Thinking outside the square: Changing from an MBBS to an Doctor of Medicine using innovation in an Australian Medical School

Background:
There is a trend globally to change from the traditional Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
(MBBS) program to a Doctor of Medicine program. Many Australian Universities have made the shift,
mostly from graduate entry programs.
For the past decade, Bond University in Australia has conducted an MBBS program with
undergraduate entry at the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7. In 2015, Bond
University Medical Program was accredited by the Australian Medical Council to implement a Doctor
of Medicine program, using a 3+2 model where the first three years are at undergraduate level and
the following two years of the program at masters level (AQF level 9 extended).
Aims and objectives:
The aim was to develop an MD model was innovative and walks students through the whole research
process from developing a research question, undertaking a project through to finishing with an end of
year medical student conference.
Outcomes:
The model is a flexible, fully integrated program that allows students to choose from a variety of final
year projects – a research project, or a professional project or a capstone experience. It includes a
points system whereby students must achieve a total of 100 points, which they collect in an electronic
portfolio.
Discussion:
This paper provides an overview of the innovative Bond University Medical Program that resulted in a
masters level progra