Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine logo

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Kalamazoo, MI

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

2012
Founded
Private medical school
Type
337
Total Students
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

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

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

WMed: Pioneering medical education, powered by unparalleled philanthropy and community collaboration.

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) stands as a beacon of innovative medical education in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Established in 2012, this private medical school uniquely combines the robust resources of Western Michigan University with the clinical excellence of Kalamazoo's two major teaching hospitals, Beacon Kalamazoo and Bronson Healthcare. WMed quickly distinguished itself through a commitment to comprehensive medical training and an unprecedented level of philanthropic support, positioning it as a dynamic hub for future healthcare leaders dedicated to community health.

Academically, WMed offers a rigorous Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, alongside specialized dual degrees like the MD-MBA and MD-PhD, and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. The curriculum emphasizes cutting-edge research and hands-on clinical experience, leveraging strong affiliations with numerous medical institutions and clinics. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including a 330,000-square-foot building in downtown Kalamazoo that once housed groundbreaking pharmaceutical research. WMed's graduates consistently achieve exceptional residency match rates of 99% or higher, preparing them for diverse and impactful careers across various medical specialties and sub-specialties.

The school's rapid ascent is rooted in a rich history of collaborative medical education in Kalamazoo, evolving from the legacy of the Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies (MSU/KCMS). Propelled by visionary leadership and extraordinary anonymous donations—including a transformative $100 million gift in 2011 and a later $300 million commitment in 2021 aimed at boosting scholarships and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion—WMed was named in honor of orthopaedic surgeon and innovator Homer Stryker. This profound philanthropic spirit underscores WMed's dedication to creating an accessible and inclusive environment where aspiring physicians can thrive and make a lasting difference.

Key Highlights

  • **Rapid Accreditation:** Achieved full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in 2018, just six years after its establishment.
  • **Exceptional Philanthropic Support:** Benefited from a $100 million anonymous cash gift in 2011 and a commitment of $300 million in 2021, part of a historic $550 million gift.
  • **Outstanding Residency Match Rate:** Consistently reports a residency match rate of 99% or higher for its graduates.
  • **Diverse Academic Programs:** Offers Doctor of Medicine (MD), MD-MBA, MD-PhD dual degrees, and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences.
  • **State-of-the-Art Campus:** Located in a 330,000-square-foot building in downtown Kalamazoo, a former Upjohn research facility where several well-known drugs were discovered.
  • **Strong Collaborative Model:** A private medical school formed through a unique collaboration with Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two major teaching hospitals, Beacon Kalamazoo and Bronson Healthcare.
  • **Thriving Medical Community:** Supports 337 students and over 240 resident physicians across a wide range of residency and fellowship programs.

Timeline

1973
Southwestern Michigan Area Health Education Center (SMAHEC) formed to strengthen graduate medical education in Kalamazoo.
1989
SMAHEC restructured with Michigan State University as a partner, becoming Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies (MSU/KCMS).
2007
Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn discusses the possibility of developing a medical school.
2011
Hal B. Jenson, M.D., MBA, named founding dean; school receives a $100 million anonymous cash gift; William U. Parfet donates a 330,000 sq ft building to WMU, which becomes WMed's home.
2012
MSU/KCMS merges into WMed; groundbreaking ceremony held for the new medical school building; WMed receives preliminary accreditation from LCME.
2014
School named in honor of Homer Stryker; $100 million gift revealed to be from Ronda Stryker and William Johnston; first class of 54 medical students begins.
2018
WMed granted full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
2021
Paula Termuhlen succeeds Hal B. Jenson as dean; WMed receives a commitment of $300 million as part of the $550 million Empowering Futures Gift to WMU.
2024
Robert G. Sawyer named interim dean; WMed residents and fellow physicians vote to unionize.
🏛️
14 Years
of Excellence

Find Scholarships at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search