Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Program Code
DMEDI

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Academic Year
2022

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

This program is the second half of an integrated six-year double vertical degree (BMedStud/MD program) to train graduates who may be eligible for registration as a medical practitioner upon completion of an internship. Entry to the program is by fulfilling the requirements of the BMedStud. The four major "domains" of the program are the core elements of medical practice: (i) Science and Scholarship, (ii) Clinical Practice, (iii) Professionalism and Leadership, and (iv) Health and Society.

Throughout the program, students will expand their knowledge, experience and skills within these through four domains as they undertake clinical placements within the teaching hospitals and the broader medical community.

The Doctor of Medicine is an AQF Level 9 (Masters Extended) qualification with a standard full-time duration of 3 years.

Conditions

Conditions of Enrolment

Clinical Deed Poll: The University of Adelaide and the Minister for Health have a clinical placement agreement in place which allows the University to request clinical placements in SA Health facilities. As part of this agreement students are required to complete a deed poll (pdf file). A deed poll is an agreement between the student and SA Health to ensure patient information is treated with confidentiality and that the student has met the required clearances. By signing a deed poll students understand their obligations and agree to comply with the relevant state legislation. Please see https://health.adelaide.edu.au/study-with-us/student-support/clinical-placements

Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registration: Students undertaking a clinical placement at a hospital or other health facility require student registration with the relevant National Board. This process is undertaken by the AHPRA. It is completed on enrolment into the program and does not require action by the student. Students will be advised when they have been registered.

Criminal History Clearance: Students who undertake clinical placements, internships or research projects involving children or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable are now required to demonstrate clearance by producing a criminal history check, obtained through a Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) check. International students are required to obtain a certificate from their home country. All students studying a clinical-based program will be required to demonstrate a satisfactory criminal history clearance and maintain an up to date National Police check throughout their study. Please see https://health.adelaide.edu.au/study-with-us/student-support/clinical-placements#criminal-history-clearances

Immunisation: Students undertaking clinical placements are required to have the appropriate level of health checks and immunisation. Prior to commencing professional placements, students will be advised by their program area to be screened and immunised for the following infectious disease as recommended by the most recent Immunisation Guidelines for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy Directive including, but not limited to, recommendations for Prescribed Communicable Infections (PCI) screening and, COVID-19 vaccines.

They may choose to do this through the University Health Practice, or a practitioner of their choice.  Failure to adhere to these guidelines means that a student will not be allowed to attend clinical placements. It is a student's responsibility to acquire their immunisations record and take it with them to all clinical placements.

As part of commencing enrolment, all students are required to have blood tests to determine their immunity status to Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Chicken Pox. Students will need to provide evidence of previous vaccinations, including for the aforementioned diseases as well as Pertussis, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio.

Tuberculosis Clearance: Students who undertake clinical placements, internships or research projects involving children or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable are now required to demonstrate tuberculosis (TB) clearance through obtaining a TB Screening Notification from SA Tuberculosis Services.

Inherent requirements: Students are required to acknowledge their understanding of the University of Adelaide medical programs inherent requirements (see http://health.adelaide.edu.au/admissions/medicine/inherentrequirements).

Interruption of a program: Students must apply for permission from the Dean of Medicine or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

Rural Placements: Enrolment in the University of Adelaide’s Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine requires students to undertake rural clinical placements. 50% of Commonwealth supported students (in both bonded and unbonded places) need to complete four weeks of rural placements before graduation, with 25% of students required to complete one year of clinical training in a rural site. If these places are not filled by students voluntarily, all students in Commonwealth supported places will be included in a random ballot to be allocated to one of these year-long rural placements.

Uniform: During clinical placements, students are required to comply with professional dress standards.

Academic Program Rules for Doctor of Medicine

There shall be a Doctor of Medicine.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the degree of Doctor of Medicine, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following courses with a combined total of not less than 72 units:

  1. Core courses to the value of 66 units including metropolitan or rural specialisations at level 2 to the value of 24 units.
  2. Research project to the value of 6 units

Core Courses

  • Core Courses

    To satisfy the requirements for Core Courses students must complete courses to the value of 72 units.

    Level I

    All of the following courses must be completed:

    Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value
    MEDIC ST 7401HO Medicine, Cancer & Palliative Care and Psychiatry 12
    MEDIC ST 7402HO Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine 12

    Level II

    All of the following courses must be completed:

    Metropolitan Specialisation

    Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value
    MEDIC ST 7501HO Women’s and Children’s Health 12
    MEDIC ST 7502HO The Healthcare Continuum 12

    or

    Courses to the value of 24 units from the following:

    Rural Specialisation

    Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value
    MEDIC ST 7503ARU Women’s and Children’s Health (Rural) Part 1 0
    MEDIC ST 7503BRU Women’s and Children’s Health (Rural) Part 2 12
    MEDIC ST 7504ARU The Healthcare Continuum (Rural) Part 1 0
    MEDIC ST 7504BRU The Healthcare Continuum (Rural) Part 2 12

    Level III

    All of the following courses must be completed:

    Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value
    MEDIC ST 7601HO Preparation for Practice 9
    MEDIC ST 7602HO Transition to Medical Practice 3
    MEDIC ST 7603HO Professional Placement 6

    Research Project

    All of the following courses must be completed:

    Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value
    MEDIC ST 7604HO Research Enquiry Project 6