Overview: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College
Founded in 1956, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC) is a preeminent, public, research-intensive institution situated in Beijing, China. With historical roots dating to the early 20th century, PUMC was established by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1917, later merging with CAMS to form China’s foremost center for biomedical research and medical education. CAMS & PUMC operates multiple campuses and affiliated hospitals, serving over 2,700 students and hosting nearly 4,400 faculty and medical staff, affirming its comprehensive scale and national stature.
CAMS & PUMC is internationally recognized for excellence in medical sciences, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, and public health. Its distinctive “seven-year MD curriculum” integrates undergraduate and graduate studies, producing highly skilled physician-scientists. The institution emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, with pioneering work in genomics, infectious diseases, cancer biology, and stem cell research. CAMS & PUMC ranks among Asia’s top medical schools; it boasts collaborative agreements with elite global universities such as Harvard and Oxford, and actively leads research consortia and WHO reference labs. The institution produces over 1,000 SCI-indexed publications annually, a testament to its robust research output and ongoing contributions to global medical science.
Campus life at CAMS & PUMC is vibrant and collegial, supported by a range of extracurricular clubs, cultural societies, and academic associations that foster holistic development. The university values diversity and inclusion, welcoming international students and scholars via exchange programs, joint degrees, and summer schools. Students enjoy access to modern on-campus housing, well-equipped sports facilities, and facilities for the arts. Multiple support services—including counseling, academic advising, and mentorship—are provided to ensure the well-being and success of both domestic and international students. This creates a supportive, intellectually stimulating community deeply engaged with contemporary scientific challenges.
Guided by a mission to advance health through innovation, discovery, and education, CAMS & PUMC is committed to global leadership, the cultivation of future medical pioneers, and the promotion of equitable, evidence-based healthcare solutions that benefit society at large.