Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is named after the renowned black American surgeon, Dr. Charles R. Drew. A pioneer in the study of blood preservation, Dr. Drew is known as "the father of the modern blood bank." Following the 1965 Los Angeles Riots, the university was incorporated in 1966 after widespread community support. According to the school's website, the college --- located in the Watts section of Los Angeles --- is dedicated to transforming the health of its under-served community. The university offers graduate degrees in medicine, nursing, public health and clinical research.
Named for General Oliver Howard, Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, Howard University was incorporated by Congress in 1867. The university opened the College of Medicine one year later. While the intent of the founders was to educate those recently freed from slavery, the university was founded on the premise that it would be open to all races, creeds and social classes. The Howard University Health Sciences Center includes the College of Medicine; the Howard University Hospital; the College of Dentistry; Nursing and Allied Health Sciences; and the College of Pharmacy. The college reports that it has more than 4,000 living alumni.
Meharry Medical College is the nation's largest historically black medical college. Meharry was formed in 1876 when Samuel Meharry and his brothers donated $30,000 to start a medical school for freed slaves. A black family once took in Samuel Meharry when he became stranded after his salt wagon was stuck in the mud. Having no money, Meharry vowed to the family that he would "do something for your race when I can." According to the school's website, Meharry has more than 786 students from the United States and 22 foreign nations. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the Morehouse School of Medicine was founded in 1975. Considered one of the nation's leading educators of primary care physicians, Morehouse has residency programs in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, psychiatry and surgery. In 2008, Morehouse ranked No. 3 in research funding from the National Institutes of Health. The School of Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. According to the school's website, Morehouse has graduated more than 1,000 students.