Graduates and current students of the University of Newcastle's highly acclaimed Bachelor of Medicine program will gather this weekend to celebrate 30 years of achievement.

The Newcastle Medical Program has a national and international reputation for producing excellent graduates and as a leader in innovation, teaching and research.

Dean of Medicine, Professor Michael Hensley, said the success of the program was built largely on the support of the local community and medical fraternity.

"The establishment of the Bachelor of Medicine in 1978 by the Foundation Dean, the late Professor David Maddison, relied on the commitment of local clinicians," Professor Hensley said.

"That support continues today, and many of our conjoint honorary teachers are our own graduates.

"The 30 year celebration is an opportunity for the University to show its appreciation for their ongoing support for the current generation of medical students."

A feature of the celebrations will be the formal launch of the University of Newcastle Medical Alumni for graduates and past and present staff at a gala dinner on Saturday.

"The Medical Alumni will help members build academic, research, business and recruitment networks for the benefit of members and the University," Professor Hensley said.

"The night will provide a wonderful opportunity for graduates and staff to reconnect and reflect on the history of the Medical Program and the future of medical education at the University of Newcastle."

The 30 year anniversary of the establishment of the Medical Program coincides with the successful beginning of its latest innovation &emdash; the Joint Medical Program (JMP).

The JMP is an expansion of the highly successful University of Newcastle Medical Program to the University of New England, in partnership with Hunter New England Health and Northern Sydney Central Coast Health.

"The first cohort of JMP students are about to complete their first year of study with exams starting next week," Professor Hensley said.

"The speed with which the JMP has been developed and delivered is testimony to the energy and commitment of staff across the four partners and to the enthusiasm of the first-year students."

The gala dinner will be held from 6.30pm on Saturday 1 November at Newcastle Town Hall.