The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (PSOM), located in Philadelphia, is the oldest medical school in the United States and one of the most prestigious institutions of medical education and biomedical research worldwide. Founded in 1765, the school has been a pioneer in shaping modern medicine, producing generations of physicians, scientists, and healthcare leaders who have transformed patient care and medical science.
Consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the country, the Perelman School of Medicine combines a deep historical legacy with an innovative vision for the future. Its mission integrates education, research, and patient care with a commitment to scientific discovery, community service, and the advancement of global health.
Historical Background
The University of Pennsylvania’s medical school was established in 1765 by Dr. John Morgan, marking the beginning of formal medical education in colonial America. Initially founded as the College of Philadelphia Department of Medicine, it introduced structured curricula, laboratory instruction, and clinical apprenticeships—elements that would become standard across modern medical schools.
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the school played a vital role in the professionalization of American medicine. Its faculty made foundational discoveries in anatomy, pathology, and surgery, while the institution pioneered hospital-based clinical education.
In 2011, the school was renamed the Perelman School of Medicine following a historic $225 million endowment from philanthropists Raymond and Ruth Perelman. This gift reinforced the school’s commitment to affordability, research innovation, and excellence in education.
Campus and Facilities
The Perelman School of Medicine is situated on the University of Pennsylvania campus in the University City district of Philadelphia. It forms part of the Penn Medicine enterprise, which includes multiple hospitals, research institutes, and specialty centers.
Key facilities include:
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Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine (PCAM): A state-of-the-art complex integrating research laboratories, clinics, and the Abramson Cancer Center.
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Smilow Center for Translational Research: Dedicated to bridging basic science and clinical applications.
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Jordan Medical Education Center: Designed specifically for interactive learning and technology-based instruction.
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Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP): Primary clinical teaching sites renowned for excellence in patient care.
The campus reflects the school’s integration of tradition and modernity—preserving its historic legacy while embracing cutting-edge medical science.
Academic Programs
The Perelman School of Medicine offers a wide range of academic programs aimed at producing leaders in medicine, research, and healthcare policy.
1. Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program
The MD program at Penn emphasizes scientific rigor, professionalism, and clinical skill. The Curriculum for the 21st Century (C21)—launched to modernize medical education—focuses on lifelong learning, leadership, and patient-centered care.
The curriculum is divided into three phases:
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Foundations Phase: Integrates biomedical sciences, systems-based learning, and early clinical exposure.
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Core Clinical Clerkships: Rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and other specialties.
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Advanced Clinical and Professional Development: Electives, research projects, and leadership training.
Distinctive features include simulation-based learning, longitudinal patient care experiences, and interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, public health, and business disciplines.
2. Dual-Degree and Interdisciplinary Programs
Penn encourages students to combine medical education with other fields to prepare for diverse career paths.
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MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program) – for careers in academic research.
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MD/MPH (Public Health) – with the Penn Carey Law School or School of Public Health.
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MD/MBA (Business) – with the Wharton School, one of the world’s leading business schools.
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MD/MSCE (Clinical Epidemiology) and MD/MS in Medical Ethics and Health Policy.
3. Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Training
The Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) division offers PhD programs in neuroscience, immunology, cell biology, pharmacology, and biostatistics. Postdoctoral training opportunities extend across Penn Medicine’s hospitals and research institutes.
Research and Innovation
Research is a cornerstone of the Perelman School of Medicine. The institution ranks consistently among the top three recipients of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in the United States. Penn researchers have made groundbreaking contributions in cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy, neuroscience, and cardiovascular medicine.
Major research strengths include:
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Cancer Immunotherapy: The development of CAR T-cell therapy—a revolutionary treatment for leukemia and lymphoma—originated at Penn under Dr. Carl June’s leadership.
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Genetics and Genomic Medicine: Advances in gene editing and personalized medicine.
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Neuroscience: Research on brain plasticity, psychiatric disorders, and neural imaging.
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Cardiovascular Medicine: Pioneering work in heart failure and electrophysiology.
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Infectious Diseases and Immunology: Studies on HIV, COVID-19, and emerging viral pathogens.
Research centers such as the Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, and Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) exemplify Penn’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific innovation.
Clinical Education and Hospital System
Penn Medicine’s clinical network provides medical students with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on training and patient care. The system includes:
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Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP): A leading academic medical center known for complex care and clinical innovation.
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Penn Presbyterian Medical Center: Specializing in cardiology, surgery, and trauma care.
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Pennsylvania Hospital: America’s first hospital, founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond.
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Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): Consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation.
Students gain clinical experience through early immersion in patient care, simulation labs, and multidisciplinary team rounds. The clinical education model emphasizes professionalism, empathy, and collaboration.
Admissions and Requirements
Admission to the Perelman School of Medicine is among the most competitive in the United States. The admissions process seeks academically accomplished, service-oriented, and research-driven individuals.
Requirements include:
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Bachelor’s degree with strong performance in biological and physical sciences.
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MCAT scores within the top percentiles.
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Evidence of leadership, research experience, and community involvement.
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Personal essays reflecting commitment to medicine and public service.
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Strong recommendations from academic and professional mentors.
Perelman admits approximately 150 students annually from a highly competitive pool of over 6,000 applicants, with an acceptance rate of around 3 percent.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Tuition at Penn Medicine averages about $68,000 per year, comparable to other elite private medical schools. However, the Perelman School of Medicine maintains robust financial aid programs to support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Raymond and Ruth Perelman Scholarship Fund and Dean’s Merit Awards provide substantial assistance, and the school’s need-based aid policies ensure affordability for qualified applicants.
Faculty and Alumni
The Perelman School of Medicine’s faculty includes Nobel laureates, Lasker Award winners, and pioneers in multiple fields of medicine. They are recognized globally for advancing scientific knowledge and medical education.
Notable faculty and alumni include:
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Dr. Stanley Prusiner, Nobel Laureate for the discovery of prions.
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Dr. Peter Nowell, co-discoverer of the Philadelphia chromosome.
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Dr. Carl June, developer of CAR T-cell immunotherapy.
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Dr. Paul Offit, co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine.
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Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Joseph Goldstein, both Nobel Laureates for cholesterol metabolism research (trained at Penn).
The alumni network spans leadership roles in academic medicine, biotechnology, government, and global health organizations.
Community Engagement and Global Health
The Perelman School of Medicine maintains a strong tradition of community service and global engagement. Locally, the Bridging the Gaps Program enables students to provide care to underserved populations in Philadelphia while developing cultural competence and leadership skills.
Globally, the Penn Center for Global Health coordinates partnerships in over 50 countries, focusing on maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. Students and faculty actively participate in initiatives that promote health equity and sustainable medical education.
Innovation and Technological Integration
The Perelman School of Medicine is a leader in applying technology to both medical education and clinical practice.
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Simulation-Based Learning: Students train in virtual patient environments and high-fidelity simulation labs.
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Digital Health and Telemedicine: Penn Medicine’s telehealth programs expand access to care nationwide.
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Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: Used for predictive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans.
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Biomedical Engineering Collaboration: Joint research with the Penn Engineering School produces innovations in imaging, robotics, and bioinformatics.
These initiatives exemplify Penn’s integration of data science and technology into the future of medicine.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Perelman School of Medicine actively promotes diversity as essential to medical excellence. The Office of Inclusion and Diversity oversees programs to recruit, support, and mentor students and faculty from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.
Through cultural competency education, social justice initiatives, and mentorship programs, Penn fosters a learning environment that values inclusivity, empathy, and respect for all communities.
Conclusion
The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine represents the perfect balance between historical legacy and modern innovation. As the nation’s first medical school, it set the foundation for structured medical education; today, it continues to define the future of healthcare through research, technology, and global leadership.
Its commitment to excellence—rooted in rigorous science, compassionate care, and service to humanity—has made it a cornerstone of medical progress. From groundbreaking cancer therapies to global health initiatives, the Perelman School of Medicine continues to shape the trajectory of medicine in the twenty-first century.