Master’s Degree
International Medical Doctor Program

The International MD Program at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University offers an innovative and highly integrated educational approach that promotes continuous, long-term professional growth. The program spans six years, focusing on:

• A solid foundation in preclinical and clinical sciences, progressively advancing to complex medical concepts.
• Interdisciplinary learning, merging behavioral sciences, public health, and translational research.
• Hands-on practice through placements at San Raffaele Hospital and affiliated institutions.

The program emphasizes the development of practical skills through placements at San Raffaele Hospital, a renowned reference center for cutting-edge medical practice and research. Students actively participate in the university’s IRCCS scientific research centers, contributing to groundbreaking studies and gaining hands-on experience that bridges theory and practice.

In addition to its robust foundation in medical sciences, the program allows students to tailor their education to align with their personal interests and career aspirations. Inspired by acclaimed international models, the curriculum integrates innovative teaching methods that cultivate a critical mindset. It emphasizes translational research, behavioral sciences, and the management of health-related processes, preparing students to address the complexities of modern medicine. 

Central to the program is the solid foundation of fundamental knowledge and skills in medical education. This “backbone” provides a stable structure for further learning and specialization. Within this framework, students can pursue specific pathways that reflect their interests and the demands of contemporary medical practice.

The MD Program reputation is further solidified by recognition from prestigious organizations such as the World Health Organization, the British General Medical Council, and the US Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®).

Students who embark on this journey benefit from an education that not only equips them with technical expertise but also instills a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and global awareness, ensuring they are ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of medicine.

The first five semesters of the International MD Program focus on foundational scientific principles and preclinical topics, delivered through a multidisciplinary approach. The program stands out from the first year due to its unique emphasis on the multifaceted role of the physician.

This is achieved through:

• Language and Behaviour: a distinctive course in the Italian context, combining medical/biological, psychological, and philosophical/anthropological perspectives.
• The importance of being a Medical Doctor: highlights the historical and bioethical significance of being a physician in the modern world, drawing inspiration from Renaissance concepts.
• The Scientific Method, Quantitative Biology, and the Art of Medicine: students engage in pragmatic exploration of science's wonders through collaborations with internationally renowned researchers.
• Nursing: a practical 25-hour immersive experience, allowing students to witness firsthand the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in patient care.

The program covers acute patient care, including internal medicine, emergency surgery, and intensive care. Starting from the sixth semester, students can customize their education to align with their career goals, choosing from four specialized tracks:

• General Track: Offers elective courses in internal medicine, surgery, diagnostics, and research, allowing a personalized path.
• Medicine and Surgery Track: Exposes students to practical, hands-on experience starting from the second year, ensuring early and extensive clinical exposure to develop a solid foundation in medicine and surgery.
• Global Health Track: A  truly unique track, developed in collaboration with SDA Bocconi School of Management, GHT emphasizes public medicine, health management, economics, and access to healthcare in low-income countries. The track prepares students to understand healthcare as a social responsibility, focusing on global health challenges, including resource-limited settings, complex environments, and even war scenarios.
  Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in low-resource contexts by working at the OSF dei Poveri di Milano. This hands-on experience in such distinct and challenging environments allows students to apply their medical training in real-world, underserved settings, further enriching their understanding of global health issues.
• Translational Research Track: immerses students in cutting-edge research, integrating bioinformatics, omics sciences, and flow cytometry. Through its strong connection to the San Raffaele Science Park, students gain access to a wide range of research opportunities in basic, pre-clinical, clinical, and translational medicine, fostering a modern interpretation of medical science and a passion for research.

Upon completing the six-year program, students earn the title of Medical Doctor, regardless of their chosen track. Tracks other than the General Track are selective, limited to 20 high-achieving students.