Duke-NUS Medical School Welcomes Diverse Class of 2028 for Medical Studies

Duke-NUS Medical School officially welcomed its 18th cohort of Doctor of Medicine (MD) students, the Class of 2028, during a white coat ceremony on August 2.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the medical journeys for 78 new students, who represent a wide range of talents and experiences, from music and sports to engineering and architecture. These aspiring physicians are united by a common goal to improve patient care.

The incoming class includes seven graduates from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) admitted via a conditional admissions pathway. In total, 22 students joined through similar pathways from institutions such as Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Management University (SMU), and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Professor Thomas Coffman, Dean of Duke-NUS, highlighted the ceremony's significance in both launching student careers and reinforcing the school's collaborations with leading academic institutions, providing direct routes for outstanding students into medicine.

Among the new students is violinist Dan Yuet Ruh, who noted that music has instilled discipline and empathy, qualities she believes are vital for doctors. Lim Yu Wen, with an architecture background, expressed her ambition to blend her design expertise with healthcare innovation, particularly in the planning of future medical facilities.

The class comprises 69 students with bachelor's degrees, two who previously undertook PhDs, and seven with master's degrees. Their academic disciplines span science, engineering, psychology, pharmacy, computer science, nursing, architecture, law, business, and dentistry. Notably, Wang Huwen, who has published research on COVID-19 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, is also part of this cohort. The Class of 2028 consists of 57 Singaporeans, three Permanent Residents, and 18 international students, underscoring its diverse composition.