October 1, 1999

University of Michigan Medical School Celebrates 150 Years of Scholarship and Service

ANN ARBOR -- With a century and a half of breakthrough advances in medical education, research and treatment behind it, the University of Michigan Medical School celebrates its Sesquicentennial.

The Medical School is forging ahead with a new curriculum for the 21st century, cutting-edge research initiatives and exceptional bench-to-bedside patient care.

Celebrations of this milestone are taking place across the country, enabling alumni and the local medical communities to learn about the school's rich history, recent biomedical advances, and the strategic direction the school is taking to thrive, given the new realities of local and national health care and their implications for medical education.

"The University of Michigan Medical School, since its inception in 1848 and the first graduating class of 1851, has always been an innovator in the development of new methods for educating physicians and scholars," said Allen S. Lichter, M.D., dean of the U-M Medical School. "We continue to use our resources and the vision and new ideas of succeeding generations to 'raise the bar,' working with our colleagues around the country and around the world to improve the health of our community."

Historic Role in Transforming Academic Medicine

The U-M Medical School's role in transforming academic medicine is reflected throughout its history, according to Howard Markel, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and Director of the Historical Center for the Health Sciences.

The U-M Medical School was among the first state medical schools to accept women on an equal basis with men and was a pioneer in developing a medical curriculum firmly grounded in science. Michigan established the first University-owned teaching hospital when it opened University Hospital in 1869, creating a model for the academic medical center of today.

The Medical School designed a clinical teaching program that became a model for U.S. medical schools, and was the first to establish a laboratory devoted to genetics research.

"So many events that have taken place at the Medical School fit into the broader fabric of the history of American medicine," Dr. Markel said.

As one of the nation's premier teaching and research facilities, the U-M Medical School has trained some 18,000 medical doctors -- more than any other American medical school. Thousands of men and women who hold doctorate degrees and advance medical science around the world had their start at the Medical School.In addition, it is second among all U.S. medical schools in the number of graduates who are faculty members at medical schools across the country.

But with all the size and impact of the school, the real story behind the U-M Medical School's 150 years of service is seen in the individuals who are committed to its mission. More than 1,800 faculty members are educating and training the next generation of physicians and researchers. Each year, more than 150 new physicians and scientists graduate from Michigan and embark on a lifelong journey to improve the quality of life in the Great Lakes region, the nation and beyond.

Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president for medical affairs and CEO, University of Michigan Health System, said the Sesquicentennial is an opportunity not only to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of generations past and present, but also to look ahead in anticipation as the school reaches for new heights of excellence.

"We are confident about proactively shaping a positive future for academic medicine nationally and internationally," said Dr. Omenn. "We believe the University of Michigan is well positioned to take advantage of the nation's investment in biomedical research as the National Institutes of Health budget is doubled over the next five years -- building upon our strong history and helping to lead medical science into the next century."

As the U-M Medical School begins its Sesquicentennial --150 years of service, advancing the science of medicine and its allied fields -- those who share its vision are invited to share in the celebration.

The University of Michigan Medical School has been recognized as a definitive site for state-of-the-art research activities, innovative medical education and pioneering clinical care since its inception in 1848. The Medical School occupies more than two million gross square feet of research and education space. Faculty provides clinical care in the University Hospitals and Health Centers. The Medical School, the University Hospitals and Health Centers, and M-Care comprise the University of Michigan Health System.

The U-M Health System is a comprehensive treatment, research and teaching center that handles more than one million outpatient health care visits each year and provides inpatient care to another 36,000 people from around the state and nation.

Editor's note: Photos of the medical school and students are available upon request. For more information, visit the U-M Medical School web site.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact: Kate Schuch, 734-763-5472, or by e-mail, or Susan Ferraro, 313-567-5046, or by e-mail.