Meharry Medical College

Meharry Medical College stands as a beacon of health equity, renowned for its unwavering commitment to educating a diverse cadre of healthcare professionals and scientists who are dedicated to serving underserved communities. As the largest private historically black institution in the United States solely focused on health care education, Meharry has consistently addressed critical disparities in access to medical and dental care.

Founded in 1876 as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, Meharry holds the distinct honor of being the first medical school for African Americans in the South. Its establishment was a direct response to the profound lack of healthcare access for freedmen post-Civil War and the systemic exclusion of African Americans from higher education. The college's very name honors Samuel Meharry, an Irish American immigrant whose act of kindness inspired him and his brothers to make a foundational donation, ensuring that medical education was accessible to all, regardless of race. The institution was chartered independently as Meharry Medical College in 1915, solidifying its unique mission.

Academically, Meharry offers a robust portfolio of degrees, including Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.), Master of Health Science (M.H.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Its comprehensive structure includes the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Applied Computational Sciences, and Global Health. Meharry is not only the second-largest educator of African-American medical doctors and dentists in the U.S. but also boasts the highest percentage of African Americans graduating with Ph.Ds in the biomedical sciences, highlighting its strength in research and advanced studies.

The student experience at Meharry is deeply rooted in a mission of service. With approximately 76% of its graduates working in underserved communities, the curriculum emphasizes recognizing gaps in health caring and improving outcomes for all populations. Through strategic partnerships with leading medical facilities like Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and Detroit Medical Center, students gain invaluable clinical training, preparing them to tackle real-world health challenges and lead the charge for a more equitable future in healthcare.