The Sydney Professional Master of Medicine Program – Advanced training for the advanced practitioner

28 February 2005

The University of Sydney is introducing an innovative Sydney Professional Master of Medicine Program to commence in 2005.

This is the first Professional Master of Medicine Program of its kind to be established by any university in the world. That it is being offered by the internationally renowned University of Sydney, ranked 40th in the world by The Times, London, is an undeniable attraction.

The SPMMP is the brainchild of Professor Andrew Coats, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and internationally recognised Cardiologist.

Professor Coats was inspired to create a modular approach to postgraduate medical training based, in part, on his positive experiences as a student at the London Business School's Executive MBA Program.

"A key advantage of the executive MBA is its modular program, which enables students to continue their professional lives while studying - so they didn't have to sacrifice income or position to further their career," Professor Coats said.

Professor Coats said the SPMMP is utterly unique and modern in its structure, delivered primarily online, to allow students the flexibility to study either full or part-time, while still working as doctors.

"Those who undertake our program can study at their own pace, from their own home country, so they won't have to give up their livelihood or relocate which is a huge bonus as there will only be a short period of compulsory attendance on the University campus," Professor Coats said.

The program has been designed for practising clinicians in their senior years of training or early consultancy. The flexible nature of the modular program also allows students to select single subjects in areas that may be of interest outside their specialty.

The SPMMP initially offers participants the opportunity to gain a Master of Medicine across four of the University's established specialisations: Renal Medicine, Intensive Care, Paediatrics and Cardiology. A range of specialist units will be offered in each of these areas, as well as units in Research Methods, Medical Education, Ethics and Geriatric Medicine.

The driving principle of the program is to maximise student learning with a sophisticated and vibrant teaching style. Cohort sizes will be limited to maintain the quality of the student experience and ensure access to faculty.

Professor Coats said: "Students will have one-on-one access and support from some of the world's leading clinicians and researchers, as well as an outstanding level of teaching".

"Using case-based and evidence-based learning activities, students will be equipped with the tools to become advanced practitioners capable of solving problems in their own practices."

The program includes a 2-week residential in Sydney where participants will come together for intensive tuition from a range of expert clinicians and researchers and direct contact with program leaders.

The SPMMP will draw its numbers from domestic and international markets, allowing students to build an invaluable network of key contacts within the international medical community.

"This is an ideal opportunity where you'll walk away with a qualification from a university that is recognised as a centre of teaching and research excellence - particularly at postgraduate level - while making key contacts with a group of people you'll be able to call on, from wherever you are around the world," Professor Coats said.

A Sydney Professional Master of Medicine Program degree will not only give students formal recognition from a university of international stature, it will also enhance career opportunities and may serve as an entrée to undertake Doctoral studies.

And as a happy bonus, participants get to enjoy spending time in Sydney - one of the world's most exciting and beautiful harbour cities. An unbeatable proposition!



For more information on the University of Sydney's Professional Master of Medicine Program, visit www.spmmp.med.usyd.edu.au.