Preparing Leaders in Medicine and Medical Science
Penn State College of Medicine is committed to enhancing the quality of life through improved health, the professional preparation of those who will serve the health needs of others, and the discovery of knowledge that will benefit all. We’re dedicated to demonstrating our core values: respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence.
Who We Are
Penn State College of Medicine is part of an academic medical center group that also includes:
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the flagship hospital, a 551-bed, tertiary-care facility that serves central Pennsylvania;
- Penn State Children's Hospital, the only Level I pediatric trauma center between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; and
- Penn State Medical Group, the academic physician practice and associated outpatient practice sites of our group.
Leadership
College of Medicine faculty are dedicated to educating, guiding, and nurturing our students, postdocs, residents and fellows. Our leadership team comprises experienced, forward-looking healthcare providers, scholars and researchers.
History
Our story began in 1963, when the Milton S. Hershey Foundation gave $50 million to The Pennsylvania State University to establish a medical school in Hershey. We were the first medical school in the nation to have a dedicated Department of Humanities and a Department of Family and Community Medicine.
Medical and Graduate Training
Medical Education
We prepare students to become patient-centric physicians and physician assistants. The MD Program provides unique learning opportunities, such as the patient navigator program and a longitudinal humanities curriculum. The 3+3 accelerated pathways incorporate three years of medical school with early entrance into residency in several specialties. The Physician Assistant Program emphasizes critical thinking skills, compassionate care, and improving health in an efficient and cost-conscious manner.
Graduate Education
The College of Medicine offers a variety of educational programs leading to advanced degrees. Diverse students from all over the world come to Hershey to pursue a range of studies. Learn more about our MD/PhD Physician Scientist Training Program, our MD/MBA Program, our MD/MPH Program, the DrPH Doctor of Public Health Program, PhD Programs and Master's Programs, as well as Certificate Programs.
Our Focus
Community Outreach
Outreach to our local community is key to the Penn State College of Medicine experience.
From participation in a collaborative workgroup to identify the health needs in the area, to our student-run LionCare medical clinics, Penn State College of Medicine faculty, staff and students help make the greater Hershey and State College areas a better and healthier place to live and work.
Global Health
Penn State College of Medicine provides many opportunities for students interested in international health, including challenges that commonly present a greater burden to disadvantaged populations.
From immersive trips to a number of partner sites around the world to electives focusing on caring for underserved populations in the U.S. and abroad, the global health focus helps Penn State College of Medicine students make a difference in the world community.
Excellence in Research
Research Vision
As an academic health center, we provide aspiring graduate students with an unparalleled opportunity and distinctive setting to obtain their training, whether through laboratory or field research. We strive to be a national leader in pursuing scientific investigation and developing programs to advance medical and scientific knowledge, which will ultimately contribute to the health of the public, the practice of medicine, and the education of health professionals.
Research Goals
The College of Medicine is focused on:
- Expanding our clinical research program
- Growing our technology commercialization platform
- Developing transformative and translational research
- Strengthening our capabilities in personalized medicine
- Increasing graduate research opportunities
Explore current research at the College of Medicine.