Morehouse School of Medicine

Atlanta, GA

private nonprofitHBCUgraduate

About Morehouse School of Medicine

Pioneering health equity and training diverse leaders to serve underserved communities.

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) stands as a beacon of health equity, renowned for its unwavering commitment to addressing health disparities and fostering a new generation of healthcare leaders. Established in 1975, MSM emerged from a critical need identified by Atlanta community doctors to improve health outcomes for Black patients in Georgia. Initially a two-year program, it achieved full independence from Morehouse College in 1981 and accreditation to award M.D. degrees in 1985, evolving into a distinguished institution dedicated to primary care and community health.

Academically, MSM is celebrated for its impactful social mission, earning the top national ranking in 2010 for the percentage of graduates practicing primary care, working in health professional shortage areas, and being underrepresented minorities. Its curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to medicine, preparing students to tackle complex health challenges through both rigorous scientific training and a deep understanding of social determinants of health. The school's research programs are intrinsically linked to its mission, focusing on initiatives that directly contribute to reducing health inequity.

Students at MSM benefit from an environment deeply committed to their success and the communities they will serve. With historic leadership from figures like Louis W. Sullivan, who became U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Valerie Montgomery Rice, MSM's first woman president and dean, the institution continues to attract visionary talent. Significant financial support, including a $26.3 million gift in 2020 and a $175 million gift in 2024 from Bloomberg Philanthropies dedicated to student debt reduction and endowment, underscores its commitment to making medical education accessible. Future students can look forward to enhanced facilities, including new student housing and a state-of-the-art academic building, ensuring a supportive and enriching educational journey focused on making a real-world difference.

Key Highlights

✦Ranked as the #1 medical school in the country in social mission in a 2010 study.
✦Received $40 million from HHS in 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on vulnerable communities.
✦Awarded $26.3 million in 2020 and $175 million in 2024 from Bloomberg Philanthropies to reduce student debt and support the endowment.
✦Valerie Montgomery Rice became the first woman president and dean in the institution's history in 2014.
✦Formed the 'More in Common Alliance' with CommonSpirit Health in 2020, a ten-year initiative to combat health inequity, backed by a $100 million commitment.
✦Planning a $50 million expansion by 2020 to include its first-ever student housing, an ambulatory care center, and more.
✦Broke ground in May 2022 for a new $45 million academic facility, scheduled for completion in early 2024.

Timeline

1970

Committee formed to analyze the feasibility of establishing a medical school.

1975

The School of Medicine at Morehouse College opened its doors.

1978

First students admitted to a two-year basic sciences program.

1981

Institution became independent from Morehouse College.

1985

Fully accredited to award M.D. degrees.

1989

Louis W. Sullivan appointed United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.

2010

Ranked #1 medical school in the country for social mission.

2014

Valerie Montgomery Rice named the institution's first woman president and dean.

2020

Received a $40 million grant from HHS for COVID-19 impact on vulnerable communities; received $26.3 million from Michael Bloomberg for student debt reduction; partnered with CommonSpirit Health to form the More in Common Alliance.

2024

Received a $175 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support the school’s endowment.

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