Programme Overview

In Ireland we aim to produce graduates who are capable of practicing evidence-based medicine and who also possess excellent communication skills. Students are encouraged to develop a holistic approach to patients, their problems and their environment and are encouraged to ask themselves the following questions: What, if anything, is actually wrong here? What can be done about it? Why has this happened? What is the impact on the patient, their immediate family and society in general? How could this process have been prevented?

The undergraduate programme leading to the degree in Medicine, has evolved from a traditional model of pre-clinical and clinical phases to a unitary model with greater integration. A five-year programme, during the initial years emphasis is on the basic medical science subjects of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology and is centred on custom-built buildings on the university campuses. Modern development of the curriculum now features innovative clinical integration in these traditional subjects, with visits to hospitals and training in Clinical Skills Laboratories.

One of the strengths of the IUMC undergraduate medical degree programme is patient-based teaching in small groups where our students learn the necessary skills under the tuition of highly qualified clinical tutors. The student's experience is enhanced by giving attention to student welfare and by adopting innovative teaching strategies and assessment methods.

During the last three years students' teaching concentration is on clinical medicine and paraclinical subjects such as Pathology, Pharmacology and Public Health Medicine and Health Promotion. Students now spend most of their time at the university teaching hospitals. In these hospitals are located Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics/ Gynecology, Paediatrics and Child Health, Pathology and Psychiatry.

Is this the right programme for you?

The IUMC medical programme is a challenging but highly rewarding experience. The academic requirements are high and there will be considerable demands on your time. As medicine is ultimately about the care of people, you will also need to feel comfortable in a people-oriented environment where teamwork will be equally as valuable as your individual contribution.