Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed), established in 2012 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was created through a landmark $100 million gift from the family of Homer Stryker, the orthopaedic surgeon who founded Stryker Corporation. The school uses a fully problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum and is housed in a purpose-built education and biomedical research complex in downtown Kalamazoo.
Clinical training occurs at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Ascension Borgess Hospital, and a network of community sites. WMed emphasizes self-directed learning, interprofessional education, and physician advocacy.
What makes WMed — Homer Stryker School of Medicine (MD) different
Endowed by a $100 million gift from the Stryker family, WMed is one of the best-funded new US medical schools. It uses a fully problem-based learning curriculum and a highly selective interview model. The downtown Kalamazoo Education Center is purpose-built with advanced simulation and standardized patient facilities.
WMed — Homer Stryker School of Medicine (MD) course & teaching
PBL curriculum. 4-year MD fully using PBL case-based learning in small groups; no traditional lectures in the pre-clerkship phase. Standardized patient encounters begin in Year 1. Years 3–4 core rotations at Bronson Methodist and Borgess hospitals in Kalamazoo. Research scholarly project required.
WMed — Homer Stryker School of Medicine (MD) research strengths
WMed — Homer Stryker School of Medicine (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Musculoskeletal disease
- Cancer biology
- Health equity
- Medical education
- Community health
How the WMed — Homer Stryker School of Medicine (MD) interview runs
Format: MMI (multiple mini-interview, 8 stations, in person)
WMed uses an 8-station MMI with stations of approximately 8 minutes each, assessing ethical reasoning, communication, critical thinking, and self-awareness. The interview day is held at the WMed Education Center in downtown Kalamazoo and includes a tour of the facility, a student panel discussion, and an overview of the school's unique problem-based learning curriculum.
WMed MMI stations frequently test ability to handle ambiguity and incomplete information — consistent with the school's PBL philosophy. Interviewers are faculty physicians, community clinicians, and standardized patients.
WMed — Homer Stryker School of Medicine (MD) intake
Approximately 85 students per year.
WMed — Homer Stryker School of Medicine (MD) at a glance
Founded in 2012. Based in Kalamazoo, MI.
Programmes offered:
- Primary Care
- Internal Medicine
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Rural Health
- Biomedical Research