Chinese Journal of Medical Education ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (5): 383-389.DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20250504-00495

• Foreign and Comparative Medical Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Characteristics and implications of medical student training models in Singapore

Chao Shuang1, Zhu Liubao2, Yang Fan3, Fu Meng4, Chen Xuyan5   

  1. 1Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China;
    2Department of Education, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China;
    3Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China;
    4Department of Urology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China;
    5Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
  • Received:2025-05-04 Online:2026-05-01 Published:2026-04-30
  • Contact: ChenXuyan,Email:chenxuyan@tsinghua.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Tsinghua University Graduate Education Reform Project (202303J048); Tsinghua University Undergraduate Education Reform Project (DX01_10); Research Project on Medical Education Approved by the Medical Education Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the National Center for Medical Education Development in 2023 (2023B196)

Abstract: Singapore′s medical education, having evolved over a century, possesses distinct characteristics. This study systematically analyzes the training models for medical students at the three existing medical schools in Singapore—Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, and Duke-NUS Medical School. The analysis is conducted through a combination of field research and textual analysis. The models are characterized by the parallel implementation of a five-year program and a ″4+4″ program, with an emphasis on the integration of basic and clinical sciences, early clinical exposure, comprehensive quality development, research skills training, and the broadening of international perspectives. Collaborative active learning methods are adopted, and formative and summative assessments are effectively integrated. Insights derived from Singapore′s experience can be drawn upon by China to advance the high-quality development of its medical education through initiatives such as optimizing talent cultivation pathways, deepening curriculum integration reforms, innovating teaching methodologies, and refining assessment mechanisms.

Key words: Singapore, Medical students, Training model, Diversified pathways, Curriculum integration

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