Malaysian medical students begin studies at new Clinical School

February 2007

Fifty-two 3rd year medical students at Monash University Malaysia have become the first to train at the University's new RM$1.7 million (A$600,000) Clinical School and the prestigious Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru.

The students began classes on 5 February and will undergo training at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital and health centres in Pontian, Kulai and Segamat over the next two years.

During this period, the students will hone their clinical skills under the close supervision of doctors and specialists from the Monash School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Sultanah Aminah Hospital .

"The opening of the Monash University Malaysia Clinical School in Johor Bahru will make a significant contribution to medicine in Johor Bahru," said the Head of School, Professor Dato' Dr Anuar Zaini.

"The capability brought by the specialists stationed at the Clinical School will contribute to the existing expertise available at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital, which is one of the oldest in the country."

"In addition, the Clinical School will also attract large movements of specialists from neighbouring Singapore , as well as other countries," added Professor Anuar.

"Monash University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences has a strong reputation internationally and the presence of the Clinical School in Johor Bahru will attract much interest."

The University has been consistently ranked top 40 worldwide by the independent Times Higher Education Supplement and it is also one of Australia's 'Group of Eight' universities recognised for excellence in teaching, learning and research outcomes.

Recently, the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course offered by Monash University Malaysia received accreditation from the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

It is the first course fully taught outside Australia and New Zealand to be accredited by the AMC and provides an independent assessment of the quality offered at Monash University Malaysia. With the accreditation, graduates are able to work in Australia and New Zealand without having to take further tests.

Medical students will begin their MBBS studies at the new 12-acre Monash University campus located across from the current facility in Bandar Sunway. The selection of candidates into the MBBS program is very competitive taking in only the top performers. 

Aside from being a teaching facility, Professor Anuar said research will also be carried out at the Clinical School.

This, said Professor Anuar, will contribute to the quality of education provided to the medical students, as well as contribute to the development of medicine in Johor and the country.

See also:

• Monash Malaysia gears up for move to new campus