The comprehensive reform in graduate education of Zhejiang University for a professional degree in clinical medicine accommodates the demand of both the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health of China for educational reform by putting forward a "5+3" pattern, an innovative training pattern for this degree. The pattern focuses on innovation in training talent as well as reform of the administrative mechanism. It advances the organic link between student cultivation and standardized training for residents, and it facilitates the tight connection between professional training and occupational qualifications.