JP / EN

University of Tsukuba celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2023. Already, about 4,500 graduates are active in the medical field, educational and research institutions, and administrative fields nationwide. What is the feature of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tsukuba that sets it apart from other medical schools? It is to play a leading role in medical education innovation. To this end, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, has always introduced new educational methods and strived for constant improvement. In 2004, the “New Tsukuba Method” was introduced, and problem-solving tutorial education in the lower grades and participatory clinical clerkships in the upper grades became the pillars of the curriculum. In addition, an advanced curriculum for learning community medicine and multi-professional collaboration, and opportunities for students to engage in full-time research activities and overseas clinical training have been introduced, and the six-year medical education was designed to enable students to pursue their diverse personal potential, and the graduation competencies are updated as the times change. This competency clearly defines the abilities that medical students should acquire by graduation in six areas: professionalism, scientific thinking, communication, clinical practice, social aspects of medicine, and future development. More recently, in 2024, we received the second accreditation for medical education by ” The Japan Accreditation Council for Medical Education (JACME) ” and was certified as “compliant.” In addition, a hybrid method of face-to-face classes and online classes was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, making it possible to implement education that combines the advantages of both.

 

In addition to the traditional entrance exams (general entrance exams, recommendation entrance exams, and transfer entrance exams), the School of Medicine has introduced the International Baccalaureate Special Entrance Exam, the Overseas Education Special Program Entrance Exam, and the Research-Based Talent Entrance Exam, allowing students with diverse backgrounds to study at the School of Medicine. Furthermore, from 2022, students transferring from the General Studies Group will join the school from their second year and begin studying specialized subjects.

 

So far, I have only talked about studying and entrance exams, but the biggest features of the University of Tsukuba are its vast campus surrounded by nature and its global environment where students and researchers from all over Japan and the world gather. I hope that medical students will study hard with their friends in this wonderful environment, gain various experiences, and maximize their potential.

 

May 2025
Chair Toyomi SATOH