Perelman School of Medicine

Medical school of the University of Pennsylvania

Perelman School of Medicine logo

The Perelman School of Medicine, also known as Penn Med, is the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1765, it is the oldest medical school in the United States. The school is part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which includes the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

History

The Perelman School of Medicine was established in 1765 by John Morgan and William Shippen Jr., making it the first medical school in the American colonies. The school was founded with the intention of providing a comprehensive medical education that combined theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

John Morgan, founder of the Perelman School of Medicine

Founding and Early Years

The school was initially housed in a building on Fourth Street in Philadelphia. The first lectures were given in the fall of 1765, and the first class graduated in 1768. The curriculum was modeled after the medical schools of Edinburgh and London, emphasizing both theoretical and clinical instruction.

William Shippen Jr., co-founder of the Perelman School of Medicine

19th Century Developments

In the 19th century, the school expanded its facilities and faculty. The construction of the Medical Hall in 1829 provided a new home for the school, and the addition of the Surgeons' Hall in 1841 further enhanced its capabilities.

Library and Surgeons' Hall, 1841

20th Century to Present

The 20th century saw significant growth and development at the Perelman School of Medicine. The school became a leader in medical research and education, with numerous advancements in fields such as cardiology, oncology, and neuroscience. In 2011, the school was renamed the Perelman School of Medicine in recognition of a $225 million gift from Raymond and Ruth Perelman.

Academics

The Perelman School of Medicine offers a variety of degree programs, including the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Master of Science (MS) degrees. The school is known for its innovative curriculum, which integrates basic science and clinical experience from the first year of study.

Research and Innovation

The school is a leader in biomedical research, with a focus on translational medicine. It is home to numerous research centers and institutes, including the Abramson Cancer Center, the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, and the Penn Cardiovascular Institute.

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Admission ticket to John Morgan's lecture, 1765

Campus

The Perelman School of Medicine is located on the University of Pennsylvania's campus in West Philadelphia. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities for education, research, and patient care. Key buildings include the Smilow Center for Translational Research, the Jordan Medical Education Center, and the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

The school has produced many notable alumni and faculty, including Nobel Prize winners, leaders in medicine and science, and influential figures in public health and policy.

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The Agnew Clinic, a famous painting depicting a surgical demonstration at the school

Related Pages

• University of Pennsylvania
• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Penn Medicine
• List of medical schools in the United States