Meharry Medical College

Step into the vibrant legacy of Meharry Medical College, a private historically black institution located in Nashville, Tennessee, that has been at the forefront of health education and equity since its founding in 1876. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Meharry stands as the largest private historically black institution in the United States solely dedicated to educating health care professionals and scientists. Its core mission revolves around recognizing and addressing gaps in healthcare to improve health outcomes, particularly for underserved communities—a commitment reflected in the fact that approximately 76% of its graduates serve these populations.

Meharry’s historical significance is profound. Born from necessity after the Civil War, when African Americans faced immense barriers to medical education and healthcare due to segregation, it was established as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College. The college was named in honor of Samuel Meharry, an Irish American immigrant whose act of gratitude for aid received from a freedmen family inspired his significant donation. Meharry bravely filled a critical void, becoming the first medical school for African Americans in the South and playing an instrumental role in training the nation's early generations of Black physicians, dentists, and other health professionals.

Academically, Meharry is a powerhouse. It offers a comprehensive range 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.) in biomedical sciences. The institution is recognized as the second-largest educator of African-American medical doctors and dentists in the U.S. and boasts the highest percentage of African Americans graduating with Ph.Ds in the biomedical sciences nationally. Students benefit from robust clinical training opportunities through strategic partnerships, and a strong philanthropic spirit, including major gifts from Michael Bloomberg and MacKenzie Scott, supports its enduring mission.

Beyond its rigorous academics, Meharry fosters a student experience deeply rooted in service and community. With diverse schools covering medicine, dentistry, graduate studies, applied computational sciences, and global health, students are immersed in an environment that emphasizes holistic health and leadership in addressing health disparities. This dedication ensures that Meharry graduates are not just skilled practitioners but also compassionate leaders poised to make a tangible difference in the health and well-being of the world.