Medicine | Western Balkans University
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Medicine

Home >Study Programs >Medicine
Course ID
MED
Cycles
6 years
Credits
360
Semesters
12

Study Medicine at WBU – Where Global Standards, Clinical Excellence, and Innovation Shape the Doctors of Tomorrow!

Why Choose the Study Program in Medicine at WBU?
·         Offers a transformative academic journey rooted in international standards, innovation, and excellence.
·         WBU is a fourth-generation university with a progressive approach combining technology, interdisciplinary learning, and global partnerships.
·         Prepares medical professionals for the challenges of 21st-century healthcare.
·         Features a modern, needs-driven curriculum aligned with evolving societal and healthcare demands.
·         Developed in collaboration with the Cambridge University Medical Education Group (CUMEG).
·         Curriculum is exclusively designed for WBU, reflecting the Bologna Charter and EU directives.
·         Ensures strong foundations for professional mobility, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice internationally.
 
What Does WBU Offer?
 
At WBU, students benefit from an educational ecosystem that prioritizes academic rigor, mentorship, and innovation. Over 90% of the academic staff hold scientific degrees or titles, ensuring that students are mentored by nationally and internationally experienced faculty. The teaching strategy emphasizes an inclusive, student-centered approach, with small-group instruction, case-based learning, and clinical simulation integrated from the first year of study.

Merit-Based Scholarships. WBU offers a variety of scholarships for outstanding students, including the Excellence Scholarship, Institutional Scholarship, Partner Institutions Scholarship with tuition reductions up to 100%. 

State-of-the-Art Laboratories and Skills Labs. Students train in cutting-edge facilities equipped with modern tools for anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pathology, microbiology, and simulation-based clinical training. These laboratories are designed to prepare students for accurate diagnostics, safe procedures, and evidence-based care from the earliest stages of their education.

Professional Practice in Leading HospitalsClinical training is a core part of the curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience in leading hospitals, health centers, and laboratories across Albania, including partnerships with the American Hospital, International Hospital (Hygeia), public health institutions. Starting as early as the first year, clinical placements provide real-world exposure in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine etc.

English-Language Study Program. The Medicine program is delivered in English, supporting students in mastering international medical terminology and preparing them for careers in diverse healthcare environments worldwide.

Innovation and Medical Research. WBU encourages student engagement in scientific research from early on. Medical students participate in conferences, scientific projects, workshops, and community health initiatives, promoting innovation and critical thinking in clinical medicine and public health.

Support for Licensing and Global Careers. Throughout the program, students receive guidance for national licensing exams and international certifications. Career counseling, support with postgraduate applications, and access to professional development workshops help graduates transition smoothly into local and global medical careers.

Students are immersed in a curriculum that emphasizes both biomedical foundations and socio-humanistic competencies. Courses focus on medical ethics, patient safety, communication, and interprofessional teamwork. WBU also ensures continuous academic guidance through personalized mentorship systems, fostering not only medical expertise but professional values such as compassion, integrity, and resilience. 

As a fourth-generation university, WBU is also committed to global connectivity. Through Erasmus+ mobility, strategic institutional partnerships, and ongoing curriculum enhancement via international peer-review, students are empowered to expand their learning across European and global academic networks. 

Furthermore, WBU's Medicine program integrates digital health, evidence-based research skills, and critical technology use. From electronic medical records to artificial intelligence tools for diagnostics, the program encourages fluency in technological solutions to enhance clinical reasoning and decision-making.

What Will You Study from Year 1 to Year 6?
The Medicine program at Western Balkans University is structured across six academic years and follows a progressive, integrated model that builds clinical competence alongside foundational biomedical knowledge. Each academic year is designed to foster both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring students develop as competent, ethical, and globally aware medical professionals.
 
 Year 1 
Lays the groundwork with the Core Foundations of Medical Practice, introducing students to medicine, healthcare systems, and professional learning. Modules include Core Sciences for Medicine, Cell, Tissues and Organs, and integrated teaching on the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems. Emphasis is placed on developing academic skills, critical thinking, and early exposure to clinical reasoning.
 
Year 2 
Continues the organ-system-based approach with deeper dives into modules such as the Gastrointestinal, Renal, Endocrine, Reproductive, and Musculoskeletal Systems. It also includes training in Research Methodology, Professional Values, and Clinical Communication Skills, ensuring students acquire competencies in evidence-based practice and ethical conduct.

Year 3 
Transitions students into more complex biomedical and clinical topics. Key modules include Hematology and Immunology, Neurosciences, Psychiatry, and Clinical Skills Development. A dedicated Family and Community Medicine module reinforces the importance of population health and primary care settings. Students also undertake modules in Health Promotion and Clinical Pharmacology.
 
 Year 4 
Is heavily clinically oriented, with full-time clinical rotations in core disciplines including Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine. Simultaneously, academic modules in Clinical Reasoning, Medical Ethics, and Diagnostic Imaging further students’ ability to make sound clinical decisions.

Year 5 
Expands clinical exposure through specialized modules such as Neurology, Oncology, Dermatology, ENT, Ophthalmology, and Rehabilitation Medicine. Students refine their clinical acumen through integrated practice in hospital and outpatient settings, while also studying Health System Management and Medical Law and Professionalism.

Year 6
Serves as the Integrated Internship Year, consolidating prior learning through intensive rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, and emergency care. This capstone year includes a final academic module in Clinical Integration and Exam Preparation, ensuring readiness for licensing examinations and professional practice.

Throughout the six years, the curriculum is continuously reinforced with skills labs, simulation-based learning, interdisciplinary case discussions, and community health initiatives. The structured vertical integration between basic sciences, clinical disciplines, and professional competencies positions WBU graduates as highly prepared for local and international medical careers.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AFTER GRADUATION
Graduates of the Medicine program at Western Balkans University (WBU) earn the academic title of Medical Doctor (MD), recognized in accordance with European Union directives. The program equips students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to pursue postgraduate specialization and medical licensing both in Albania and internationally, including in the EU, United Kingdom, and North America.

Thanks to its internationally oriented curriculum—developed in collaboration with global partners—and a strong emphasis on professional ethics, lifelong learning, and patient-centered care, WBU prepares its medical graduates for diverse career paths in:
·         Clinical practice in hospitals and outpatient clinics,
·         Academic research and medical innovation,
·         Health system management and public health strategy,
·         International health policy and global healthcare development.

Students also benefit from robust training in research methodology, data analysis, and evidence-based medicine, positioning them to contribute meaningfully to clinical trials, health technology assessment, and scientific advancement.

WBU’s integrated and comprehensive curriculum gives graduates a strong foundation applicable across all levels of healthcare delivery, enabling them to work effectively in:
  • Urban and regional outpatient clinics,
  • Emergency services and trauma care units,
  • Primary healthcare centers in both rural and urban areas,
  • Small-town and regional hospitals,
  • Public health authorities engaged in planning and implementation of health policies,
  • Private hospitals and specialist clinics,
  • Independent medical practices and group healthcare networks.
With ongoing support in licensing preparation, international certifications, and career counseling, WBU ensures that its alumni are not only ready for the job market but also empowered to lead, innovate, and transform the future of medicine—locally and globally.
 

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Integrated Programs

Study Program Curriculum

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6

Semester 1

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 101 Anatomy I Mandatory English A 15 5 15 0 15 1,5 2
2 MED 103 History of Medicine and Deontology Mandatory English A 15 10 0 0 25 1,5 2
3 MED 105 Scientific Research Mandatory English A 15 20 0 0 40 1,5 3
4 MED 107 Biophysics Mandatory English A 14 10 0 0 51 1,5 3
5 MED 109 Organic Chemistry Mandatory English C 10 15 0 0 25 1,5 2
6 MED 111 Biochemistry I Mandatory English A 30 7 8 0 55 2,5 4
7 MED 113 Medical Biology Mandatory English A 15 10 5 0 45 1,5 3
8 MED 115 Sociopsychology Mandatory English C 15 15 0 0 45 1,5 3
9 MED 117 Basic Medical Skills I Mandatory English D 0 0 0 20 30 0,5 2
10 MED 119 Pharmacology I Mandatory English B 10 6 0 0 9 1 1
11 MED 121 Pathology I Mandatory English B 10 5 0 0 10 1 1
12 MED 123/125/127/129/131 Foreign Language I (English, German, Italian, Latin, Albanian) Mandatory English D 30 15 0 0 55 2,5 4

Semester 2

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 102 Anatomy II Mandatory English A 20 25 25 0 80 2,5 6
2 MED 104 Physiology I Mandatory English B 30 28 12 0 30 3,5 4
3 MED 106 Histology Mandatory English A 15 5 0 0 30 1 2
4 MED 108 Microbiology I Mandatory English C 15 5 2 0 28 1,5 2
5 MED 110 Biochemistry II Mandatory English A 20 10 5 0 40 2,5 3
6 MED 112 Medical Genetics Mandatory English B 15 15 5 0 40 1,5 3
7 MED 114 Basic Medical Skills II Mandatory English D 0 20 0 40 40 2 4
8 MED 116 Pharmacology II Mandatory English B 10 6 0 0 9 1 1
9 MED 118 Pathology II Mandatory English B 10 5 0 0 10 1 1
10 MED 124/126/128/130/132 Foreign Language II (English, German, Italian, Latin, Albanian) Mandatory English D 30 15 0 0 55 2,5 4

Semester 1

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 201 Anatomy III Mandatory English A 15 15 20 0 75 2 5
2 MED 203 Physiology II Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
3 MED 205 Microbiology II Mandatory English C 20 15 5 0 85 3 5
4 MED 207 Biochemistry III Mandatory English A 15 15 15 0 55 2 4
5 MED 209 Histology and Embryology I Mandatory English A 15 15 20 0 75 2 5
6 MED 211 Immunology and Allergology Mandatory English C 15 5 5 0 25 1.5 2
7 MED 213 Basic Medical Skills III Mandatory English D 0 0 0 20 30 0.5 2
8 MED 215 Pharmacology III Mandatory English B 10 6 0 0 9 1 1
9 MED 217 Pathology III Mandatory English B 10 5 0 0 10 1 1

Semester 2

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 202 Anatomy IV Mandatory English A 30 30 30 0 110 4 8
2 MED 204 Physiology III Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
3 MED 206 Microbiology III Mandatory English C 15 5 5 0 50 1.5 3
4 MED 208 Biochemistry IV Mandatory English A 30 30 10 0 80 3.5 6
5 MED 210 Histology and Embryology II Mandatory English A 15 15 15 0 55 2 4
6 MED 212 Basic Medical Skills IV Mandatory English D 0 0 0 20 30 0.5 2
7 MED 214 Pharmacology IV Mandatory English B 10 6 0 0 9 1 1
8 MED 216 Pathology IV Mandatory English B 10 5 0 0 10 1 1

Semester 1

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 301 General Medicine I Mandatory English B 45 30 0 15 110 4,5 8
2 MED 303 General Surgery I Mandatory English B 15 5 0 0 30 1 2
3 MED 305 Epidemiology Mandatory English A 15 5 0 0 30 1 2
4 MED 307 Microbiology IV Mandatory English C 15 15 10 0 60 2 4
5 MED 309 Pharmacology V Mandatory English B 45 15 0 0 65 3,5 5
6 MED 311 Pathology V Mandatory English B 45 25 12 0 93 4 7
7 MED 313 Basic Clinical Skills I Mandatory English D 0 0 0 20 30 0,5 2

Semester 2

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 302 General Medicine II Mandatory English B 45 30 0 15 110 4.5 8
2 MED 304 General Surgery II Mandatory English B 30 15 0 5 50 2,5 4
3 MED 306 Public Health and Medical Ethics Mandatory English A 45 45 0 0 110 4,5 8
4 MED 308 Microbiology V Mandatory English C 15 10 0 0 25 1,5 2
5 MED 310 Pharmacology VI Mandatory English B 15 15 0 0 45 1,5 3
6 MED 312 Pathology VI Mandatory English B 15 15 5 0 40 1,5 3
7 MED 314 Basic Clinical Skills II Mandatory English D 0 0 0 20 30 0,5 2

Semester I-II

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 401 Internal Diseases Mandatory English B 60 30 0 40 170 6.5 12
2 MED 402 Cardiology Mandatory English B 15 10 0 10 40 2 3
3 MED 403 Pediatrics Mandatory English B 60 60 0 60 195 6 15
4 MED 404 Obstetric and Gynecology Mandatory English B 60 30 0 20 115 5.5 9
5 MED 405 Radiology Mandatory English B 15 10 0 10 40 2 3
6 MED 406 Anesthesiology Mandatory English B 15 10 0 10 40 2 3
7 MED 407 General Surgery Mandatory English B 60 30 0 20 115 5.5 9
8 MED 408 Pediatric Surgery Mandatory English B 15 10 0 10 40 2 3
9 MED 409 Plastic Surgery Mandatory English B 10 15 0 10 40 2 3

Semester I-II

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 501 Otorhinolaryngology Mandatory English B 30 15 0 30 75 3.5 6
2 MED 502 Ophthalmology Mandatory English B 15 15 0 15 55 2 4
3 MED 503 Orthopedics Mandatory English B 15 15 0 15 55 2 4
4 MED 504 Occupational Diseases Mandatory English B 10 5 0 20 40 2 3
5 MED 505 Forensic Medicine Mandatory English C 15 15 0 5 40 1.5 3
6 MED 506 Neurology Mandatory English C 30 15 0 30 75 3.5 6
7 MED 507 Psychiatry Mandatory English C 15 15 0 15 55 2 4
8 MED 508 Pulmonology Mandatory English B 15 15 0 15 55 2 4
9 MED 509 Nuclear Medicine Mandatory English C 15 15 0 5 40 1.5 3
10 MED 510 Dermatology Mandatory English B 15 5 0 15 40 1.5 3
11 MED 511 Urology Mandatory English B 15 15 0 30 65 2.5 5
12 MED 512 Neurosurgery Mandatory English B 15 15 0 30 65 2.5 5
13 MED 513 Cardiovascular Surgery Mandatory English B 15 5 0 15 40 1.5 3
14 MED 514 Pharmacology Mandatory English B 15 5 0 15 40 1.5 3
15 MED 515/516/517 Oncology, Endocrinology, Palliative care Elective English C 5 15 0 25 55 2 4

Semester I-II

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 MED 601 Internal Medicine Mandatory English B 0 15 0 85 100 3.5 8
2 MED 602 Pediatrics Mandatory English B 0 15 0 85 100 3.5 8
3 MED 603 Public Health Mandatory English C 0 5 0 45 50 1.5 4
4 MED 604 Primary Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology Mandatory English D 0 10 0 50 65 2 5
5 MED 605 Emergency Medicine Mandatory English B 0 15 0 85 100 3.5 8
6 MED 606 Obstetrics and Gynecology Mandatory English B 0 5 0 45 50 1.5 4
7 MED 607 General Surgery Mandatory English B 0 5 0 45 50 1.5 4
8 MED 608 Psychiatry Mandatory English C 0 5 0 45 50 1.5 4
9 MED 609/610/611 Medical Communication Theory/Nephrology/Toxicology Elective English C 0 5 0 45 50 1.5 4
10 MED 650 Diploma Thesis (SEM II) Mandatory English E 0 30 0 0 245 1 11

President's Honor List

Academic Year 2023-2024
  • Dea Bonjaku
  • Ketrina Ceka
  • Klea Progni
  • Klei Bame
  • Marina Xhelollari
  • Mateo Pergjegji
  • Medina Hilaj
  • Migena Kaçeli
  • Paola Visari
  • Rei Nuzi
  • Rejdi Spahiu
  • Taulant Arizaj
spitali-amerikan hygeia cambridge
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