There is a continuing shortage of primary care physicians in this country, creating an urgent need for more family practitioners, general internists, pediatricians and obstetricians/gynecologists in many communities. The shortage of African-American, Hispanic, Native Americans and other underrepresented medical professionals in inner-city areas is particularly acute. Thus, recruiting and training a diverse workforce that represents the diversity of the patients being served in such communities is of utmost importance and ensures health equity across the continuum of care.
Over forty years ago, CUNY and City College decided to make a difference by developing the most unique physician and physician assistant training programs in the nation – The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. Since its founding in 1973, The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, now known as the CUNY School of Medicine/Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program continues its original mission to recruit underrepresented populations into medicine, increased medical services in underserved areas, and increased the availability of primary care physicians and physician assistants that reflect the diversity of our surrounding communities. This mission is currently served with an 85% enrollment rate of students from backgrounds that are Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM; e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American), greatly exceeding the current U.S. medical school average of 43%.
The CUNY School of Medicine encompasses an innovative accelerated BS/MD program that combines a Bachelor of Science degree and an M.D. degree in seven years and a 28-month Physician Assistant Program that leads to a Masters degree in P.A. Studies and eligibility to take the physician assistant national certification examination (PANCE).
The CUNY School Of Medicine (formerly the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education) was established in 1973 . Located in Harlem, this new school was created to provide quality healthcare to underserved communities and produce highly skilled medical practitioners. Here's what you need to know about CSOM.
in National Rankings for recruitment of African American Students
Student to Faculty ratio
of Alumni are employed or in graduate school
in enrollment of female students in New York State two years in a row
Each year, MedEdPORTAL gives special recognition to our top reviewers and associate editors for their timeliness, thoroughness, and commitment to upholding the mission of MedEdPORTAL. This year Erica Friedman, MD recognized as Associate Editors of the Year. Readmore...
MedEdPORTAL welcomes Emine Erickan Abali, Ph.D., assistant dean of basic science curriculum, CUNY School of Medicine (CSOM), as the newest Associate Editor. Dr. Abali will be overseeing submissions in the areas of biochemistry and genetics and has been a long-time advocate of MedEdPORTAL serving as both a reviewer and faculty mentor for many years. Read more ...
The CSOM PA program was one of ten programs selected to receive funding from the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) to develop a standardized curriculum for substance use disorders. This grant will help PA programs and faculty ensure that graduates are fully prepared to identify and provide high-quality care for those with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Read More
CSOM medical students fight cancer in Tanzania
Tanzania, one of Africa’s largest countries with a population of almost 55 million, has only one cancer treatment center in Dar es Salaam with limited resources. B.S./M.D. Program students from the CUNY School of Medicine at The City College of New York are helping patients of the Ocean Road Cancer Institute fight cancer using their research skills. Read more
CSOM student presented her research at the Society for the Analysis of African American Public Health Issues
CUNY School of Medicine M1 students, Ms. Akhila Chilakala, who recently presented her research at the Society for the Analysis of African American Public Health Issues, which was a pre-conference to the American Public Health Association, in Philadelphia PA. Read More
The CUNY School of Medicine
Harris Hall
160 Convent Avenue 138 St.
New York, NY 10031
p: 212.650.7718 (BS/MD Inquiries)
p: 212-650- 7746 (PA Program Inquiries)