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Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, TX

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Private medical school
Type
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Baylor College of Medicine

Houston's independent medical powerhouse, pioneering research and clinical excellence.

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) stands as a beacon of health education and biomedical research, nestled within the renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston. Originally founded in 1900 as the University of Dallas Medical Department, BCM forged an alliance with Baylor University in 1903, only to emerge as an independent institution in 1969. This rich history underscores a commitment to self-governance and a relentless pursuit of medical advancement.

Today, BCM is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to healthcare education and discovery. It encompasses four distinct schools: the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the School of Health Professions, and the National School of Tropical Medicine. Its academic strengths are notable, including an accelerated 1.5-year preclinical MD curriculum, a Physician Assistant Program ranked 3rd nationally, and significant research funding, placing 20th nationally in NIH research funding in 2024. This vibrant academic environment attracts some of the brightest minds, with around 185 medical students matriculating each year.

The student experience at Baylor College of Medicine is deeply enriched by its extensive network of affiliations. BCM is part owner of Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and maintains strong ties with other leading institutions like Texas Children's Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Prospective students also benefit from BCM's affordability, ranking as the third least expensive private medical school in the country for tuition. With a new regional medical school campus in Temple, Texas, set to welcome its first class in Fall 2023, BCM continues to expand its reach and impact on the future of medicine.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, famously advanced by figures like Dr. Michael E. DeBakey who joined in 1948, Baylor College of Medicine is more than just a school; it's a dynamic hub where cutting-edge research, compassionate patient care, and world-class education converge. For those aspiring to make a profound difference in health and science, BCM offers an unparalleled journey of discovery and professional growth.

Key Highlights

  • Ranked 3rd least expensive private medical school in the U.S. for tuition.
  • Physician Assistant Program ranks 3rd nationally among all programs.
  • Ranked 20th nationally in NIH research funding in 2024.
  • Features an accelerated 1.5-year preclinical MD curriculum.
  • Operates four distinct schools: Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Health Professions, and Tropical Medicine.
  • Located within the prestigious Texas Medical Center with numerous top-tier hospital affiliations.
  • Endowment of $1.48 billion as of 2024.

Timeline

1900
Founded in Dallas as the University of Dallas Medical Department.
1903
Formed an alliance with Baylor University, changing its name to Baylor University College of Medicine.
1943
Relocated to Houston and joined the newly formed Texas Medical Center.
1947
Moved to its present site in the Roy and Lillie Cullen Building, the first building in the Texas Medical Center.
1948
Michael E. DeBakey joined the faculty as chair of the Department of Surgery.
1949
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences was established.
1969
Separated from Baylor University to become an independent institution.
1971
The Physician Assistant Program began as a certificate program.
2020
Announced a new affiliation with Baylor Scott & White Health to develop a regional medical school campus.
2023
New regional medical school campus in Temple, Texas, enrolls its first class of 40 students.

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Baylor College of Medicine

🏥

School of Medicine

Offers an MD curriculum with an accelerated 1.5 years of preclinical foundational sciences, matriculating around 185 students annually.

🏥

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Provides Ph.D. degrees in seven interdisciplinary specializations, Master of Science degrees, and physician scientist training programs.

🏫

School of Health Professions

Home to a Physician Assistant Program nationally ranked 3rd by U.S. News & World Report.

🏥

National School of Tropical Medicine

One of the four core schools within Baylor College of Medicine, dedicated to tropical medicine education and research.

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