US Top 30 Graduate Medical Schools

According to the U.S. News and World Report 2008 ranking, Harvard University is at the top of the list of best graduate medical schools in the United States. With an impressive research score of 100 out of 100, Harvard's medical school is widely regarded for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and highly esteemed faculty. The university’s commitment to innovation, global health initiatives, and clinical care is a key part of why it continues to lead the medical education landscape. Students benefit from access to world-class resources, prestigious faculty, and the opportunity to engage in pioneering research that shapes the future of healthcare.

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, holds the second position in the ranking, earning a research score of 82. Known for its remarkable medical research and educational programs, Johns Hopkins continues to be a leader in biomedical science, public health, and medical practice. The institution has a long-standing tradition of medical innovation, and its medical school is particularly known for its contributions to neuroscience, oncology, and pediatrics. Its close ties to the Johns Hopkins Hospital allow students to gain hands-on experience while working alongside leading medical professionals and researchers.

In third place is Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, with a research score of 80. The university's medical school is known for its strong research programs and emphasis on community service, providing students with opportunities to engage in clinical practice while contributing to public health initiatives. Washington University in St. Louis is especially recognized for its research in fields such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and regenerative medicine. Its interdisciplinary approach to medical education prepares students to become leaders in medical research, clinical care, and healthcare policy.

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ranks fourth with a research score of 79. Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine is one of the oldest and most respected medical schools in the country. It is particularly renowned for its strengths in genetics, immunology, and the development of novel medical therapies. The university's medical school offers a range of specialized programs that integrate basic science, clinical care, and public health, allowing students to take a holistic approach to medicine. With its strong focus on research, Penn continues to make significant contributions to medical science and healthcare.

Finally, in fifth place is the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), with a research score of 78. UCSF has long been recognized as a leader in medical education, research, and patient care. Its medical school is renowned for its work in areas such as HIV/AIDS, cancer research, and neurosciences. UCSF’s medical center is a leader in patient care, and the institution’s medical school emphasizes a patient-centered approach to education. UCSF’s collaborative environment allows students to engage with interdisciplinary teams and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of healthcare delivery.

These top five medical schools—Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Pennsylvania, and University of California-San Francisco—are not only leaders in medical research but also in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Their programs emphasize both academic rigor and hands-on clinical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare. These institutions are widely recognized for their contributions to advancing medical science and providing exceptional patient care, and they continue to shape the future of medicine both in the United States and around the world.

US Top 30 Graduate Medical School 2008 Ranking:
Rank, Research Score (out of 100)
1. Harvard University Boston, MA 100
2. John Hopkins University Baltimore, MD 82
3. Washington University in St. Louis, MO 80
4. University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 79
5. University of California-San Francisco, CA 78
6. Duke Uni Durham, NC 77
6. Uni of Washington Seattle, WA 77
8. Stanford Uni, CA 76
9. Uni of California-Los Angeles (Geffen), CA 73
9. Yale Uni New Haven, CT 73
11. Columbia Univ College of Physicians and Surgeons New York, NY 72
11. U of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI 72
13. Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 71
14. U of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA 68
14. U of Pittsburgh, PA 68
16. U of Chicago (Pritzker), IL 67
16. Vanderbilt Univ Nashville, TN 67
18. Cornell Univ (Weill) New York, NY 65
19. U of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NC 62
20. Emory Univ Atlanta, GA 60
20. Northwestern Univ (Feinberg) Chicago, IL 60
22. U of Texas Southwestern Medical Center-Dallas, TX 59
23. Case Western Reserve Cleveland, OH 58
23. Mayo Medical School Rochester, MN 58
23. Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, NY 58
23. U of Virginia Charlottesville, VA 58
27. U of Alabama--Birmingham, AL 56
27. U of Colorado-Denver Denver, CO 56
27. U of Wisconsin--Madison, WI 56
30. Ohio State Univ Madison, WI 55
Source: US News & World Report