Tulane University School of Medicine, founded in 1834, is a nationally competitive private medical school located in the New Orleans Medical District. Tulane is world-renowned for tropical medicine, infectious disease, and global health — strengths rooted in New Orleans's history as a subtropical port city with a legacy of yellow fever, malaria, and other infectious diseases.
Today, Tulane's research enterprise spans HIV, emerging infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and health equity. Graduates are competitive for residency programs nationally and internationally.
What makes Tulane University School of Medicine (MD) different
Tulane School of Medicine is one of the world's preeminent centers for tropical medicine, infectious disease, and global health research. It is home to the Tulane National Primate Research Center and the Tulane Center for Infectious Diseases, providing extraordinary research infrastructure.
Tulane's New Orleans location — in a subtropical city with a historically high infectious disease burden — gives the school a unique clinical and research context. The school is private and nationally competitive, admitting a larger proportion of out-of-state and international students than Louisiana's public medical schools.
Tulane University School of Medicine (MD) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Years 1–2 integrate basic science, clinical skills, and early patient contact with a global health thread running throughout. Years 3–4 at Tulane Medical Center, University Medical Center New Orleans, Ochsner Health System, and affiliated hospitals. Tulane offers a Global Health concentration for MD students.
Tulane University School of Medicine (MD) research strengths
Tulane University School of Medicine (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Tropical and infectious disease
- Global health
- Cardiovascular biology
- Cancer research
- Health equity and social medicine
How the Tulane University School of Medicine (MD) interview runs
Format: Traditional one-on-one interviews with faculty and students in New Orleans
Tulane School of Medicine interview days are held in New Orleans and include two traditional one-on-one interviews — one with a faculty member or physician and one with a current medical student — each approximately 30 minutes.
Interviewers have reviewed the full application beforehand and often focus on global health interest, tropical medicine, research experience, service orientation, and motivation for medicine. The day includes a tour of Tulane's medical facilities, a financial aid session, and informal student interactions. Given Tulane's strengths in tropical medicine and international health, interviewers frequently probe global health experience and perspective.
Tulane University School of Medicine (MD) intake
Approximately 200 students per year.
Tulane University School of Medicine (MD) at a glance
Founded in 1834. Based in New Orleans, LA.
Programmes offered:
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Disease
- Global Health
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Oncology