University of Medicine 2, Yangon


The University of Medicine 2, Yangon is a university of medicine, located in North Okkalapa, Yangon, Myanmar. The university offers M.B., B.S. degrees and graduate degrees in medical science. The university is one of the most selective in the country, and accepts approximately 300 students annually based solely on their University Entrance Examination scores.
University of Medicine 2, Yangon is one of five medical schools in Burma recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.

History

The university was opened initially in Mingaladon in the outskirts of Yangon as Medical College 2, as an affiliated college of Yangon University on 15 July 1963. The college became Institute of Medicine 2, an independent university per the University Act of 1964. The Institutes of Medicine were transferred to the Ministry of Health from the Ministry of Education on 1 October 1973 and were supervised by the Department of Medical Education. The Department of Medical Education is now designated as the Department of Medical Sciences as production of all categories of human resources for health come under its jurisdiction. The institute was moved to the present campus in North Okkalapa on 25 September 1996 and is now situated approximately from downtown Yangon.
In 1963, the 1000-bed Defence Services General Hospital was affiliated as the only teaching hospital of the Institute. Affiliated hospitals include North Okkalapa General Hospital, Insein General Hospital, Thingangyun Model Hospital, South Okkalapa Maternal and Child Hospital, Mawlamyaing General Hospital in Mon State and Pathein General Hospital in Ayeyarwady Division, among others.
In 1997, Field Training Centre for Community Medicine was established in Hlegu Township, which is about 13 miles from the campus and one of the townships of the Yangon Division.
As for the graduate medical training, although only 50 students were accepted each year initially number of uptakes has been increased gradually over the subsequent years. Since the end of the year 2000, the University has been accepting around 500 uptakes every year.
Postgraduate studies for master's degrees in Anatomy and Physiology started in 1973. Currently, the University has been conducting 6 Diploma courses, 19 Master's degree courses, 26 Doctor of Medical Science courses for clinical disciplines and 8 Ph.D courses in Basic Medical Science.

Leadership

Since 1963, UM-2 has been headed by an academic dean known as a rector. Past rectors include:
  1. 1963–1967: Ko Ko Gyi
  2. 1967–1973: U E
  3. 1973–1982: Khin Maung Nyein
  4. 1982–1987: Tin Aung Swe
  5. 1987–1989: Myo Thwe
  6. 1989–1992: Ko Lay
  7. 1992–2004: Tha Hla Shwe
  8. 2004–2007: Than Nu Shwe
  9. 2008–2014: Tint Swe Latt
  10. 2014–2015: Zaw Wai Soe
  11. 2015–2017: Aye Aung
  12. 2017–present: Aye Tun

    Admissions

The University of Medicine 2, Yangon is one of the most selective schools in the nation as the medical schools continue to be the top choice amongst prospective college students in Myanmar. The school admits about 500 students per year based on their Basic Education High School exam scores and their regions.

Programs

The university is one of three civil universities and one medical academy in Myanmar that offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees.

Undergraduate curriculum

Foundation Year

1st semester
2nd Semester
Students are also posted for 18 weeks each to the medical and surgical wards for clinical training.

Final year (Part I)

Students attend lectures & clinics in Medicine, Surgery, Child health, Obstetrics & gynecology, and are posted to the various teaching hospitals, including Urban Health facilities as part of Preventive and Social Medicine teaching.

Final year (Part II)

All students, after successful completion of Final Part II examination, are continued to train hands-on for period of one year as house surgeons in the recognized Teaching Hospitals in Yangon and / or the State and Division Hospitals. Training periods are:
SubjectDuration
Pediatrics2 ½ months
Community Medicine2 weeks
Internal Medicine3 months
Obstetrics & Gynaecology3 months
Surgery3 months

Only after completion of house-surgeonship M.B., B.S. Degree is offered to the students. Before 1997, the degree was conferred upon completion of the second part of the final year.

Notable alumni