Duke-NUS Class of 2029 Begins Medical Training with Diverse Backgrounds
Duke-NUS Medical School's 19th White Coat Ceremony welcomed 78 new medical students, including career switchers, twins, and individuals from varied professional paths.
Singapore, August 8, 2025 – Duke-NUS Medical School celebrated its 19th White Coat Ceremony today, formally admitting 78 aspiring doctors into its Doctor of Medicine (MD) program as the Class of 2029. The cohort marks a significant entry, comprising individuals from a wide array of academic and professional backgrounds, underscoring Duke-NUS's role as Singapore's sole graduate-entry medical institution.
The incoming class presents a diverse profile, with ages ranging from 22 to 33. Notably, 46 students are career switchers, transitioning from fields such as law, software engineering, and even yoga coaching. This group represents the largest contingent of mid-career professionals in the school's history, bringing a wealth of varied experiences and perspectives to medical education.
Professor Thomas Coffman, Dean of Duke-NUS, highlighted the school's foundational mission during the ceremony. "Duke-NUS was founded to reimagine how medical talent is developed in Singapore. By welcoming students with many academic backgrounds and life experiences, we bring together diverse minds united by a shared purpose—to serve, to heal, and to improve health for generations to come," he stated.
This year's cohort also includes the program's first set of twin sisters, Shruthi and Swathi Kumar, alongside students holding previous master's and doctoral degrees. The class comprises 57 Singaporean citizens, four permanent residents, and 17 international students. Most clinical training will be conducted at SingHealth institutions.