You must choose an excellent medical school to prepare for an exciting and rewarding career in medicine or a related field. Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and knowledge, offers many options for those pursuing a medical degree program. Moreover, it remains a center of historical importance and social action in the United States. It is known for its thriving arts scene, famous structures like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and rich cultural legacy.
Many other high-quality medical schools are within the city limits. These schools vary significantly in tuition costs, academic requirements, course studies and degree programs, and reputation. Note a few of the top-rated medical schools in and around Philadelphia so you can narrow your choices as needed and ensure you choose the right university.
Top Medical Schools in Philadelphia
1. Drexel University
Drexel University‘s College of Medicine resulted from consolidating two medical schools, the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, the first medical school for women in the USA, and a former homeopathy college. This institution is one of the most applied-to medical schools and has one of the highest enrollments for private medical schools in the U.S. At Drexel, students typically study at the Queen Lane Campus, formerly part of the Woman’s Medical College, and at Center City Hahnemann Campus, the college’s nearby teaching hospital.
Like many other medical schools, it grades students on a pass/fail basis. In recent years, the university also transitioned to a new curriculum called Foundations and Frontiers, designed to train medical students to adapt to today’s ever-changing interdisciplinary healthcare systems. Part of the Foundations and Frontiers curriculum includes studies in population health and healthcare financing, among other similar subjects.
2. University of Pennsylvania
Commonly known as Penn Med, the Perelman School of Medicine is the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1765, making it one of the oldest medical schools in the U.S. The institution is also considered part of the Ivy League, and the school typically ranks as one of the highest-rated in the country. It is also a leading recipient of research awards from the National Institute of Health and various private foundations.
Penn Med is associated with many nearby teaching hospitals, including the Hospital of the UPenn, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Chester County Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, and The Philadelphia VA Medical Center. The curriculum emphasizes multidisciplinary learning as an adjustment to today’s healthcare options and treatment methods. Its coursework also follows three main themes: the Science of Medicine, the Art and Practice of Medicine, and Professionalism and Humanism.
3. Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University is the ninth-oldest medical school in America. It merged with Philadelphia University in 2017 and is consistently regarded as one of the most well-respected medical schools in the country. In 1877, a 125-bed hospital opened as part of the institution, becoming one of the first hospitals affiliated with a medical school. The university’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College is not just a medical school in Philadelphia.
It also has four colleges: the College of Architecture and the Built Environment, Kanbar College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce, the College of Health Professions, the College of Humanities and Sciences, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and more.
The school’s medical department was renamed the Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 2014 after philanthropist Sidney Kimmel donated $110 million to Jefferson Medical College. The school emphasizes medical research and treatment options in healthcare and preventative patient care.
4. Temple University
Temple University in Philadelphia hosts the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. LKSOM is one of the few schools in Philadelphia to offer an M.D. degree while providing various master’s and Ph.D. degree programs. This medical institution is consistently ranked as one of the most reputable and sought-after medical schools in the state and the country. With an emphasis on biomedical sciences, LKSOM is consistently one of the top 10 medical schools in the U.S. regarding hopeful applicants.
Its School of Medicine also has a renowned record for research and medical care. In 2014, its scientists became well-known for their research on removing HIV from human tissue. The university’s Fox Chase Center was also ranked 19th among the best hospitals for treating adult cancer. This medical school is very selective in its admissions process. In 2010, there were reportedly over 9,600 applicants, but only 540 were accepted.
5. Pennsylvania State University
While technically located in the city of Hershey, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine is considered one of the state’s most widely respected medical schools, training future medical and healthcare professionals, like doctors, medical residents, postdoctoral fellows, scientists, and other related jobs. The school was founded in 1963 when the Hershey Foundation offered Penn State $50 million to establish a medical school in Philadelphia.
Penn State accepted and built a school, teaching hospital, and research center at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Since its founding, the school has grown considerably, and its campus has nearly doubled. The university has continuously added new buildings, including the medical science building, animal research farm, laundry and steam plant, and apartments.
In addition to its graduate programs, the school trains over 500 resident physicians in various medical specialties. It offers continuing education programs, several nursing programs, and degree options. Moreover, the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center receives awards and grants from federal funding and private agencies, often totaling more than $100 million.
FAQs: Studying Medicine in Philadelphia
Is Studying Medicine in the USA Worth it?
The United States boasts some of the most renowned medical schools in the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for education and career pathways in medicine. With constant advancements in technology and research, the knowledge and skills obtained in American medical schools will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in any medical career. The medical system is renowned for its high standards, rendering the U.S. an ideal place to study and practice medicine.
Learn More About: How to Study in the USA for Free
Why Choose Philadelphia to Study Medicine?
Philadelphia is a health and innovation hub with many medical institutions. As a student, this should be of utmost importance to you as it means more internship opportunities and research fellowships. The area has over 80 hospitals and clinics and countless research labs. As the 7th largest metropolitan city in the U.S., Philadelphia provides a unique experience to students who plan on studying there.
There is something for everyone, from libraries to amusement parks, and for people who love food, the city is known for having the best cheesesteaks in the world.
Check Also: Cheap Universities in Philadelphia
How Can I Determine the Best Medical School for Me in Philadelphia?
There are many medical schools in and around Philadelphia, so choosing to enroll in one over another can prove to be quite the quandary. Researching the curriculum and determining which teaching style aligns with your goals and inclinations is essential. Additionally, you should consider the school’s location and how it fits your lifestyle.
Some students may find solace in an urban setting, while others may prefer the tranquility of a suburban or rural environment to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Finally, you can contact current students, alumni, and teachers at the schools you are considering. They can provide invaluable perspectives into what an average day in the school is like and the different available opportunities within the school.
To pursue the noble calling of medicine, one must diligently select their school of education. Philadelphia, a city of great renown, offers various institutions of esteemed repute, including Drexel University College of Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. If you are an international student considering applying for a medical degree in Philadelphia, you should check our curated list of the cheapest medical schools in the city.
We hope this list of top medical schools in Philadelphia was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, feel free to check out the Study in the USA Page and the Available Programs for International Students in the USA!
