George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) was founded in 1824. It is a private medical school in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, DC.
As one of the oldest medical schools in the United States, GWU SMHS benefits from sitting close to Congress, federal agencies, and international organizations, inside a rich global health and health policy ecosystem. The school is particularly known for its global health programs, and has strong ties to the DC public health infrastructure.
What makes GWU School of Medicine (MD) different
GWU's Washington, DC location is a genuine educational asset: students have access to Capitol Hill policy hearings, federal health agency partnerships (NIH, CDC, FDA, HHS), and major international health organizations. The school's MD/MPH program is one of the most prestigious in the country and can be completed concurrently.
The Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library is among the largest in the US and provides substantial research support.
GWU School of Medicine (MD) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Integrated curriculum combining basic science, clinical skills, and health systems content from Year 1. Strong global health elective and dual-degree pathways (MD/MPH, MD/MBA). Clinical rotations at GW Hospital and affiliated DC-area hospitals and clinics. The DC location provides access to international organization placements (PAHO, WHO/AMRO, World Bank health programs).
GWU School of Medicine (MD) research strengths
GWU School of Medicine (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Global health
- Health policy and systems
- Infectious disease
- Oncology
- Health disparities
How the GWU School of Medicine (MD) interview runs
Format: Traditional interview (faculty, student, and/or staff interviewers)
GWU SMHS uses a traditional interview format consisting of one or two conversational sessions with faculty, current medical students, and/or admissions staff, typically 30–45 minutes each. Interviews are non-blind — interviewers have reviewed the full application.
The format is conversational and probes motivation, global health interest, ethical reasoning, and ability to discuss complex healthcare policy topics, reflecting GWU's Washington, DC location. The interview day includes a campus tour in Foggy Bottom and an informational session.
GWU School of Medicine (MD) intake
Approximately 210 students per year (expanded from ~182 in Fall 2024).
GWU School of Medicine (MD) at a glance
Founded in 1824. Based in Washington, DC.
Programmes offered:
- Global Health
- Health Policy
- Internal Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Health Systems Research