The University of Virginia School of Medicine was founded in 1827 by Thomas Jefferson. It is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious public medical schools. It sits in Charlottesville on Jefferson's Academic Village. UVA SOM runs a research-intensive 4-year MD curriculum with early clinical exposure, and strong pathways in biomedical research, global health, and clinical investigation.
UVA Health is the primary tertiary care and teaching hospital network. Students also train at the Salem VA Medical Center and at community health sites across rural central Virginia.
What makes University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD) different
UVA SOM operates within one of the leading academic health systems in the Southeast, with a strong research enterprise spanning cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, and infectious disease. The school has a historic honor tradition consistent with the broader University of Virginia culture. Training occurs in Charlottesville's integrated health system, providing exposure from rural outreach clinics to high-acuity academic medicine.
University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Year 1–2: Integrated preclinical phase (iClinical) combines basic sciences with patient contact from day one. Year 3–4: Core clinical clerkships at UVA Health with elective and global health opportunities. A scholarly project requirement spans the curriculum for MD students interested in research.
University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD) research strengths
University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Cancer immunotherapy
- Cardiovascular genetics
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Infectious disease and global health
- Health equity
How the University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD) interview runs
Format: Two 30-minute virtual interviews with Admissions Committee members
UVA SOM applicants complete two 30-minute virtual interviews with Admissions Committee members — typically two faculty, or one faculty member plus a fourth-year medical student — scheduled in small groups. Not an MMI.
University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD) intake
Approximately 156 students per year.
University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD) at a glance
Founded in 1825. Based in Charlottesville, VA.
Programmes offered:
- Cancer Biology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Disease
- Global Health