Best Medical Schools in Washington

Washington is home to some of the best medical schools in the country, which are renowned for their focus on primary care, rural medicine, cutting-edge research, and healthcare innovation. With a strong emphasis on community health and a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities in underserved areas, the medical schools in Washington offer students a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive medical education and training.

University of Washington School of Medicine

Overview of the University of Washington School of Medicine

The University of Washington School of Medicine (UW Medicine), located in Seattle, is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in the United States, especially in the fields of primary care, family medicine, and rural health. Established in 1946, UW Medicine is part of the WWAMI Program, a unique multi-state medical education program that serves Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. UW Medicine is dedicated to training physicians who are compassionate, innovative, and community-oriented, with a special focus on improving healthcare in underserved and rural areas across the Pacific Northwest.

UW Medicine is known for its strong emphasis on research, clinical training, and community health initiatives. The school’s mission is to educate physicians who will be leaders in improving healthcare delivery, advancing medical research, and addressing healthcare disparities in diverse communities.

Key Features of UW School of Medicine

M.D. Program

• WWAMI Program: One of the defining features of UW Medicine’s M.D. program is the WWAMI Program, which allows students from Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho to complete their medical education in their home states while still receiving world-class training. Students spend their first year in their home states, completing foundational medical science coursework, and then move on to clinical rotations in rural and urban areas across the WWAMI region. This program provides students with valuable experience in rural healthcare settings, preparing them to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations.
• Primary Care Focus: UW Medicine is widely recognized for its focus on primary care and family medicine. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of preventive medicine, patient-centered care, and population health. Many graduates go on to pursue careers in primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
• Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC): UW Medicine offers a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) option for students who prefer a continuous, patient-centered clinical experience. In the LIC, students follow a cohort of patients over time, gaining experience across multiple specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry. This model allows students to build stronger relationships with patients and provides a more holistic view of patient care.
• Rural/Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP): The RUOP Program offers students the opportunity to spend time in rural and underserved communities during their training. Through this program, students gain hands-on experience providing primary care in low-resource settings, and they learn about the unique healthcare challenges faced by these populations. Many students choose to complete their clinical rotations in rural areas, where they develop skills in rural health, primary care, and community-based healthcare delivery.
• Dual-Degree Programs: UW Medicine offers several dual-degree programs, including the M.D./Ph.D., M.D./MPH, and M.D./MHA (Master of Health Administration) programs. These programs allow students to combine their medical education with advanced training in research, public health, or healthcare administration, preparing them for leadership roles in healthcare, academia, or policy.

Clinical Training and Facilities

• UW Medical Center: Clinical training at UW Medicine takes place primarily at the University of Washington Medical Center, a top-ranked academic hospital that provides comprehensive care in a wide range of specialties, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, and transplant surgery. Students work alongside experienced physicians, residents, and healthcare professionals in both inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining exposure to complex medical conditions and cutting-edge treatments.
• Harborview Medical Center: Another key clinical training site is Harborview Medical Center, a leading trauma center and public hospital in Seattle. Harborview is known for its excellence in emergency medicine, trauma care, burn treatment, and infectious diseases. Students completing rotations at Harborview gain valuable experience in treating critically ill and injured patients, as well as providing care to underserved populations.
• Seattle Children’s Hospital: Students interested in pediatrics can complete rotations at Seattle Children’s Hospital, one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country. Seattle Children’s is known for its expertise in pediatric specialties, including neonatology, pediatric oncology, and pediatric surgery. Students gain hands-on experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of clinical settings.
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System: UW Medicine is affiliated with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, where students can gain experience in treating veterans with complex medical conditions. This training site offers exposure to specialized care for veterans, including mental health services, rehabilitation, and chronic disease management.
• WWAMI Clinical Rotations: As part of the WWAMI Program, students complete clinical rotations in rural and urban areas across the WWAMI region. These rotations provide students with experience in rural healthcare delivery, where they learn to address the unique challenges of practicing medicine in low-resource settings. Clinical sites include community hospitals, rural health centers, and tribal clinics, offering students a diverse range of experiences.

Research and Innovation

• Top Research Institution: UW Medicine is a leader in biomedical research, consistently receiving top funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The school conducts groundbreaking research in fields such as cancer, neuroscience, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular health. Students have the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers on innovative projects that advance medical science and improve patient care.
• Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME): UW Medicine is home to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), a global research center focused on measuring health outcomes and healthcare performance. Students interested in public health research can collaborate with IHME on projects related to global health, epidemiology, and healthcare delivery.
• Research Opportunities for Students: UW Medicine encourages students to engage in research throughout their education. The school offers research fellowships, summer research programs, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials. Students can work on projects in areas such as global health, infectious diseases, cancer research, and rural health.

Community Health and Public Health Initiatives

• Community Health Partnerships: UW Medicine is deeply committed to improving healthcare access for underserved populations in the Pacific Northwest. The school partners with community health centers, free clinics, and public health organizations to provide healthcare services to low-income and marginalized communities. Students participate in community health initiatives, including health fairs, free clinics, and public health outreach programs that address healthcare disparities.
• Public Health Training: UW Medicine offers a dual-degree M.D./MPH program for students interested in combining clinical medicine with public health. This program provides students with the skills to address public health challenges, such as chronic disease prevention, healthcare access, and health policy. Students learn to integrate population health principles into clinical practice, preparing them to improve health outcomes in their communities.
• Global Health Programs: UW Medicine has a strong focus on global health, with opportunities for students to participate in clinical rotations and research projects in low-resource settings around the world. The school’s Global Health Program facilitates partnerships with healthcare organizations in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Peru, and Thailand. Students gain experience in healthcare delivery, infectious disease management, and global health policy through these international opportunities.

Admissions and Application Process

Admission to the University of Washington School of Medicine is highly competitive. Key admissions criteria include:

• MCAT Scores and GPA: The average MCAT score for admitted students is typically between 510 and 514, with an average GPA of around 3.7. UW Medicine values academic excellence, particularly in science courses.
• Research and Clinical Experience: UW Medicine looks for applicants with significant research and clinical experience. Research experience, particularly in areas related to primary care, rural health, or global health, is highly valued. Clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working in rural or underserved areas, is also important.
• Commitment to Community Service: UW Medicine seeks applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to serving underserved populations. Volunteering in community health programs, rural clinics, or public health initiatives can strengthen an application.
• Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation: A compelling personal statement that reflects the applicant’s motivation for pursuing medicine, leadership experience, and commitment to community health is essential. Strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or healthcare professionals are also required.
• Interview Process: Selected applicants are invited to participate in interviews, where they are assessed on their communication skills, leadership potential, and fit with UW Medicine’s mission to improve healthcare access and address healthcare disparities.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

Overview of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU-COM)

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM), located in Yakima, Washington, is a relatively new medical school, having admitted its first class in 2008. PNWU-COM is focused on training osteopathic physicians who are committed to improving healthcare access in rural and underserved communities, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. The school emphasizes primary care, rural health, and community-based healthcare delivery.

PNWU-COM’s mission is to educate osteopathic physicians who are compassionate, community-focused, and dedicated to serving underserved populations. The school’s curriculum integrates osteopathic principles with hands-on clinical training, preparing students for careers in primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, and other specialties that are in high demand in rural areas.

Key Features of PNWU-COM

D.O. Program

• Osteopathic Philosophy: The D.O. program at PNWU-COM is rooted in the osteopathic philosophy of healthcare, which focuses on treating the whole person and using Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of osteopathic principles with evidence-based medicine, preparing students to provide holistic, patient-centered care.
• Primary Care and Rural Health Focus: PNWU-COM places a strong emphasis on primary care and rural health, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for practice in rural and underserved areas. Many graduates go on to pursue careers in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency medicine, often serving communities with limited access to healthcare services.
• Four-Year Curriculum: The D.O. program follows a traditional four-year structure. The first two years focus on basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as training in osteopathic manipulative techniques. The third and fourth years are dedicated to clinical rotations in specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.
• Rural Clinical Rotations: PNWU-COM offers extensive clinical training opportunities in rural areas. Through partnerships with healthcare organizations across the Pacific Northwest, students complete clinical rotations in rural hospitals, community clinics, and tribal health centers. These rotations provide students with valuable experience in rural healthcare delivery, where they learn to address the unique challenges of practicing medicine in low-resource settings.

Clinical Training and Facilities

• Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic: Clinical training for PNWU-COM students often takes place at the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, a community health center that provides care to underserved populations, including migrant workers and low-income families. Students gain experience in primary care, preventive health, and chronic disease management, learning to address healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.
• Affiliated Hospitals and Clinics: PNWU-COM has affiliations with hospitals and clinics across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Students complete clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including rural health centers, community hospitals, and specialty clinics. These rotations provide students with exposure to diverse patient populations and a wide range of medical conditions.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Lab: PNWU-COM is equipped with a state-of-the-art Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Lab, where students practice osteopathic manipulative techniques under the guidance of experienced faculty. OMT is an integral part of the D.O. curriculum, and students learn to use hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and other medical conditions.

Research and Innovation

• Research Opportunities for Students: PNWU-COM encourages students to engage in research, particularly in areas related to rural health, primary care, and healthcare disparities. The school offers research electives and summer research programs that allow students to work with faculty on projects that aim to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural and underserved areas.
• Rural Health Research: PNWU-COM conducts research on healthcare disparities, rural healthcare delivery, and public health challenges in rural communities. Students interested in rural health research can participate in projects that explore innovative solutions to improve access to care and address the unique healthcare needs of rural populations.

Community Health and Public Health Initiatives

• Community-Based Healthcare: PNWU-COM is deeply committed to improving healthcare access for underserved populations in the Pacific Northwest. The school partners with community health centers, tribal health organizations, and rural hospitals to provide healthcare services to low-income, uninsured, and rural populations. Students participate in community-based healthcare programs that focus on primary care, preventive health, and chronic disease management.
• Public Health and Preventive Medicine: PNWU-COM integrates public health education into its curriculum, preparing students to address healthcare disparities, prevent chronic diseases, and promote public health in their communities. Students learn to apply public health principles to clinical practice, ensuring that they are equipped to improve population health outcomes.

Admissions and Application Process

Admission to Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine is competitive. Key admissions criteria include:

• MCAT Scores and GPA: The average MCAT score for admitted students is typically between 505 and 510, with an average GPA of around 3.5. PNWU-COM values academic performance, particularly in science courses.
• Commitment to Rural Health and Primary Care: PNWU-COM places a strong emphasis on training physicians who are committed to serving rural and underserved populations. Applicants with experience in rural healthcare settings, community health programs, or public health initiatives are highly regarded.
• Clinical Experience and Leadership: PNWU-COM looks for applicants with significant clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working in rural or underserved communities. Leadership experience and involvement in extracurricular activities are also important components of a strong application.
• Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation: A compelling personal statement that reflects the applicant’s motivation for pursuing osteopathic medicine, leadership experience, and commitment to serving underserved populations is essential. Strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or healthcare professionals are also required.

Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

Overview of Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (WSU College of Medicine), located in Spokane, Washington, is a relatively new medical school, having welcomed its first class in 2017. WSU College of Medicine is focused on training physicians who are committed to improving healthcare access in Washington, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The school’s mission is to educate physicians who will serve as leaders in rural health, community health, and public health.

WSU College of Medicine emphasizes a community-based approach to medical education, with clinical training taking place at healthcare facilities across the state. The school is named after the late Elson S. Floyd, the former president of Washington State University, who was a champion of healthcare innovation and medical education.

Key Features of WSU College of Medicine

M.D. Program

• Community-Based Medical Education: The M.D. program at WSU College of Medicine follows a community-based medical education model. Students complete their clinical training at healthcare facilities across Washington, including rural hospitals, community clinics, and tribal health centers. This model allows students to gain experience in diverse healthcare settings, particularly in underserved areas.
• Focus on Rural Health and Primary Care: WSU College of Medicine places a strong emphasis on rural health and primary care. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for practice in rural and underserved communities, with many students pursuing careers in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The school actively encourages students to consider serving in rural areas after graduation.
• Four-Year Curriculum: The M.D. program follows a four-year curriculum that integrates basic science education with clinical training. The first two years focus on foundational sciences, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, while the third and fourth years are dedicated to clinical rotations in a variety of specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.

Clinical Training and Facilities

• Affiliated Hospitals and Clinics: Clinical training at WSU College of Medicine takes place at affiliated hospitals and clinics across Washington. These sites include rural health centers, community hospitals, and tribal clinics, providing students with experience in rural healthcare delivery. Students gain hands-on experience in primary care, family medicine, and emergency care, learning to address the unique challenges of practicing medicine in underserved communities.
• Spokane Teaching Health Center: One of the primary clinical training sites for WSU students is the Spokane Teaching Health Center, a community health center that provides care to underserved populations in Spokane. Students gain experience in primary care, preventive health, and chronic disease management while working with low-income and uninsured patients.
• Rural Clinical Rotations: WSU College of Medicine offers extensive clinical training opportunities in rural areas. Students complete clinical rotations in rural hospitals and clinics across Washington, where they learn to provide care to rural populations with limited access to healthcare services. These rotations are designed to prepare students for the unique challenges of rural medicine.

Research and Innovation

• Rural Health Research: WSU College of Medicine is committed to advancing research that addresses the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations. The school’s Center for Rural Health Research and Policy conducts research on healthcare disparities, rural healthcare delivery, and health policy. Students interested in rural health research can collaborate with faculty on projects that aim to improve access to care and health outcomes in rural areas.
• Research Opportunities for Students: WSU encourages students to engage in research throughout their medical education. The school offers summer research fellowships, research electives, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials. Students can work on projects related to rural health, primary care, public health, and healthcare innovation.

Community Health and Public Health Initiatives

• Community Health Partnerships: WSU College of Medicine is deeply committed to improving healthcare access for underserved populations in Washington. The school partners with community health centers, tribal health organizations, and rural hospitals to provide healthcare services to low-income, uninsured, and rural populations. Students participate in community health programs that focus on primary care, preventive health, and chronic disease management.
• Public Health Training: WSU integrates public health education into its curriculum, preparing students to address healthcare disparities, prevent chronic diseases, and promote public health in their communities. Students learn to apply public health principles to clinical practice, ensuring that they are equipped to improve population health outcomes.

Admissions and Application Process

Admission to Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is competitive. Key admissions criteria include:

• MCAT Scores and GPA: The average MCAT score for admitted students is typically between 507 and 511, with an average GPA of around 3.6. WSU College of Medicine values academic excellence, particularly in science courses.
• Commitment to Rural Health and Primary Care: WSU seeks applicants who are dedicated to serving rural and underserved populations. Clinical experience in rural healthcare settings, community health programs, or public health initiatives is highly valued.
• Clinical Experience and Leadership: WSU looks for applicants with significant clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working in rural or underserved communities. Leadership experience and involvement in extracurricular activities are also important components of a strong application.
• Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation: A strong personal statement that reflects the applicant’s motivation for pursuing medicine and commitment to rural health is essential. Strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or healthcare professionals are also required.