US News Family Medicine Rankings

The University of Washington (UW) has long been recognized as a leader in family medicine education. In the 2013 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of the Best Graduate Schools, UW was ranked first among medical schools for family medicine. This distinction is a testament to the university's commitment to providing comprehensive and high-quality training in family medicine. UW’s School of Medicine is particularly known for its emphasis on primary care, with a focus on serving underserved communities, particularly in rural and urban areas. The family medicine residency program at UW is robust, offering full-spectrum training that prepares residents for a wide range of clinical settings. As part of its curriculum, UW emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, continuity of care, and community-based education, all of which are critical components in the development of future family physicians. The medical school’s dedication to producing primary care physicians who are equipped to handle the complex health needs of diverse populations has made it a model for other medical schools across the nation.

Ranked second in family medicine is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), which has earned a national reputation not only in family medicine but also in a variety of other medical specialties. As of 2013, UNC’s School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the best in the country for primary care, securing the second spot for primary care education. UNC is particularly distinguished for its work in rural medicine, where it ranks sixth in the nation. The school’s commitment to addressing health disparities, especially in rural and underserved populations, is reflected in its residency programs, which offer immersive experiences in rural areas, enabling students to become adept at handling the specific healthcare needs of these communities. UNC's success in family medicine is also linked to its pioneering work in areas like internal medicine, where it ranks 22nd, and its strong focus on preparing students for a variety of primary care fields. The university's research arm is also highly regarded, with its medical school tied for 21st in research, reflecting a balanced approach that integrates both high-quality medical education and cutting-edge research aimed at improving health outcomes.

Tied for third place in family medicine are the University of Colorado-Denver and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), both of which have excellent reputations in primary care education. The University of Colorado-Denver’s School of Medicine is particularly known for its dedication to training family physicians and its specialty in pediatrics, where it ranks fifth. In addition, Colorado ranks seventh in rural medicine, reflecting its ongoing efforts to address healthcare access in rural and underserved areas of the state. The curriculum at Colorado is structured to ensure that students gain broad exposure to family medicine through clinical rotations, residency opportunities, and community outreach programs. The school’s medical education model emphasizes the importance of preventive care, early intervention, and patient education—key elements that define effective family medicine.

Similarly, UCSF is highly regarded for its family medicine program, which is consistently ranked among the top in the nation. UCSF stands out for its strong emphasis on primary care, with a focus on not just family medicine but also pediatrics, internal medicine, and community-based health care. The UCSF School of Medicine’s program offers excellent training in both outpatient and inpatient care, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how to manage patients throughout their lifespans. Additionally, UCSF’s commitment to research and innovation in the healthcare field makes it a leader in advancing the quality of primary care nationwide. The school's collaborations with community health organizations and health systems ensure that students receive hands-on experience in delivering care to diverse populations, both in urban centers and rural areas.

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, is another top-tier institution in the field of family medicine. Ranked fifth in the nation for family medicine in the 2013 U.S. News rankings, OHSU’s medical school is renowned for its innovative approach to primary care education. The university’s family medicine residency program is particularly noted for its focus on serving underserved populations, both in urban and rural areas. OHSU has long been a leader in the integration of family medicine with other healthcare services, including behavioral health and social services, which allows medical students to receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the complex realities of modern primary care. OHSU’s commitment to research in primary care and its efforts to improve health outcomes for diverse communities further cement its status as a leader in family medicine education. Through its strong partnerships with healthcare providers, community health organizations, and public health agencies, OHSU ensures that its graduates are not only highly skilled clinicians but also advocates for social justice and health equity.

The University of New Mexico (UNM) ties with OHSU for the fifth position in the U.S. News rankings for family medicine. As a medical school with a strong focus on primary care and rural health, UNM has made significant strides in addressing the health disparities that affect many rural and underserved communities in New Mexico. UNM’s medical school is known for producing a high percentage of graduates who go on to practice in primary care, particularly in rural settings. The school’s curriculum offers numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience in community-based health programs, and the family medicine residency program is deeply integrated with the university’s outreach efforts to provide care to rural populations. The emphasis on serving these communities aligns with the broader mission of UNM’s medical school, which seeks to improve healthcare access and equity for all New Mexicans.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is another standout institution, recognized for its strong family medicine and rural medicine programs. Ranked 12th in both family medicine and rural medicine by U.S. News in 2013, WVSOM has built a reputation as a leading osteopathic medical school with a commitment to primary care education. One of the most notable aspects of WVSOM’s training is its focus on producing physicians who are dedicated to practicing in rural and underserved areas, which is reflected in the high percentage of its graduates who enter primary care specialties. With 66.1 percent of its graduates entering primary care, WVSOM is ranked 3rd in the nation for producing primary care physicians. This emphasis on osteopathic principles, which stress the holistic treatment of patients, combined with the school’s strong ties to rural healthcare systems, enables WVSOM to prepare students to meet the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Osteopathic medicine’s emphasis on preventative care and whole-person treatment makes it an ideal fit for family medicine, and WVSOM’s graduates are highly sought after in rural areas for their ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

These institutions—University of Washington, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Colorado-Denver, University of California-San Francisco, Oregon Health & Science University, University of New Mexico, and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine—are among the best in the nation for family medicine. Their programs are deeply committed to meeting the healthcare needs of underserved populations, particularly in rural areas, and are recognized for producing highly skilled physicians who are ready to face the challenges of primary care in diverse settings. With a focus on patient-centered care, preventive medicine, and community health, these medical schools play a vital role in addressing the growing demand for primary care physicians and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their geographic or socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality healthcare.