For Dr Nicole Gan Wei Wei and Dr Angus Ong Qi Chwen, it was the desire to serve. One chose the hospital frontlines, and the other took a path into global health research. But both journeys began with the same foundation: Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.
Training ground for clinical confidence
The MBBS curriculum unfolds in two phases: a strong scientific foundation in the first two years, followed by immersive clinical rotations in the final three years. Students train at accredited teaching hospitals and healthcare centres, and by Year 3 are certified as First Responders with essential emergency skills.
“The clinical postings helped me grow into someone who could work under pressure and still focus on delivering safe, quality care,” said Gan, now serving as a junior doctor in the Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) department at a public hospital.
Nurturing doctors who understand the person behind the illness
Medical training at Taylor’s University goes beyond diagnosing symptoms; it is about understanding the multifaceted lives of patients. Students engage in rural health outreach, urban clinics, and simulations that emphasise empathy, cultural competence, and communication.
“When we did outreach in low-income communities, I realised how many people did not understand basic health terms. It changed how I explain things to my patients now: always in ways they can relate to,” Gan shared.
These are the qualities that a doctor retains long after training, and it makes all the difference in how care is delivered to patients.
Career paths as unique as the graduates themselves
After graduating in 2021, Ong took an unconventional path by becoming a health research associate. Since then, he has co-led a global digital health study and contributed to several clinical trials to improve chronic disease management.
During his internal medicine posting, Ong followed the care of an elderly woman with multiple chronic conditions. Her repeated hospital admissions were primarily due to low health literacy and limited access to primary care.
“This experience revealed how social and structural factors profoundly affect health outcomes. It also sparked my interest in preventive care, digital tools, and community-based strategies to support patients beyond hospital walls.”
Meanwhile, Gan continues to deepen her clinical experience and plans to specialise in paediatrics. For her, the hospital is where she can make the most difference.
A programme designed for a changing world
Taylor’s University’s comprehensive MBBS programme aligns with the practice of modern medicine, emphasising evidence-based and empathetic care. It supports students preparing for international medical licensing examinations through multiple e-learning resources and instructional methods, promoting independent and lifelong learning, while fostering resilience and leadership.
“We aim to produce well-rounded physicians who are competent, compassionate, and globally minded,” said Associate Professor Dr Ganesh Ramachandran, Head of the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University.
To achieve this, the programme integrates emerging fields such as digital health, evidence-based medicine, and artificial intelligence into its curriculum, ensuring that students stay ahead of the curve.
Join Taylor’s Open Day on Aug 16 & 17 to explore how a future in medicine can begin with the proper foundation. Applications are now open for the September intake.