About the Academy
The Defence Services Medical Academy (DSMA), established in 1992 in Yangon, is Myanmar’s military medical university that trains medical officers for the Armed Forces and national health system.[web:3][web:5] It offers M.B.,B.S and B.D.S degree programmes, together with postgraduate training in medical sciences for future military doctors and specialists.[web:4][web:1]
The academy provides a structured medical curriculum comparable to civilian medical schools, with additional military science, leadership, and field training every year.[web:1][web:8] Graduates are appointed as Medical Officers (Lieutenants) in the Myanmar Military Medical Corps and serve both in military hospitals and remote rural areas.[web:1][web:3]
Why Choose DSMA?
Military Medical Training
Exclusive source of medical officers for the Directorate of Medical Services of the Myanmar Armed Forces.[web:1][web:3]
Undergraduate & Postgraduate
M.B.,B.S and B.D.S degrees plus diploma, master and doctoral programmes in medical sciences.[web:4][web:10]
Selective Cadet Intake
Only 40–70 candidates selected each year from about 1000–1500 applicants after exams and fitness tests.[web:6]
Military & Medical Leadership
Annual training in military medicine and leadership prepares graduates as platoon-level medical officers.[web:1][web:8]
Campus Gallery
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Academic Programs
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for military medical officers
M.B.,B.S (Medicine)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of SurgeryCore medical degree programme covering basic, pre-clinical and clinical sciences with additional military medicine and leadership components.[web:1][web:4]
B.D.S (Dentistry)
Bachelor of Dental SurgeryDental degree training military dental officers in oral health, surgery and preventive dentistry for Armed Forces personnel and families.[web:4]
Diploma Programmes
Dip.Med.Ed, Dip.Med.ScPostgraduate diploma programmes in medical education and medical sciences for DSMA graduates and military medical officers.[web:4]
Master Degree Programmes
M.Med.ScMaster of Medical Science programmes in various clinical and basic science specialties for military medical officers.[web:4][web:1]
Doctoral Degree Programmes
Dr.Med.Sc, Ph.DDoctoral programmes in medical sciences and research to train senior specialists and academic leaders for the military medical service.[web:4][web:1]
DSMA Academic & Training Milestones
Medical education, research and officer training activities
Medical Officer Training & Internship
DSMA conducts continuous undergraduate teaching with eleven months of study per year, followed by clinical training and internship at military hospitals.[web:1][web:8] Cadets rotate through medicine, surgery and other clinical departments for practical experience.
Medical Officers & Specialists Produced
By 2008, DSMA had produced over 1500 medical officers and more than 300 medical specialists, including physicians and surgeons, for the Directorate of Medical Services.[web:1][web:3]
Military Medicine & Leadership Programme
Every DSMA cadet undertakes one to two months of military science and leadership training per year, including platoon commander preparation and field medical exercises.[web:1][web:8]
Overseas Postgraduate Studies
Selected DSMA graduates pursue further training abroad in countries such as the UK, India, Thailand, Russia, Germany, Belgium, Singapore and the United States.[web:1]
Cadet Life at DSMA
Military medical education in an urban teaching-hospital environment
Cadet Training
Cadets combine medical lectures with military drills, physical training, and leadership exercises throughout the academic year.[web:1][web:7] They are prepared to function both as doctors and commissioned officers.
Teaching Hospitals & Labs
Students train in teaching hospitals in Yangon and use modern laboratories, textbooks and clinical facilities for bedside teaching and ward postings.[web:1][web:4]
Ceremonies & Parades
Passing-out parades, such as the 21st intake ceremony, mark the commissioning of cadets as military medical officers.[web:15][web:7]
Cadet Voices
"As cadets, we are trained to be both competent doctors and disciplined soldiers serving the needs of the Tatmadaw and the people."[web:7][web:3]
"The academy invests years of training so we can provide healthcare to remote areas and support national defence as military doctors."[web:1][web:3]
Career Opportunities
Military doctor and specialist career paths
Medical Officer (Lieutenant)
Upon graduation and internship, DSMA graduates are appointed as Medical Officers with the rank of Lieutenant in the Myanmar Military Medical Corps.[web:1][web:3]
Military officer pay scaleMilitary Hospital Physician
Medical officers serve in military hospitals and clinics, providing healthcare to service members and their families across the country.[web:7][web:1]
Rank-based military payRural & Field Medical Service
Graduates are deployed to remote regions to deliver medical care where civilian health services are limited, supporting national healthcare coverage.[web:1][web:3]
Military deployment benefitsSenior Specialist & Command
Experienced officers can pursue specialist training and advance to senior ranks in the Directorate of Medical Services and medical education roles.[web:1][web:4]
Senior officer ranksReady to Become a DSMA Medical Cadet?
Start your journey to serve as a military doctor for Myanmar