Ideals and Objectives

1. ​Intellectual originality that will enable a pro-active approach and provide new insight into the treatment of diseases rather than relying on existing methods.
2. ​Insight and awareness of patients’ feelings and a broad understanding of society and human behavior.
3. ​Good morals and a high degree of motivation to contribute to the health of society as a whole.
4. ​A global perspective and the ability to be active internationally.

Admission policy

Founded in 1899 as the Kyoto Imperial University College of Medicine, the Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine has been developing its academic activities for over a century. Through an environment that promotes academic freedom and independence, the faculty has produced numerous internationally renowned scholars and researchers in medical fields.

The core belief of the medical profession-“loving humankind, having compassion and caring for others”—is reflected in Kyoto University’s institutional philosophy, and the teachings of the Faculty of Medicine aim to enhance each individual’s self-development, uniqueness, and creativity. We are committed to the advancement of medicine and medical care, and to contributing to the health and welfare of humankind. We welcome students whose personal values and ambitions resonate with our philosophy to enroll in the Faculty of Medicine.

Qualities Sought in Faculty of Medicine Students

Students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine should:
・ Show initiative, have curiosity, and have the ability to work independently to identify and solve problems.
・ Have a high degree of ethics and sense of humanity, and be able to work effectively in a team.
・ Have a high level of intellectual ability and an internationally-oriented perspective.

Students who enroll in the Faculty of Medicine are expected to have a firm academic foundation, good analytical skills, and broad perspective. They are also expected to be enthusiastic with regards to pursuing their personal academic interests. There are two type of selection process: the General Entrance Examination and the Special Entrance Examination.

The Common Test for University Admission comprises the National Center Test for University Admission, and a separate written examination and interview.

The Special Entrance Examination procedure is designed to facilitate the enrollment of particularly dedicated students with a deep interest in the medical and life sciences who are deemed to have the potential to become leading researchers in their field. The examination is based on the applicants’ academic performance in senior high school, as well as a written application detailing the applicants’ thoughts about medical research, an oral exam, and an interview.

Curriculum Policy

The Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine has developed the following curriculum in order to provide students with the knowledge and capabilities described in its Diploma Policy. 
 
・In their first and second years, students take liberal arts and general education courses to broaden their understanding of both the humanities and science.
They also begin acquiring the knowledge and skills they will need to become doctors or medical researchers through the “Introduction to Medical Science and Biological Systems” and “Early Clinical Exposure” classes.
 
・The MD Researcher Training Program enables students to participate in medical research from an early stage in their learning and includes medical and life sciences lectures in English to cultivate the students’ international orientation.
 
• The second year provides Basic Medicine Courses (Core Basic Courses) in which students learn about the structure and functions of the human body through systematic study of human cells, body tissue, and molecules.
 
・ During their third and fourth years, students are provided with Fundamentall and Public Health Courses (Advanced Basic Courses), which provide an in-depth knowledge of diseases and illnesses, and teach about internal organ systems from a clinical perspective. Students will also embark on their My Course programs—a period of up to three months in which they conduct their own independent research, either in Kyoto University’s world-class laboratories or at an academic research institution overseas. They will also acquire basic clinical knowledge and skills through the Introduction to Clinical Training Course.
 
• During their fifth and sixth years, students will undergo clinical training at multiple affiliated hospitals. During this training, students will not be mere observers, they will participate in the care of patients, join actual medical teams, and develop their individual clinical competence. In addition, an Elective Clinical Training Period gives students the opportunity to select a medical or educational institution in Japan or overseas at which they can undertake practical clinical training to further enhance their skills and knowledge.
The curriculum is organized by means of a numbering system and course tree.
 
As well as the basic curriculum, the MD Researcher Training Program is provided for those seeking to acquire fundamental research skills in order to pursue a medical research career.
 
Academic evaluation is based on the level of achievement and grades for each course, the criteria for which are indicated in the syllabus. At end of the fourth year, students’ knowledge and skills will be assessed through the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and Computer Based Training (CBT). After clinical traning, students’　clinical skill will be assessed through the Post Clinical Clerkship OSCE(PCC-OSCE).

Diploma Policy

The goal of the Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine is to foster medical researchers, doctors, and instructors who will contribute to the field of medicine and medical care. The degree of Bachelor of Medicine will be awarded to students who successfully develop and demonstrate the following qualities and competencies through the faculty’s curriculum and assessment.

1. Creativity and Tackling New Challenges
Students should not be content to rely solely on established science, and should be curious and eager to explore their own research interests. They should approach the scientific process with sincerity.

2. Globally Active
Students should have a thorough comprehension of Japan’s international position and role. They should have the knowledge and skills necessary to be active internationally, and to collaborate flexibly with researchers and medical professionals around the world.

3. Advanced Knowledge and Skills
Students should cultivate a broad range of knowledge and skills and effectively integrate them into their thinking and activities in the fields of health care and medicine. They should avoid passive learning and cultivate learning skills that organically combine theory and practice

4. Lifelong Learning
Based on their career paths as researchers or professionals in medical fields, students should be able to continually set and pursue their own goals and evaluate their own achievements.

5. Sense of Responsibility as a Medical Professional
Students should be prepared to enter clinical training in terms of understanding the needs and expectations that society has with regards to medical researchers and professionals. They should understand the relevant ethical issues and be able to make appropriate judgments and take appropriate action.

6. Understanding Patients
Students should have an understanding of patients’ lives and feelings, and combine their knowledge and skills in addressing the problems presented. In postgraduate clinical training, they should make every effort to ease patients’ physical and psychological suffering.

7. Collaboration with Other Fields and Professions
Students should understand that health care and medical research are advanced through cooperation between by diverse fields and professions. Expertise should be mutually combined to maximize the benefits to clinical training and medical safety.

8. Communication Skills
Students should be able to convey their own thoughts and ideas effectively while understanding and respecting the thoughts and feelings of patients and medical workers.