Chicago, a city in the Midwest, is well-known as a medical education and research center thanks to its many prestigious medical institutions. Because of its long history of medical innovation, it has always been a global leader in healthcare and was significant in the field’s development. That’s why this place is an excellent environment to pursue medical studies, both undergraduate and graduate.
These prestigious medical institutions, along with several others in Chicago, provide an exciting academic setting and teach students to work efficiently with medical practitioners in the future. Moreover, the area is considered a medical “zone” because of its many medical facilities. Students will find ample opportunity to engage with some of the field’s most experienced professionals and develop their skills under the tutelage of one of the following fine medical institutions!
That’s why we listed some of the best medical schools in Chicago for you to pursue your medical degree. Read the article below to learn more!
Top Medical Schools in Chicago
1. University of Chicago
For a medical school, the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine has an admirably small class size of just under 90 students. The university is known for its low acceptance rates, but that is not always bad, as it means that students get to know their professors and forge robust, personal, and professional relationships with their classmates.
The curriculum at Pritzker is pass/fail. Pritzker is also located in one of Chicago’s most diverse and exciting neighborhoods: Hyde Park. The area is well-known as a college town, meaning students can easily access some of Chicago’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife. While many medical schools are located away from the main campus, Pritzker is physically located at the university. This gives students access to exclusive main campus facilities and the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary work with other departments.
Lastly, the best medical school in Chicago has a reputation for a warm and friendly atmosphere. The school is committed to ensuring diversity in its student body, and students can use the Office of Multicultural Affairs for resources and help getting involved with the campus community.
2. Northwestern University
Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine is close to Lake Michigan, Chicago’s most iconic lake and one of North America’s five Great Lakes. Regarding the curriculum at Feinberg, students receive a well-rounded education. In addition to their studies, they are encouraged to pursue supplementary real-world experiences like volunteering at health clinics.
Students also have access to top-notch resources like the Center for Global Health, which helps connect students with transdisciplinary educational opportunities. Students at Feinberg receive early clinical training under the guidance of an experienced mentor physician. As part of the program, students work with the same patients long-term to understand what it is like to develop lasting clinical-patient relationships.
Moreover, students are guaranteed to acquire essential skills like interviewing, performing physical exams, and patient history-taking. Northwestern University also considers students’ work-life balance and provides access to physical, emotional, spiritual, and community wellness programs. Learners at this one of the best medical schools in Chicago are reportedly some of the happiest, healthiest medical students.
See Also: Cheapest Universities in Chicago
3. University of Illinois, Chicago
With a student population of over 1,300 students, the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine is one of the largest medical schools in the United States. The institution has three different campuses: one in Chicago, one in Peoria, and one in Rockford. Across the four campuses, the college has about 4,000 faculty members ready to work closely with students in developing the knowledge and skills essential to the medical profession.
At the Chicago campus, students are right in the middle of the world’s largest medical district. The Illinois Medical District is a “zoning district” near the loop in Chicago. The area consists of an impressive 560 acres of medical research facilities. They receive early clinical experience, working closely with experienced mentors to learn how to take patient histories and make the rounds as early as their first year.
Its students will gain experience in community clinics, major teaching hospitals, and other settings. The school also offers over 60 residency programs in specialty areas and abundant scholarship opportunities.
4. Rush University
Rush University’s Medical College has a solid reputation for being one of the first medical colleges in the Midwest. The school is near Chicago’s well-known loop, meaning attendees can access a diverse metropolitan area perfect for college students. Students may wish to visit some of the city’s many museums, restaurants, and even its iconic Lake Michigan. The institution has been nationally ranked #1 for quality of care and received a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The medical school also offers over 40 unique degree and certificate programs across multiple fields, such as nursing and medicine. Its high reputation and critical acclaim make it an excellent choice for students hoping to pursue medical studies. Its mission is to nurture empathy in its students and to develop skilled physicians interested in learning and innovating. The university and its students pursue ongoing research that impacts the world.
With a small student body, students can form lasting, personal relationships with the people they encounter regularly. However, learners can handle a diverse student body as the university is attended by out-of-state residents about three times more than Illinois residents. Rush University encourages students to engage in community service and gain adequate healthcare exposure. In 2018, students averaged a total of 2,603 healthcare exposure hours!
5. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Chicago Medical School is part of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, established in 1912. It was renamed after Dr. Rosalind Franklin photographed the DNA structure in 1952. The college emphasizes a variety of medical environments, which helps students prepare for any environment they may find themselves in post-graduation.
This medical school in Chicago has recently revised its student curriculum and now ensures that students will be able to engage in preventative and personalized patient care, work in interprofessional teams, and provide care in multiple settings upon program completion. Its programs include allopathic medicine, clinical sciences, internal medicine, biomedical sciences, and dual-degree programs, such as M.D./Ph.D., Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM/Ph.D., and Doctor of Medicine, or DPM/Ph.D.
At Chicago Medical School, students can pursue any of these programs while taking advantage of state-of-the-art simulation and skill labs. They will also engage in active learning by participating in clinical training. Moreover, learners can gain exposure to a wide range of clinical and service-learning experiences in a medical-minded community. That’s why the institution is another excellent choice for anyone hoping to make the most of their medical studies.
As the most populated city in Illinois, Chicago is an excellent destination for students pursuing a degree in medicine. Living expenses in Chicago can be expensive, but it is home to some of the best medical institutions in the United States. Students worldwide are welcome to apply to these universities and fulfill their dream of practicing medicine in the U.S.
We hope this article on the best medical schools in Chicago was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, check out the Study in the USA Page and the Available Programs for International Students in the USA!
