BU and the City of Boston

BU School of medicine campus

Boston University and the School of Medicine

Founded in 1839, Boston University is one of the oldest universities in the United States. It is the fourth largest Research Institution in the country with over 33,000 full-time students studying in more than 250 programs at 16 schools and colleges. In a city of over 60 academic institutions, BU helps foster a strong, prestigious and diverse educational atmosphere. Boston University offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, cultural events and outreach projects that continuously strengthen ties with the community.

BU Medical School is located in the historic South End of Boston and shares a campus with Boston Medical Center, the School of Public Health, the Goldman School of Dental Medicine, the Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center and the Boston Public Health Commission.  The campus hosts over 3,000 medical students and graduate students actively engaged in the study of medicine and the biomedical sciences.

Learn more about the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences at Boston University.

A Strong and Diverse History

Boston University School of Medicine began as the New England Female Medical College in 1848 and  was the first institution in the world to offer medical education to women.  In 1873, the college merged with Boston University, becoming the first coeducational medical school in the United States.

Throughout its history, BUSM has maintained a strong commitment to the study and practice of medicine in the context of its mission of service to society.  The medical school is a major research institution, ranking 12th among U.S. medical schools for sponsored research with more than 600 funded research programs and over 1,000 active clinical trials. These opportunities create an exceptional environment for students interested in basic science, clinical investigation or public health and health-services-oriented research.  Students also participate in international health programs and a variety of professional and social service activities.

Boston Medical Center’s Mission

The mission of BMC is unique and clear: to provide exceptional care, without exception to anyone who walks through our doors. As the largest safety net hospital in New England, BMC has a record of achievement and excellence that has improved the lives of millions of people over the years.  Innovative programs, technology and research that transcends the scope of traditional medicine enable the staff to address the complex range of medical, social, economic and emotional factors that affect the health of our most vulnerable patients.  

BMC provides a full range of pediatric and adult care services, from primary to family medicine to advanced specialty care. It is the largest and busiest trauma and emergency center in New England.  Many of the people served at Boston Medical Center (BMC) have unique needs that can hinder proper health care. BMC’s Interpreter Services Program is the most extensive in New England, with more than 30% of patients who do not speak English as a first language.  BMC is the first hospital in Massachusetts to adopt an advanced video interpretation service offered in 150 languages, including ASL.

 

Genetics and Boston University

The rapidly expanding field of genetics is well represented throughout the Boston University Medical Campus.  Boston University School of Medicine is fortunate to have the Genome Science Institute (GSI), consisting of 120 faculty members from the schools of Medicine, Public Health and Dental Medicine.

The GSI’s mission is to expand our understanding of the role of genes in human health by fostering collaboration between BU investigators engaged in genetics and genomics research and education. The GSI was formed in recognition that excellent genetics research spans many BU departments and schools and that an institute connecting these varied investigators would have a synergistic effect.  The GSI hosts seminar series, symposia and other opportunities for formal and informal interaction among faculty and students.