George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), founded in 1824, is a private medical school located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, DC. As one of the oldest medical schools in the United States, GWU SMHS benefits from its proximity to Congress, federal agencies, international organizations, and a rich global health and health policy ecosystem. The school is particularly known for global health programs and has strong ties to the DC public health infrastructure.
What makes it 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.
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).
Research strengths
GWU School of Medicine (MD) has notable research strength in Global health, Health policy and systems, Infectious disease, Oncology, Health disparities.
Interview
GWU School of Medicine (MD) interviews via 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.
Intake
Approximately 210 students per year (expanded from ~182 in Fall 2024).
At a glance
Founded in 1824, based in Washington, DC. Programmes offered: Global Health, Health Policy, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Health Systems Research.