Do you know how a group of Dallas physicians sparked a medical revolution? That’s how Baylor College of Medicine began. It stands as a beacon of medical education and research right here in Houston.
Originally, Baylor College of Medicine started in 1900 in Dallas. It was called the University of Dallas Medical Department. This happened even without a real University of Dallas. A group of doctors simply decided to establish a medical college. They opened in a former synagogue with 81 students. Imagine that.
In 1903, Baylor University in Waco joined the venture. The name changed to Baylor University College of Medicine. By 1918, it was the only private medical school in Texas.
Then in 1943, the M.D. Anderson Foundation made an offer Baylor couldn’t refuse. It invited Baylor to the new Texas Medical Center in Houston. The school started in a converted Sears warehouse. Later, it moved to the Roy and Lillie Cullen Building. This was the first completed building in the Texas Medical Center.
Michael E. DeBakey joined Baylor College of Medicine in 1948. He became the surgery department chair. His surgical techniques put Baylor on the map.
A significant shift occurred in 1969. The college became independent. It changed its name to Baylor College of Medicine. This allowed access to federal research funding. It also doubled its class size to increase Texas physicians.
Baylor College of Medicine faced a challenge in 2004. It parted ways with Houston Methodist Hospital. This was its primary private adult teaching hospital. It was a rare event in American medical history.
In 2014, Baylor College of Medicine partnered with CHI St. Luke’s. Together, they became joint owners of Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Baylor College of Medicine announced a new affiliation with Baylor Scott & White Health in 2020. This will create a new medical school campus in Temple, Texas. It plans to enroll 40 students each year.
Baylor College of Medicine consistently ranks high. Its programs are nationally recognized. The Nurse Anesthetist program is ranked 2nd. The Physician Assistant program is ranked 3rd.
Baylor College of Medicine has a unique curriculum. It offers an accelerated 1.5-year preclinical program. It also provides dual degree programs. Students can earn an MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, or MD/JD.
Since 1971, Baylor College of Medicine has received state funding. This helps subsidize the education of Texas residents. In turn, it keeps tuition fees comparable to state medical schools.
Baylor College of Medicine has trained over 11251 physicians. Almost 4400 practice in Texas. More than 2000 are in the Houston area.
Baylor College of Medicine’s research is remarkable. In 2024, they successfully administered the first mRNA vaccine for a deadly virus in Asian elephants.
From humble beginnings in a Dallas synagogue to a powerhouse in the Texas Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine continues to shape the future of medicine.