4. Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)
Like all other medical schools on this list, Temple University’s Katz School of Medicine strives to find new and better ways to practice medicine. But they’re the only school here to feature a narrative medicine program, which seeks “to focus on the human side of medicine, to increase the satisfaction and fulfillment of students and physicians, and to chronicle the amazing world of Temple University Hospital.”
While that approach may be unique, it has indeed led to success for the Katz school, which possesses an impressive research track record. Most notably, researchers from the school were the first to successfully remove HIV from human cells. These advances have earned the Katz school national recognition, emphasizing the school’s Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Despite these extraordinary achievements, the Katz school does not waiver from its commitment to teaching the fundamentals of the practice, including theoretical study in the classroom and hands-on training in one of the university’s many partner hospitals.
3. Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College (Philadelphia, PA)
With a history that stretches back to 1824, Thomas Jefferson University is one of the oldest medical schools in the country. Even after the institution merged with Philadelphia University in 2017 to become a full-fledged liberal arts college, TJU retained its devotion to teaching medicine with the Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
Since launching the new school, Kimmel has restructured its program to meet the needs of the modern healthcare field. With a new patient-centered curriculum, students begin by learning the fundamentals of medicine, then move on to gaining real-world experience in their clinical rotations, before finally engaging in an elective-heavy final phase to sharpen their skills.
Kimmel Med advances this tradition with an outstanding program, which has been ranked among the top 60 schools in the nation in primary care and research by U.S. News & World Report. As Kimmel continues bringing Thomas Jefferson University into its third century, the school is sure to reach even higher plateaus.
2. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Pittsburgh, PA)
A national leader in biomedical research, U of Pitt Med works closely with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to educate practitioners in the latest clinical technologies and methods.
Medical students doing their rotations at UPMC have access to not only remarkable resources, but also a diverse patient body, getting the chance to engage in a variety of challenges while developing their craft. Those who prefer pediatrics can receive an equally fulfilling internship experience working in the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Additionally, U of Pitt Med partners with institutions across the globe, giving students the international experience they need.
This approach has earned the school high rankings, including placement in the top 50 for its research, as well as its education in primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery. Despite these accolades, it’s clear that U of Pitt Med has no desire to rest on its laurels, as indicated by the recent $900,000 grant awarded to the school to study the pandemic.
1. University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)
As part of an Ivy League school, the Perelman School of Medicine is the nation’s oldest medical school and one of its most important. Since its founding in 1765, four Nobel Laurates, two Medal of Honor recipients, and countless decorated doctors have graduated from its programs. Even today, Perelman boasts a healthy research agenda, including breakthroughs in the study of lymphoblastic leukemia, heart failure in pregnant women, and so much more.
Students gain clinical experience working in one of the school’s four primary teaching hospitals, The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. Those in the MD program spend four years studying the science of medicine, the technology and practice of medicine, and professionalism and humanism. Ph.D. students will spend two years on course work and their remaining three to five years in intensive research.
This training advances Perelman’s research agenda, which includes breakthroughs in the study of lymphoblastic leukemia and heart failure in pregnant women.
