Shantou University Medical College is a major college of Shantou University. Reflecting its long-standing traditions and independent origins, our College was set up as a separate legal entity. Since the founding of Shantou University in 1981 the Medical College has been deeply embedded within the institutional organization of the university.

The Shantou University Council sits at the top of our university's organizational structure. The council comprises an Honorary Chairman, a Chairman, and several council members. The Honorary Chairman of the council is the Chairman of the Li Ka Shing Foundation and long-time benefactor of Shantou University, Mr. Li Ka-shing. The Vice Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province occupies the Chair of Shantou University Council. The remaining council members consist of representatives of provincial and local governments, academic experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and several prestigious universities throughout China and Hong Kong, as well as representatives of Li Ka Shing Foundation, Shantou University and the Medical College.

Within the organizational structure of the university, SUMC enjoys a high degree of autonomy. Subject to supervision of the Shantou University Council, the dean of the Medical College has independent powers and authority, assuming full responsibility for administration management and governance, human resources management, finance and accounting, real estate management and, last but not least, education and research management.