Study Medicine & Health Sciences in New Zealand

Wellington School of Medicine & Health Sciences

University of Otago New Zealand

The Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences is one of the University of Otago's three medical schools. It was established in 1971 and has an interesting history. About 200 fourth, fifth and sixth year Medical students and 100 Radiation Therapy students attend the School, as well as a similar number of postgraduate students who are involved with diploma courses and research degrees.

Relationship with teaching hospitals in the region

Sited on the campus of Wellington Hospital, the School enjoys a close working relationship with this teaching hospital as well as other hospitals in the region. Clinical members of the academic staff are leaders and innovators in clinical care who contribute to the training of future young specialists.

Curriculum development and learning

The School is an innovative curriculum developer, especially in problem based learning. This involves tutorial, self assessment and supporting lecture programmes which are a logical extension of second and third year studies at the University of Otago. Problem based learning encourages students to continue with self and group directed learning as well as helping develop clinical reasoning, decision making and the scientific basis of clinical medicine.

Research interests

Major research interests of the School include infectious diseases and immunity. The largest research group within the School which is investigating respiratory disease is the Wellington Asthma Research Group (WARG). The School also has a strong focus on public and environmental health.

We hope the Wellington community sees the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences as an asset contributing to improved health care.