School of Medicine History

The School of Medicine, the tenth medical school to be established in the United States, was authorized by the University of Virginia Board of Visitors at its first meeting in 1819. The school was established as one of the University's original eight in 1824, and opened in March 1825. The first degree offered at the University was that of the Doctor of Medicine in 1828. Doctor of Medicine degrees have been awarded annually since that time, except for the Civil War year 1862.

The original faculty consisted of a single professor, Dr. Robley Dunglison, whom Jefferson recruited from London in 1824. Dunglison was the first full-time professor of medicine in the United States and a leader in medical education. Unlike most other medical schools of the time, the School of Medicine was an integral part of the University and its professors held full-time appointments. The first dean of the school was appointed in 1904 as "Dean of the Department of Medicine." It was not until 1952 that the title of the dean became "Dean of the School of Medicine."

As the School of Medicine has grown and developed over a period of 175 years, many of its students, alumni, and faculty have been recognized for their major contributions to medical science, clinical care, public health, teaching, and the development of the school itself. Today the School of Medicine is a nationally recognized, medium-sized school with balanced programs of undergraduate and graduate medical education and with biomedical research programs nationally recognized for their stature and productivity. To supplement their classroom work, medical students gain clinical experience at the University Medical Center and affiliated hospitals and private offices throughout Virginia. After graduation, interns and residents continue generalist and specialty training as housestaff in hospitals throughout the United States, including the University of Virginia.

Students in Ph.D. programs earn their degrees through the University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Those in the Medical Scientist Training Program earn both a medical degree and a doctorate in one of the biomedical science programs of the School of Medicine. Postdoctoral scholars study and conduct research in the laboratories of faculty members.