CDU partners with Western Sydney University for medicine school curriculum

CDU is one step closer to launching its new medicine school, after partnering with another major Australian university. Read the latest.

The Territory is one step closer to obtaining a new medical school, as Charles Darwin University announces a partnership with another university for its curriculum.

CDU’s long-awaited medical school will use Western Sydney University’s (WSU) medicine class plans and will also receive curriculum support, guidance, and mentoring.

It comes almost four months after the university’s snubbed attempts to secure funding for in-demand medical courses.

The university applied for $21.8m to operate the new school but only received $2.8m in December.

Charles Darwin University’s partnership with Western Sydney University will ensure the NT medical school is one step closer. Picture: Sally Tsoutas

CDU Vice-Chancellor professor Scott Bowman said he was incredibly grateful to his new partners in WSU for their support.

Mr Bowman said the partnership would be in place for three years thanks to a new memorandum of understanding, which was signed on March 19.

“Western Sydney University’s School of Medicine has demonstrated the impact a medical program can have when it is offered in a regional setting,” he said.

“This is the perfect partnership that will bring us a step closer to a medical school in the NT and being able to train local health professionals.”

Concept image of CDU's new Centre for Better Health Futures. Picture: Charles Darwin University

WSU Vice-Chancellor and president professor Barney Glover AO expected the program would strengthen medical education, training, and research for regional and remote communities in the NT.

“The provision of high-quality training for medical students in a regional setting greatly contributes to the development of a skilled and engaged local workforce, a commitment we share with CDU and the Menzies School of Health Research,” Mr Glover said.

CDU’s new Centre for Better Health Futures is due to be completed by November, with students to start their studies on-site in the first semester of 2025.

The centre will offer occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, and pharmacy courses.

Originally published as CDU partners with Western Sydney University for medicine school curriculum