Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University was founded in 1901. It is a state-related public medical school on North Philadelphia's Health Sciences Campus. Through Temple University Hospital, a Level I trauma center and safety-net institution, it serves one of the most underserved urban patient populations in the US.
The school's mission is to train physicians for urban underserved communities, and it runs significant research programs in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Temple graduates match broadly, with strong representation in primary care and urban medicine.
What makes Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (MD) different
Lewis Katz School of Medicine is one of the most research-intensive medical schools affiliated with a large urban public university, serving the North Philadelphia community — one of the most socioeconomically challenged urban communities in the United States.
Temple University Hospital is a major level I trauma center and safety-net hospital providing care to a predominantly uninsured and publicly insured patient population. The school has a notable strength in cardiovascular medicine and is the home of Dr. Lazar Greenfield-era vascular surgery innovations. The college recently renamed its school after philanthropist Lewis Katz following a major endowment gift.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (MD) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Years 1–2: integrated organ-system curriculum with early patient contact and community health experiences in North Philadelphia. Years 3–4: core clerkships at Temple University Hospital, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and affiliated community health centers. Dual-degree programs include MD/PhD and MD/MPH.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (MD) research strengths
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Pulmonary medicine
- Cancer biology
- Urban health disparities
- Neuroscience
How the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (MD) interview runs
Format: Traditional one-on-one or panel interviews with faculty and students
Lewis Katz School of Medicine interview day is held at the Health Sciences Campus in North Philadelphia. Candidates typically participate in two one-on-one sessions of 30–45 minutes each with a faculty physician and a current medical student.
Interviewers have reviewed the full application beforehand and focus heavily on motivation for medicine in an urban underserved setting, awareness of North Philadelphia health challenges, and personal resilience. The day includes a tour of Temple University Hospital — a level I trauma center and major North Philadelphia safety-net hospital — informal lunch with current students, and an admissions overview.
Temple evaluates candidates using a structured AAMC competency-based rubric with particular emphasis on service orientation and community health commitment.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (MD) intake
Approximately 200 students per year.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (MD) at a glance
Founded in 1901. Based in Philadelphia, PA.
Programmes offered:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Urban Health
- Trauma Surgery
- Primary Care
- Pulmonology