The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctoranda, (MChD) is an AQF Level 9 Extended qualification, enabling pre-registration as a junior doctor. It aims to produce graduates who are committed to compassionate, ethical health care and the expansion of medical knowledge. The MChD is underpinned by four themes. Medical sciences covers a vast scope of ever changing and expanding knowledge that forms the basis of modern medicine. Clinical skills ensures the acquisition of knowledge is accompanied by communication skills, the ability to examine patients and critically appraise information. Population health addresses the relationship between humans, their society and environment. Professionalism and leadership develops these vital skills of a good doctor.The curriculum is built on important frameworks that explore the social foundations of medicine, develop understanding of the indigenous health context in Australia, and provide insights and experience in health care in rural and/or remote Australian settings. Consistent with the research intensive nature of ANU, our program also develops the research skills of our students and provides opportunity for high achieving students to pursue a concurrent research focused degree.

Learning Outcomes

1. As a graduate of our MChD program you will be prepared to work safely and effectively as an intern delivering quality care as a member of the health professional team in hospital, general practice and rural settings, conversant with issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s health and wellbeing, and with an understanding of the social foundations of medicine.

2. You will be equipped scientifically

   You will have an excellent understanding of the medical sciences and how they underpin our knowledge of the complexity of health, disease and illness. You will understand the relation between individual and population health. You will understand how knowledge of medical sciences and population health are crucial bases for clinical competence.

3. clinically

   You will have a clear focus on patient-centred care, with the necessary knowledge, skills and professional behaviours to safely assess and manage a wide range of clinical problems. You will apply the principles of evidence-based medicine in your practice, drawing on relevant legal, ethical, behavioural, and sociological understandings and be equipped to contribute to patient-centred decision-making in circumstances of uncertainty.