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Duke-NUS Graduates Diverse Backgrounds Fueling Medicine
2 Jun
Summary
- Largest graduating class includes 135 students with varied academic backgrounds.
- Graduates contributed significantly to research, publishing 71 papers.
- Students engaged in 14 community projects locally and internationally.

Duke-NUS Medical School recently honored its largest graduating class, comprising 135 students, including 78 new doctors. This cohort, the first under Dean Professor Patrick Tan, comprises graduates from the MD program, MD-PhD, PhD, and Master's in Patient Safety. A notable aspect of the Class of 2026 is the diverse academic origins of its MD students, with backgrounds spanning engineering, business, arts, and sciences. This graduate-entry model emphasizes research, with students dedicating their third year to scholarly pursuits.
The Class of 2026 produced a substantial body of research, with 71 published papers in various fields, including AI in healthcare and biological discovery. Their community service efforts were also extensive, involving 14 projects in Singapore and abroad. These initiatives ranged from health screenings for migrant workers to supporting children with cancer, showcasing a deep commitment to societal well-being. The graduates are poised to drive innovation and address healthcare challenges.
Dean Professor Patrick Tan highlighted that the school's vision of fostering interdisciplinary thinkers is reflected in this graduating class. Their varied expertise is crucial as medicine evolves through scientific advancements and societal changes. The commencement ceremony was graced by Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam and keynote speaker Dr. Robert Califf.