Introduction to the College of Medicine
The College of Medicine at National Defense Medical University is committed to cultivating high-quality medical professionals with a distinctive military medical focus. Upholding the educational philosophy of “Holistic Medicine,” the College places emphasis not only on fundamental medical sciences and clinical medicine, but also on integrating military affairs with medical education and research. This integration of medical knowledge and military requirements provides professional support for national defense and the national healthcare system.
Through well-structured education and clinical training, the College cultivates medical professionals with a strong sense of responsibility and mission. It also emphasizes the integration of military medical knowledge and research capabilities, contributing to the development of national defense and healthcare. The College currently comprises one department and three graduate institutes, namely the School of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, as described below:
1. History of the School of Medicine
The history of the School of Medicine can be traced back to the establishment of the Military Medical School in 1902. Following several organizational reforms during the Republican period, the school became the School of Medicine of the National Defense Medical Center. In September 1994, the School of Medicine was reorganized through the integration of the former Department of Clinical Medicine and the Department of Basic Medicine, with the establishment of the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and the Department of Family Medicine. This reorganization established a comprehensive academic structure comprising 18 clinical departments.
2. Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences
The Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences was established in 1982. It adopted a master's and doctoral education system in clinical medicine and integrates clinical medicine with fundamental medical education and research resources. Its mission is to cultivate outstanding medical education and research professionals, strengthen the nation's capacity for biomedical research, and contribute to the development of the country's healthcare and medical sciences.
3. Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology
The Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology was established in 1995. Its distinctive feature lies in its close integration of teaching and clinical practice, serving as a unit that embodies the principle of “departmental integration” within the College. The Institute is responsible for teaching and practical training in pathology and parasitology for medical students.
4. Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy
The Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy was originally established as the Department of Biology and Anatomy of the National Defense Medical Center in 1943. After undergoing several organizational changes and developments, it was renamed the Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy. In addition to graduate-level courses and research, the Institute provides instruction and practical training in subjects including general biology, gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, anatomy, histology, and embryology for medical students.
In 2025, pursuant to Ministry of Education Letter No. 1140065002 and Ministry of National Defense Letter No. 1140185060, the institution was officially renamed National Defense Medical University, effective from the 2025 academic year. The University comprises six colleges: the College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, and College of Biomedical Sciences, as well as the Yuanyuan Liberal Arts College. Following the reorganization, Professor Jiunn-Tay Lee, former Superintendent of Tri-Service General Hospital, became the first Dean of the College of Medicine. The current Dean is Professor Chin-Sheng Lin.