MBBS in University of Reunion Faculty of Health

The Faculty of Health at the University of La Réunion is a respected public medical faculty serving the French overseas department of Réunion Island. Located in Saint-Denis, Réunion, France, the faculty is recognised for providing high-quality medical education, clinical training, biomedical research, and public health education while addressing the healthcare needs of the Indian Ocean region.

Established as part of the University of La Réunion, the Faculty of Health plays an important role in developing healthcare professionals for Réunion Island and neighbouring regions. Its strategic location allows students to study medicine within a unique multicultural environment while benefiting from the standards of the French higher education system.

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 education in biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, public health, communication skills, ethics, and evidence-based healthcare.

Students begin with comprehensive 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 provide the scientific foundation necessary before entering clinical education.

Teaching combines lectures, anatomy laboratories, biomedical practical sessions, simulation-based education, clinical skills workshops, seminars, digital learning platforms, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, and small-group tutorials. Students progressively strengthen analytical thinking, professionalism, communication skills, 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, healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, and ethical clinical decision-making while understanding the wider responsibilities of physicians.

Clinical education is delivered primarily through Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de La Réunion and affiliated healthcare institutions. Students gradually transition from classroom learning to supervised patient care while working alongside experienced physicians, surgeons, nurses, researchers, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

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, tropical 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 centres equipped with patient simulators, emergency medicine laboratories, procedural laboratories, consultation rooms, surgical simulation facilities, and digital healthcare technologies. Students gain practical confidence before entering direct patient care.

Biomedical research is an important component of the faculty's mission. Students participate in research involving infectious diseases, tropical medicine, epidemiology, public health, molecular medicine, immunology, microbiology, genetics, environmental health, cardiovascular medicine, oncology, digital medicine, and global health. The faculty places particular emphasis on diseases affecting tropical and island populations.

The faculty collaborates extensively with hospitals, research institutes, healthcare organisations, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organisations, and international universities. These collaborations strengthen scientific innovation, interdisciplinary education, international exchange, and healthcare research.

Students also study healthcare leadership, evidence-based medicine, patient safety, healthcare quality improvement, healthcare law, medical ethics, digital health, tropical medicine, 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 university teaching hospitals equipped with advanced healthcare technologies.

Student life includes scientific societies, medical associations, research groups, volunteering initiatives, cultural organisations, international exchange opportunities, sports facilities, leadership programmes, 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, tropical medicine, public health, and international medical careers after completing the French residency selection process.

Today, the Faculty of Health continues to strengthen its reputation through quality medical education, advanced clinical training, biomedical research, and its unique contribution to healthcare across the Indian Ocean region.