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Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Where Healing, Teaching and Discovery Come Together"

Wikipedia
Public research university
Type
788
Total Students
$1.3B
Endowment
(2025)
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Shereef Elnahal

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

About Oregon Health & Science University

Leading the future of health sciences with pioneering research and patient care.

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) stands as a beacon of public research, primarily focusing on advancing health sciences. Located in Portland, Oregon, OHSU is not just an academic institution but a vibrant center of healing, teaching, and discovery, embodying its motto, "Where Healing, Teaching and Discovery Come Together." With a comprehensive main campus that includes two pivotal hospitals, OHSU provides an unparalleled environment for students dedicated to making a tangible impact in healthcare and scientific innovation.

The university's rich history traces back to the 1860s with the Willamette University School of Medicine, evolving through significant mergers and renamings to become the esteemed institution it is today. A pivotal moment was its 2001 merger with the Oregon Graduate Institute, which broadened its scope to integrate science and engineering into its health-focused mission. This dedication to interdisciplinary excellence is further exemplified by its designation as a "Special Focus – Research Institution" and partnerships like the joint PharmD program with Oregon State University.

OHSU is recognized for its academic prowess, offering robust programs across its professional schools. The School of Dentistry and the nationally ranked School of Nursing prepare future healthcare leaders with cutting-edge curricula and clinical experiences. Beyond its educational offerings, OHSU is at the forefront of medical breakthroughs, notably establishing the Knight Cancer Institute thanks to unprecedented philanthropic support, including a monumental $2 billion pledge from Phil and Penny Knight. This commitment fuels groundbreaking research, such as the world's first in-vivo Crispr-Cas9 DNA editing, positioning OHSU as a leader in shaping the future of medicine.

Prospective students and families will find OHSU to be an institution deeply committed to excellence in patient care, innovative research, and comprehensive education. With an active student body of over 4,100 and a substantial $1.3 billion endowment, OHSU provides a dynamic and supportive ecosystem where aspiring health professionals can thrive, contribute to life-changing discoveries, and prepare for impactful careers.

Key Highlights

  • A public research university specializing in health sciences, committed to healing, teaching, and discovery.
  • Educates over 4,100 students in cutting-edge health and science programs.
  • Boasts an impressive $1.3 billion endowment, supporting extensive research and educational initiatives.
  • Home to the renowned OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, bolstered by over $1 billion in philanthropic support, including an unprecedented $2 billion pledge from Phil and Penny Knight in 2025.
  • Pioneered the world's first in-vivo use of the Crispr-Cas9 DNA editing tool in 2020 at the Casey Eye Institute.
  • The School of Nursing's graduate program is nationally recognized, ranked 36th overall by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Operates with the inspiring motto: "Where Healing, Teaching and Discovery Come Together."

Timeline

1860
Willamette University School of Medicine, OHSU's earliest predecessor, was founded
1887
Established as the University of Oregon Medical Department
1915
Willamette University and the University of Oregon merged their medical programs, forming the University of Oregon Medical School
1919
The medical school moved to its present location on Marquam Hill
1974
Became an independent, self-governed institution: the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center
2001
Merged with the Oregon Graduate Institute (OGI), taking its current name Oregon Health & Science University
2008
Phil and Penny Knight donated $100 million, renaming the OHSU Cancer Institute to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
2015
Met the $500 million matching-donations goal for cancer research, with Knight matching to bring the total to $1 billion
2020
Conducted the world's first in-vivo use of the Crispr-Cas9 DNA editing tool at the Casey Eye Institute
2025
Phil and Penny Knight pledged a $2 billion gift to the university for cancer patient and family support

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Oregon Health & Science University

🏫

School of Dentistry

OHSU's School of Dentistry, merged into the university in 1945, offers a D.M.D. program admitting 75 students annually. It is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and features departments like endodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pediatric dentistry. In 2014, the program relocated to the Collaborative Life Sciences Building on Portland's South Waterfront.

💉

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at OHSU offers comprehensive nursing programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Its graduate nursing program has been nationally recognized, most recently ranking 36th overall in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Shereef Elnahal
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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