Tokyo Medical and Dental University

Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), established in 1928, was a distinguished public institution in Tokyo, Japan, renowned for its focus on medical and dental sciences. On October 1, 2024, TMDU merged with the Tokyo Institute of Technology to form the Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), creating a new interdisciplinary university. This new institution aims to be a global leader in advanced science, engineering, and medicine.

Academics

TMDU's academic structure included a Faculty of Medicine and a Faculty of Dentistry, along with a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university offered baccalaureate and graduate degrees in medicine, dentistry, and related fields. Notably, TMDU's dental faculty consistently ranked among the top in global subject-specific rankings, placing 3rd worldwide for dentistry in 2023 and 4th in 2024 by QS World University Rankings. The institution emphasized a problem-based learning model, integrating research, clinical training, and community service, and developed innovative programs through collaborations, such as its alliance with Harvard Medical International since 2002.

International Students

TMDU hosted over 300 international students, predominantly from Asian countries. The university provided various support services for international students, including a tutor system that assigns a TMDU student to assist newcomers during their first year in Japan. While many programs are taught in Japanese, some master's and PhD programs are available in English, covering disciplines like Global Health and Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering. Support for international students also included assistance with visa and residency status, housing options, scholarships, and a Japanese language program.

Campus & Location

TMDU's campuses, including Yushima and Surugadai, were located near Ochanomizu Station in Bunkyo, a central Tokyo ward known as a hub for scholarship and learning. The Yushima Campus housed the main university hospital buildings and research facilities, including the M&D tower. The Konodai Campus, situated on the outskirts of Tokyo, offered a rich natural environment where undergraduate students began their liberal arts and sciences studies. Tokyo offers a vibrant city life, with convenient transportation and proximity to cultural and technological hubs like Akihabara.

Career Outcomes

TMDU provided career counseling services to its students, faculty, and staff, offering support for future career paths, research continuation, and work-life balance. The university aimed to produce healthcare professionals and researchers who could contribute to society globally. With its merger into the Institute of Science Tokyo, the new university emphasizes interdisciplinary research and aims to foster groundbreaking advancements, which can lead to diverse career opportunities. The university also actively engaged in industry-academia collaborations, establishing initiatives like the TMDU Innovation Park (TIP) to connect with major corporations and startups.