Welcome to the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. In the 179 year history of this school, there is no doubt that this is the best time to become a student at GW. Never have we had a combination of such dedicated faculty, enthusiastic students and state-of-the-art learning facilities. With a new hospital that is filled with patients from around the world and from all walks of life the tradition of training clinically excellent physicians is guaranteed at GW. However, GW has much more to offer.

Our basic science education has been augmented by a state-of-the-art computerized classroom. Imagine learning microscopic anatomy, pathology and microbiology without a microscope. This is now possible as all of these are taught in a digital format that we believe enhances the learning opportunities for our students. The hands on portion of the training will be enhanced in our new integrated education and research center located on the sixth floor of the GW Hospital. This includes a Clinical Learning and Simulated Skills center (CLASS) where students hone their skills through the use of standardized patients. In the short time it has been open, this center has already been recognized as a leader in the teaching and evaluation of healthcare professionals. In addition, the new surgical simulation suite provides students with highly sophisticated computer controlled mannequins to practice difficult procedures and techniques prior to attempting them on real patients.

Although GW is already known as a fertile training ground for superb clinicians for nearly two centuries, GW is brimming with new opportunities for our students. Imagine a school where you can pursue research at the National Institutes of Health, work with members of the World Health Organization, attend discussions about global health care financing with the World Bank, meet with our nation's leaders on the development of healthcare policy for the country, or pursue a Masters of Public Health degree during medical school. GW has long attracted a diverse student body from a broad section of social, cultural, geographic and educational backgrounds. We believe a particular strength of our school is its ability to provide students with unique personal and educational opportunities afforded by our location and our many contacts throughout the Washington metropolitan area. We have students involved in cutting edge research in cancer, vascular biology, emerging infectious diseases, neurobehavioral sciences and public health and health services. Some of our students are working on Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers about the needs for health care in this country. Others are involved in multiple opportunities abroad and bringing healthcare to parts of the world where it is so badly needed. There is also no institution more involved in preparing this country for acts of terrorism and training first responders.

Our primary missions will continue to be the education of excellent physicians, conducting research in improving the health of our community and our world, and providing superior clinical care for the Washington , DC area. We owe our success to the students who have chosen GW and to the dedicated faculty who work here. In addition to providing an excellent education, we are committed to creating almost limitless opportunities for our students and structure within the institution to allow each of our students to grow both as an individual and as a member of society.

James L. Scott, MD
Dean of the School of Medicine
Professor of Emergency Medicine