To prepare yourself for an exciting and rewarding career in medicine and any of its related fields, you need to choose a good medical school! Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and knowledge, offers a plethora of options for those in pursuit of a medical degree program. There are many other high-quality medical schools in the vicinity of the city limits of Philadelphia.

All of these schools vary significantly in terms of tuition costs, academic requirements, course studies and degree programs offered, and reputation. Note a few of the top-rated medical schools in and around Philadelphia so you can then narrow your choices as needed and ensure you opt for the right university for you.

Is Studying Medicine in the US Worth it?

The United States boasts some of the most renowned medical schools in the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for education and career pathways in the field of medicine. With the constant advancements in technology and research, the knowledge and skills obtained in American medical schools will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in any medical career. The medical system is renowned for its high standards rendering the US an ideal place to study and practice medicine.

Learn More About:  How to Study in the USA for Free

Why Choose Philadelphia to Study Medicine?

Philadelphia is a health and innovation hub with a great number of medical institutions. As a student, this should be of utmost importance to you as it means more opportunities for internships and research fellowships. There are over 80 hospitals and clinics in Philadelphia and countless research labs. As the 7th largest metropolitan city in the U.S., Philadelphia provides a unique experience to students who plan on studying there. There is something for everyone in Philadelphia, from libraries to amusement parks, and for people who love food, the city is known for having the best cheesesteaks in the world.

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Best Medical Schools in Philadelphia

1. Drexel University College of Medicine

Drexel University College of Medicine is the medical school of Drexel University. Drexel University College of Medicine resulted from the consolidation of two medical schools; the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, the first medical school for women in the U.S., and a former college of homeopathy.

Drexel University College of Medicine is one of the most applied-to medical schools and has one of the highest enrollments for private medical schools in the U.S. At Drexel, students typically study at the Queen Lane Campus, formerly part of the Woman’s Medical College, and at Center City Hahnemann Campus, the college’s nearby teaching hospital.

Drexel University College of Medicine, as with many other medical schools in the U.S., grades students on a pass/fail basis. In recent years, the university also transitioned to a new curriculum, called Foundations and Frontiers, designed to train medical students to adapt to today’s ever-changing interdisciplinary healthcare systems. Part of the Foundations and Frontiers curriculum includes studies in population health and healthcare financing, among other similar subjects.

2. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Commonly known as Penn Med, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania. Penn Med was founded in 1765, making it one of the oldest medical schools in the U.S.

Penn Med is also considered part of the Ivy League, and the school typically ranks as one of the highest-rated in the country. It is also a leading recipient of research awards from the National Institute of Health and various private foundations.

Penn Med is associated with many nearby teaching hospitals, including:

  • The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
  • Pennsylvania Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Chester County Hospital
  • Lancaster General Hospital
  • The Philadelphia VA Medical Center

Penn Med’s curriculum emphasizes multidisciplinary learning as an adjustment to today’s healthcare options and treatment methods. Its coursework also follows three main themes; the Science of Medicine, the Art and Practice of Medicine, and Professionalism and Humanism.

3. Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is the ninth oldest medical school in America. The university merged with Philadelphia University in 2017 and is consistently regarded as one of the most well-respected medical schools in the country. In 1877, a 125-bed hospital opened as part of the university, becoming one of the first hospitals affiliated with a medical school.

Thomas Jefferson University is not solely a medical school in Philadelphia but consists of four separate colleges:

  • College of Architecture and the Built Environment
  • Kanbar College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce
  • College of Science, Health and the Liberal Arts
  • School of Continuing and Professional Studies

The university’s medical department was renamed the Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 2014 after philanthropist Sidney Kimmel donated $110 million to Jefferson Medical College. The school emphasizes medical research and treatment options in healthcare and preventative patient care.

Check out: Most Affordable Medical Schools in USA

4. Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Temple University in Philadelphia is host to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM). LKSOM is one of the few schools in the city of Philadelphia to offer an M.D. degree; the university also offers a variety of masters and Ph.D. degree programs.

This medical school is consistently ranked as one of the most reputable and sought-after medical schools in the state and the country overall. With an emphasis on biomedical sciences, LKSOM is consistently one of the top 10 medical schools in the U.S. in terms of hopeful applicants.

Temple University School of Medicine also has a renowned record for research and medical care; in 2014, its scientists became renowned for research in removing HIV from human tissue. The university’s Fox Chase Center is also ranked 19th in terms of the best hospitals for treating adult cancer.

Temple University School of Medicine is very selective in its admissions process. In 2010, there were reportedly over 9600 applicants, with only 540 of those applicants being accepted. That translates into just over a 5% acceptance rate.

See Also: US Universities with the Highest Acceptance Rates

5. Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

While technically located in the city of Hershey, the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is considered one of the most widely respected medical schools in the state and is part of Penn State University. The school was founded in 1963 when the Hershey Foundation offered Penn State some $50 million to establish a medical school in Philadelphia. The university accepted and built a school, teaching hospital, and research center in Hershey, naming it the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Since its founding, the school has grown considerably, and its campus has nearly doubled in size. The university has continuously added its new buildings, including the Medical Science Building, Animal Research Farm, Laundry and Steam Plant, and apartments.

In addition to their graduate programs, the school trains over 500 resident physicians in various medical specialties. They also offer continuing education programs and a number of nursing programs and degree options. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center also continuously receives awards and grants from federal funding and private agencies, often totaling more than $100 million.

How Can I Determine the Best Medical School for me in Philadelphia?

There are many medical schools in and around the area of Philadelphia, so choosing to enroll in one over another can prove to be quite the quandary. It’s important to research the curriculum and determine which teaching style aligns with your goals and inclinations.
Additionally, you should consider the school’s location and how it fits your lifestyle. Some students may find solace in an urban setting, while others may prefer the tranquility of a suburban or rural environment to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Finally, you can reach out to current students, alumni, and teachers at the schools you are considering. They can provide invaluable perspectives into what an average day in the school is like and the different available opportunities within the school.

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To pursue the noble calling of medicine, one must be diligent in the selection of their school of education. Philadelphia, a city of great renown, offers various institutions of esteemed repute, including Drexel University College of Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. If you are an international student considering applying for a medical degree in Philadelphia, you might want to check our curated list of the cheapest medical schools in the city.

We hope that this list of top medical schools in Philadelphia was helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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