Saint Louis University School of Medicine, founded in 1836, is one of the oldest and most historically significant medical schools in the American Midwest and the nation's foremost Jesuit medical school. Located on SLU's south St. Louis campus adjacent to SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, it offers a rigorous MD curriculum grounded in the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis — care for the whole person — and a strong emphasis on social justice and service. The school has particular strengths in primary care, internal medicine, and biomedical research, with a growing focus on global health and health equity.
What makes it different
One of the nation's oldest Jesuit medical schools, founded on principles of cura personalis and service to the whole person. Strong primary care and international health programs. Located in St. Louis, one of the Midwest's largest medical markets. AAMC-approved MD program with strong match outcomes in competitive specialties.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Years 1–2: integrated organ-system curriculum with clinical skills. Years 3–4: core rotations at SSM Health SLU Hospital and affiliated community and VA sites. A longitudinal community medicine track and global health electives are available. Scholarly concentration project required.
Research strengths
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (MD) has notable research strength in Cancer biology, Infectious disease, Cardiovascular medicine, Neuroscience, Global health.
Interview
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (MD) interviews via Traditional interview (one-on-one faculty and student interviews, ~30–45 min each). SLU School of Medicine conducts traditional one-on-one interviews with a faculty physician and a medical student, each approximately 30–45 minutes. The day includes a campus tour of SLU's Medical Center, an admissions overview, and informal student interaction. Because SLU is a Jesuit institution, interviewers often probe the applicant's values around social justice, cura personalis (care for the whole person), and service to underserved communities — consistent with Jesuit educational philosophy. Candidates are expected to be able to articulate a reflective perspective on the ethical dimensions of medicine and their personal motivation beyond career success.
Intake
Approximately 180 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 1836, based in St. Louis, MO. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Global Health, Biomedical Research, Health Equity.