Duke-NUS Celebrates Record Graduation Amidst 20th Anniversary
Singapore, Sunday, 1 June 2025.
Duke-NUS Medical School marked its 20th anniversary with a historic graduation featuring 121 students, including those who transitioned from diverse careers such as law and animation.
Diverse Backgrounds and Academic Innovation
The Duke-NUS Medical School celebrated its 20th anniversary on May 31, 2025, by graduating its largest cohort, which featured 121 graduates. Among these graduates, 41% had transitioned mid-career from diverse fields including law, public relations, accounting, and animation [3][4]. This diversity underscores Duke-NUS’s innovative approach to medical education, designed to foster multidisciplinary talents and skills essential for tackling today’s complex healthcare challenges [3].
Pioneering Programs and Gender Representation
This graduation also marked the completion of Southeast Asia’s first Master’s in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality program, a testament to Duke-NUS’s commitment to pioneering healthcare education [2]. With 58% of the graduates being women, the Class of 2025 showcased significant gender representation, reflecting the school’s dedication to inclusivity and diversity in the medical profession [3][4].
Healthcare System Transformation
The graduates are poised to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare field, particularly in the context of ongoing systemic transformations. With healthcare systems worldwide adapting to technological advances and demographic shifts, the emphasis on interdisciplinary training at Duke-NUS equips graduates to become leaders capable of driving innovation and patient-centered care [1][5]. Dean Professor Thomas Coffman highlighted the value of collaboration with universities like NUS and Duke University, enhancing transitional pathways into medicine [2].
Future Prospects and Leadership
Graduates are encouraged to leverage their multidisciplinary skills to address the evolving challenges of the healthcare landscape. Speakers at the graduation, including notable figures like Amy Abernethy, emphasized the importance of adaptability, leadership, and the willingness to pursue non-linear career paths in medicine [3][5]. The words of graduates, such as Dr. Faith Wong and Dr. Loh De Rong, reflected aspirations of integrating engineering, mental health, and AI technology to transform healthcare delivery [4][5].