Overview of Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, officially known as Duke-NUS Medical School, was established in 2005 as a strategic partnership between Duke University in the United States and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Located in Singapore’s Outram medical campus, Duke-NUS is a premier, research-intensive graduate medical school that operates as part of Singapore’s national effort to advance medical education and research. With approximately 500 students across its MD, PhD, and MD-PhD tracks, and a faculty comprising over 200 members, the school represents a robust and comprehensive institution within Asia’s biomedical landscape.
Duke-NUS is renowned for its strength in biomedical and clinical research, translational medicine, and health systems innovation. Its flagship program, the Doctor of Medicine (MD), follows a unique American-style curriculum emphasizing team-based, problem-based learning, and early patient contact, distinguishing it within Asia. The institution is highly regarded for its research output—ranked among the top medical schools in Asia—and has successfully forged global collaborations, including dual-degree programs with Duke University and research partnerships with leading international institutions such as SingHealth and A*STAR. Duke-NUS faculty and students have contributed to groundbreaking research in cancer, neuroscience, and infectious diseases, exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic by their involvement in vaccine and therapeutics development.
Student life at Duke-NUS extends well beyond the classroom, with active participation in over 30 student-led clubs and societies encompassing academic interest groups, volunteer organizations, and recreational activities. The campus supports a vibrant, inclusive community, drawing students from Singapore and more than 20 countries, fostering a global perspective. Extensive student support services, mentorship programs, and peer networks nurture personal and professional development. Facilities include residential housing, fitness centers, and arts spaces, ensuring a balanced and enriching environment that supports both academic excellence and holistic well-being.
Duke-NUS is driven by a mission to transform medicine and improve lives in Singapore and the region, dedicated to innovation, excellence, and collaboration. The school’s vision emphasizes the cultivation of clinician-scientists and leaders committed to advancing patient care, scientific discovery, and global health equity.
