The Wits Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) is a specialised route for students who already hold a relevant degree and wish to pursue a career in medicine. Offered by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), this programme provides an opportunity for graduates to enter directly into the third year of the traditional six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree.
Who Can Apply for GEMP?
GEMP is designed for individuals who have completed a degree with a strong foundation in science or health-related subjects. Typical applicants come from backgrounds such as:
- Biomedical sciences
- Life sciences
- Health Sciences
- Allied health professions (e.g., physiotherapy, pharmacy)
However, students from other academic fields can apply if they have completed the required prerequisites, which generally include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy.
Structure of the Programme
Once accepted into GEMP, students bypass the first two years of the standard medical degree and begin their studies in the third year. This is possible because the first two years primarily cover basic medical sciences, which applicants are expected to have already mastered during their previous studies.
From the third year onward, GEMP students join the regular MBChB curriculum, which focuses on clinical and theoretical training, including:
- Clinical skills and patient interaction
- Pathology, pharmacology, and medical ethics
- Practical hospital-based learning in various medical disciplines
- Community health projects
Why Choose GEMP?
The GEMP programme is ideal for those who may have started their careers in other fields but have a passion for medicine. It offers a streamlined route to becoming a doctor without the need to start a medical degree from scratch.
Some of the advantages include:
- Accelerated path: By entering the programme in the third year, graduates can save two years, making it a faster way to transition into a medical career.
- Diverse entry routes: GEMP encourages applications from students with diverse academic backgrounds, enriching the medical profession with different perspectives.
- Practical focus: From the third year, students engage in hands-on clinical training, which prepares them for the realities of working in healthcare.
Application Process
To apply for GEMP, prospective students must meet the academic requirements, which include completing specific prerequisite courses. In addition, applicants need to pass the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT), which assesses their knowledge of the core subjects covered in the first two years of the MBChB programme.
The Wits Graduate Entry Medical Programme offers an alternative path to medicine for graduates, making it a highly sought-after option for individuals looking to make a career change or continue their education in health sciences.