Abstract Objectives Since its establishment in 1864, Cheeloo College of Medicine (CCM) has been committed to cultivating high-caliber health professionals. Responding to national strategies such as Healthy China 2030 and the New Medicine initiative, the college has pursued reforms to meet 21st-century demands. This study aims to examine the reform strategies and early outcomes, thereby providing evidences to support the generalization of such reform on a larger scale. Methods This study employs a single-case study design, focusing on CCM’s medical education reforms. Key reform strategies, such as teaching paradigm innovation, disciplinary structure optimization, and physician-scientist cultivation, are analyzed through qualitative sources. Reform outcomes were assessed through students’ achievements as reflected in quantitative data from the 2022–2024 China Medical Student Survey, as well as institutional achievements demonstrated by changes in Academic Ranking of World Universities. Results CCM has implemented strategic initiatives including “Medicine+X” interdisciplinary programs, digital and intelligent teaching technologies, promoting physician-scientist training, and cultivating global and humanistic competencies. Significant progress has been made in developing innovative talent models and adapting curricula to technological and societal changes. However, scaling CCM’s reform experience requires attention to gaps in resources and talents. Conclusions The comprehensive reforms at CCM demonstrate an evidence-based, transformative approach to 21st-century medical education. By balancing traditional values with modernization, these innovations address evolving healthcare challenges and establish Cheeloo as a model for medical education reform. Measurable outcomes across ethics, academics, technology, and global competencies provide a replicable framework for cultivating future-ready health professionals.
Fan Yi (Fri,) studied this question.