1. Is Sorbonne Paris North University a public university?
+A: Yes. Sorbonne Paris North University is a recognised public university in France.
The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Human Biology at Sorbonne Paris North University is one of France's leading public medical schools, recognised for excellence in medical education, biomedical sciences, clinical training, healthcare research, and public health. Located in Bobigny, France, just outside central Paris, the faculty prepares future physicians through a curriculum that integrates scientific knowledge, clinical competence, interdisciplinary education, and patient-centred healthcare.
The faculty is part of Sorbonne Paris North University, a multidisciplinary institution known for its contributions to medicine, life sciences, healthcare innovation, and biomedical research. Over the years, the faculty has established a strong reputation for training healthcare professionals while promoting scientific research and improving healthcare delivery through close collaboration with university hospitals and research institutions.
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 entering the French national residency selection process. The curriculum integrates biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, public health, scientific research, communication skills, ethics, and evidence-based medicine to prepare graduates for professional medical practice.
Students begin with comprehensive biomedical sciences including anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, neuroscience, epidemiology, behavioural sciences, medical ethics, public health, and scientific methodology. These disciplines provide the scientific foundation required before progressing to advanced clinical education.
Teaching combines lectures, anatomy laboratories, biomedical practical sessions, simulation-based education, clinical skills workshops, seminars, digital learning platforms, problem-based learning, case-based discussions, and small-group tutorials. Students progressively strengthen analytical thinking, communication skills, professionalism, teamwork, and clinical reasoning throughout the programme.
The curriculum promotes patient-centred healthcare by integrating scientific education with practical clinical experience. Students develop competencies in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, patient safety, healthcare quality improvement, and ethical clinical decision-making while understanding the broader responsibilities of modern physicians.
Clinical education is delivered through affiliated university hospitals within the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) network. Students gradually transition from classroom learning to supervised patient care while working alongside experienced physicians, surgeons, nurses, researchers, 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 gradually increase throughout the programme to prepare students for residency training and independent medical practice.
Simulation-based education strengthens practical learning through advanced clinical skills centres equipped with patient simulators, emergency medicine laboratories, consultation rooms, procedural laboratories, surgical simulation facilities, and digital healthcare technologies. Students develop practical confidence before entering direct patient care.
Biomedical research is one of the faculty's strongest areas. Students participate in research involving oncology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, immunology, molecular medicine, genetics, pharmacology, epidemiology, public health, biomedical engineering, digital medicine, artificial intelligence in healthcare, precision medicine, ageing research, and healthcare innovation.
The faculty collaborates extensively with hospitals, research institutes, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organisations, healthcare providers, and international universities to promote scientific innovation, interdisciplinary education, and healthcare research.
Students also study healthcare leadership, evidence-based medicine, healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, healthcare law, medical ethics, digital health, 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 university 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 Faculty of Health, Medicine and Human Biology continues to strengthen its reputation through high-quality medical education, internationally recognised research, advanced clinical partnerships, and innovation in healthcare training.
