Hong Kong’s 2 medical schools to launch new graduate-entry programmes
University of Hong Kong and Chinese University of Hong Kong will offer four-year programmes, with first intake consisting of 50 students in total
Hong Kong’s two medical schools have been given the green light to launch new graduate-entry programmes, which will welcome the first batch of 50 students in September, as the city tries to tackle a shortage of doctors and become a biomedical hub.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announced on Monday that degree holders could apply for their four-year medical programmes, with each of them planning to admit 25 students in the first year.
Professor Wallace Lau Chak-sing, dean of medicine at HKU, said the University Grants Committee recently approved the programmes and details were submitted to the Medical Council of Hong Kong.
“Students with a first degree have a robust academic foundation that enhances the integration of cross-disciplinary knowledge into medical education,” Lau said.
He added the city was facing an ageing population and a shortage of healthcare professionals, making the acceleration of talent training a pressing priority.
“This new programme opens a new pathway for aspiring medical professionals, while strengthening and diversifying the talent pool for the healthcare system and clinical research,” he said.