About GW

The George Washington University

Founded in 1821 as a private, nonsectarian coeducational institution, The George Washington University has grown to 90 buildings on 43 acres in the heart of the historic Foggy Bottom area of the nation's capital. More than 19,000 students from all of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 90 foreign countries are enrolled in the various graduate and undergraduate programs.

The George Washington University Medical Center

Founded in 1824, The George Washington University Medical Center (GWUMC) is a nationally recognized, interdisciplinary academic health care center comprising the University Hospital, the Medical Faculty Associates, which includes both the primary care and specialty practices of the medical faculty, the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the School of Public Health and Health Services, and the GW Health Plan, a 26-year-old health maintenance organization serving nearly 90,000 members. The Medical Center also has three research institutes: the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, the Institute for Clinical Research and Clinical Trials, and the Institute for Health Policy, Outcomes, and Human Values. GWUMC is especially known for its Neurological Institute, Cancer Center, cardiovascular research and treatment, and Emergency Department. It is a major Washington area employer, with more than 3,000 employees.

GWUMC physicians and staff have a long tradition of public service. They serve as volunteers in many non-profit health clinics in Washington, D.C., including the Whitman-Walker Clinic, Zacchaeus Free Clinic, Health Care for the Homeless, and La Clinica del Pueblo. In addition, the GW Breast Care Center runs the area’s only mobile mammography unit, the GW Mammovan, in conjunction with the Cancer Research Foundation of America.

In 1824 The George Washington University (then called Columbian College) opened the United States’ 11th medical department with a six-member faculty, who sold lecture tickets to both students and the general public. Former President John Quincy Adams, a member of Congress, attended many lectures.

With the opening of the Washington Infirmary in 1844, the department established the nation's first general hospital, and by taking the then-radical step of including clinical studies in the curriculum, made GW one of America's first teaching hospitals. The University assumed full responsibility for the medical school and has supported it ever since.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The George Washington University does not unlawfully discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. This policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of the University, including admission to education programs and employment. The University is subject to the District of Columbia Human Rights Act.

Inquires concerning the application of this policy and federal laws and regulations concerning discrimination in education or employment programs and activities may be addressed to Susan B. Kaplan, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, (202) 994-4433, to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, or to the Director of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission/Washington Field Office.

To request disability accommodations, students should contact the Office of Disability Support Services, (202) 994-8250 (TDD/voice), and employees should contact the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, (202) 994-9656 (voice) or 9650 (TDD).