1. Is the Simone Veil Faculty of Health Sciences a public medical school?
+A: Yes. It is the medical faculty of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University (UVSQ), a public university that forms part of Université Paris-Saclay.
The Simone Veil Faculty of Health Sciences is the medical school of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University (UVSQ), a constituent institution of Université Paris-Saclay. Located in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France, the faculty is recognised for excellence in medical education, clinical training, biomedical research, public health, and healthcare innovation. It prepares future physicians through an integrated curriculum that combines scientific knowledge, clinical competence, research, and patient-centred care.
Named after the distinguished French stateswoman Simone Veil, the faculty reflects her commitment to healthcare, public service, and education. Since its establishment, it has become one of the leading medical faculties within the Paris region, benefiting from the academic strength and research environment of Université Paris-Saclay, one of Europe's top-ranked research universities.
The medical programme follows the French higher education framework regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Students complete six years of undergraduate medical education before progressing to the French national residency selection process. Throughout the programme, students receive comprehensive education in biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, ethics, public health, communication skills, and evidence-based medical practice.
Students begin with foundational biomedical sciences including anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, neuroscience, epidemiology, behavioural sciences, public health, medical ethics, and scientific methodology. These subjects establish the scientific foundation necessary before entering clinical education.
Teaching combines lectures, anatomy laboratories, biomedical practical sessions, simulation-based learning, clinical skills workshops, seminars, digital learning platforms, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, and small-group tutorials. Students progressively strengthen analytical thinking, professionalism, teamwork, communication skills, and clinical reasoning throughout their studies.
The curriculum promotes patient-centred healthcare by integrating scientific education with practical clinical experience. Students develop competencies in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, and ethical clinical decision-making while understanding the wider responsibilities of physicians.
Clinical education is delivered through affiliated university hospitals within the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) network and other regional teaching hospitals. Students gradually transition from classroom learning to supervised patient care while working alongside experienced physicians, surgeons, nurses, and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
Clinical rotations include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, oncology, nephrology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, geriatrics, rehabilitation medicine, family medicine, and community healthcare.
Students actively participate in ward rounds, outpatient consultations, emergency departments, operating theatres, multidisciplinary meetings, diagnostic investigations, patient interviews, and supervised patient management. Clinical responsibilities progressively increase throughout the programme to prepare students for residency training and independent medical practice.
Simulation-based education strengthens practical learning through advanced clinical skills laboratories equipped with patient simulators, emergency medicine laboratories, procedural laboratories, consultation rooms, surgical simulation facilities, and digital healthcare technologies. Students gain practical experience before treating patients directly.
Biomedical research is one of the faculty's major strengths. Students participate in internationally recognised research involving oncology, cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience, genetics, molecular medicine, immunology, infectious diseases, pharmacology, epidemiology, precision medicine, biomedical engineering, digital medicine, artificial intelligence in healthcare, ageing research, environmental health, and public health.
The faculty collaborates extensively with hospitals, research institutes, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organisations, healthcare providers, and international universities. Membership within Université Paris-Saclay further strengthens opportunities for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.
Students also study healthcare leadership, evidence-based medicine, patient safety, healthcare quality improvement, healthcare law, digital medicine, medical ethics, public health, and interprofessional collaboration throughout the curriculum.
Educational facilities include anatomy laboratories, biomedical research centres, simulation laboratories, clinical skills centres, specialised research institutes, digital learning environments, modern medical libraries, and affiliated teaching hospitals equipped with advanced healthcare technologies.
Student life includes scientific societies, medical associations, research groups, international exchange programmes, volunteering initiatives, cultural organisations, sports facilities, leadership opportunities, and academic mentoring. Students receive comprehensive academic and professional support throughout their education.
Graduates pursue residency training, specialist medical practice, biomedical research, academic medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare administration, public health, and international medical careers after completing the French residency selection process.
Today, the Simone Veil Faculty of Health Sciences continues to strengthen its reputation through high-quality medical education, internationally recognised research, advanced clinical partnerships, and innovation in healthcare training.
