Welcome to Oregon best medical schools. Our rankings are based on alumni reviews, research scores received, peer institution assessment and admissions statistics including averaged MCAT scores, undergraduate GPA as well as acceptance rates. Below we list top medical schools in Oregon that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Oregon
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 37 | Oregon Health and Science University (Portland, OR) Acceptance rate: 5.3% MCAT composite score: 10.4 Tuition: Full-time: $34,316 (in-state), Full-time: $48,545 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.62 Total medical school enrollment: 499 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 3.7:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $228.2
|
All Medical Schools in Oregon
Oregon is home to one prominent medical school, the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, which provides exceptional medical education, research opportunities, and clinical training. Known for its focus on rural and underserved communities, OHSU plays a critical role in addressing the healthcare needs of the state and the broader Pacific Northwest.
1. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine
Overview
The Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, located in Portland, is Oregon’s only medical school and a leader in healthcare education, research, and clinical practice. OHSU is dedicated to training physicians who are prepared to address the healthcare needs of both urban and rural populations, with a particular focus on serving underserved communities. OHSU emphasizes patient-centered care, medical research, and public health, and is known for producing graduates who are leaders in their fields.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): OHSU’s MD program provides a comprehensive education that integrates foundational medical sciences with hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum includes early clinical exposure and focuses on developing skills in communication, clinical reasoning, and compassionate patient care.
- MD/PhD Program: This dual-degree program is designed for students who are interested in careers as physician-scientists, combining medical education with advanced research training. Graduates typically pursue academic medicine or biomedical research.
- MD/MPH Program: A combined degree that allows students to earn both an MD and a Master of Public Health (MPH). This program is ideal for students interested in public health, population health management, and health policy.
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS): This program trains physician assistants, with a focus on providing high-quality primary care to underserved populations.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: OHSU offers master’s and PhD programs in fields such as neuroscience, immunology, and molecular biology for students pursuing careers in research and academia.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): OHSU provides a variety of residency and fellowship programs in specialties like internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and more.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 511.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Mathematics (Statistics or Calculus)
- English or Writing-intensive courses
- Clinical Experience: Applicants are required to have significant hands-on clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, working in healthcare settings, or volunteering in clinics. This experience is essential for demonstrating a commitment to patient care.
- Research Experience: Research experience, while not mandatory, is highly valued, particularly for students interested in the MD/PhD program. OHSU encourages applicants to have exposure to scientific inquiry and research methodologies.
- Letters of Recommendation: OHSU requires at least three letters of recommendation, including one from a science professor and one from a healthcare professional who has supervised the applicant in a clinical setting.
- Interview Process: OHSU uses the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format, which assesses applicants’ communication skills, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities in various scenarios. This format is designed to evaluate candidates’ readiness for patient interaction and teamwork.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from the OHSU School of Medicine are highly sought after due to the institution’s reputation for excellence in clinical training and public health. The following are typical starting salaries for OHSU graduates entering various medical fields:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $240,000
- Specialists: $250,000 to $350,000, depending on specialty
- Surgeons: $350,000 to $500,000, depending on the surgical specialty
OHSU MD Program Curriculum
OHSU’s MD program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of medical science while fostering the development of essential clinical skills and professionalism. The curriculum is patient-centered, with an emphasis on developing physicians who are skilled in communication, teamwork, and lifelong learning.
Key Features of the Curriculum
- Early Clinical Exposure:
- OHSU’s MD program offers students early clinical exposure, starting in the first year. This approach allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, helping them develop clinical skills and confidence in patient care.
- Integrated Curriculum:
- The curriculum integrates foundational medical sciences with clinical training, ensuring that students can seamlessly transition from classroom learning to patient care. Courses are structured around body systems, with case-based learning playing a central role in the educational experience.
- Rural and Underserved Medicine Focus:
- OHSU is committed to training physicians who will serve in rural and underserved communities. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations in rural areas of Oregon, where they learn to address the unique healthcare challenges of these populations.
- Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs):
- OHSU offers longitudinal integrated clerkships, where students follow a cohort of patients over time, providing continuity of care across multiple specialties. This model allows students to build stronger relationships with patients and develop a comprehensive understanding of patient management.
- Interdisciplinary Training:
- Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is a key component of the OHSU curriculum. Medical students work alongside nursing, pharmacy, and public health students to learn how to provide coordinated, team-based care.
- Capstone Projects:
- In their final year, students complete a capstone project that involves either research, quality improvement, or a community service project. This project allows students to demonstrate their ability to apply medical knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges.
Research Opportunities at OHSU School of Medicine
OHSU is a leader in medical research, with numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. Medical students at OHSU are encouraged to engage in research projects throughout their education, and the school provides ample opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research.
Major Research Areas
- Cancer Research:
- OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute is a world leader in cancer research, focusing on personalized medicine, cancer prevention, and the development of new treatments. Students have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research aimed at improving cancer care.
- Neuroscience Research:
- OHSU has a strong focus on neuroscience research, with studies ranging from brain development to neurodegenerative diseases. The school’s research efforts aim to improve the understanding of brain function and develop new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Cardiovascular Research:
- OHSU is home to several research programs dedicated to cardiovascular health, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease. Students interested in cardiology can participate in research that explores the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases.
- Public Health and Health Policy:
- OHSU’s School of Medicine has a strong focus on public health research, particularly in areas such as health disparities, rural health, and population health management. Students in the MD/MPH program often engage in research that explores how public health interventions can improve healthcare outcomes for underserved populations.
Research Opportunities for Students
- Summer Research Fellowship Program:
- OHSU offers a Summer Research Fellowship Program, allowing medical students to work on research projects between their first and second years of medical school. This program provides students with valuable experience in biomedical research and helps them develop skills in scientific inquiry and data analysis.
- MD/PhD Research:
- Students enrolled in the MD/PhD program conduct extensive research in a specific biomedical field while completing their medical training. This dual-degree program is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in academic medicine or biomedical research.
Commitment to Rural and Underserved Communities
OHSU has a strong commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. This commitment is reflected in the school’s curriculum, clinical training opportunities, and community outreach initiatives.
Key Programs and Initiatives
- Oregon AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Program:
- The Oregon AHEC program is designed to improve access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas by training healthcare professionals to practice in these communities. OHSU students participate in AHEC-sponsored clinical rotations in rural areas, gaining hands-on experience in addressing the unique challenges of rural healthcare.
- Rural Health Rotations:
- During their clinical years, OHSU students have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in rural healthcare settings. These rotations provide students with valuable experience in managing the healthcare needs of rural populations, including limited access to specialists and healthcare resources.
- Scholarly Projects in Rural Health:
- OHSU encourages students to undertake scholarly projects that address healthcare challenges in rural and underserved communities. These projects can focus on topics such as telemedicine, healthcare delivery models, or public health interventions aimed at improving healthcare access.
- Global Health Program:
- OHSU’s Global Health Program offers students the opportunity to participate in international clinical rotations and research projects. These experiences allow students to work in low-resource settings and gain a global perspective on healthcare delivery.