Not only did U.S. News and World Report rank Harvard University as the nation's best college in 2010, it also ranked the medical school as the best medical research institution. The medical school is affiliated with many local hospitals and clinics and partners with the Giovanni Armenise Foundation, which funds research for medical institutions in Italy. Its advanced doctoral program includes medical science, virology, immunology and biological and biomedical sciences.
Harvard Medical School
25 Shattuck St.
Boston, MA 02115
617-432-1000
hms.harvard.edu
Consistently named the best primary care training institution by U.S. News and World Report, the medical school focuses on community health services. Its family medicine department has earned praise for its efforts in under-served urban and rural communities. During their first two years, medical students must complete a month's training in a medical practice. The school also received a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to open the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a research project looking at health programs around the world.
University of Washington School of Medicine
Department of Medicine
Box 356420
Seattle, WA 98195-6420
206-543-3293
uwmedicine.washington.edu
Serving about 2,200 students, the medical school has several basic and clinical departments covering a range of specializations. Its reputation as an excellent research institution attracts millions in donations from sponsors each year and it partners with various medical institutions in Pennsylvania, such as the Abramson Cancer Center. Courses offered include cancer biology, medical ethics, neuroscience, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, dermatology and emergency medicine.
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
3600 Market St., Suite 240
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2646
215-662-4000
med.upenn.edu
The UNC medical school is a respected institution with international partnerships. It also is an active participant in research, which includes investigating the health concerns and medical needs in other countries. Thirty to 40 students go abroad each year to take part in projects. North Carolina residents are given priority for admission and only 20 nonresidents are admitted annually. First year courses include the human body and Introduction to clinical medicine. As students progress, courses will include the cardiovascular system, respiratory diseases, psychiatry, family medicine and neurology.
UNC School of Medicine
250 E. Franklin St.
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-962-8331
www.med.unc.edu
The medical school offers three degrees: doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of physical therapy (DPT) and master of physician assistant studies (MPAS). The school is considered a leader in primary care training and its continuing medical education program helps alumni keep up with changes in the field. Students also volunteer with the homeless, youth programs and local health clinics as part of the school's community service program. The school is affiliated with local medical centers as well.
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Building 500 -- 13001 E. 17th Place
Campus Box C290, Room E1354
Aurora, CO 80045
303-724-5375
ucdenver.edu