinical attachments in the wards and clinics of the hospitals of Perth, general practices and other community settings.  

The final year commences with an opportunity to experience an overseas elective, and continues with clinical attachments and a Selective option. During this time, students complete their Scholarly Activity stream, e-Portfolio and Procedural Skills Logbook. Year 4 concludes with a Preparation for Internship block which includes an Extension option in a clinical area of their choice, and an intern-shadowing block to ensure graduates are ready for work as interns.

Career Pathways

For registration as a medical practitioner in Australia, all graduates are required to complete a 12-month pre-registration internship in an approved clinical setting. Priority for internships is given to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. At present international graduates are only accommodated if sufficient intern places are available. 

Following graduation from the MD, further studies can be undertaken with a professional college for specialisation in a medical discipline, such as anaesthesia, obstetrics or psychiatry.