Innovation in Education

Since 1782, Harvard Medical School has prepared generations of physicians for leadership roles in education, research and policy and to care for patients with integrity, skill and compassion. For over 200 years, the School has influenced and shaped the design of medical school education throughout the world. From Harvard University President Charles Eliot—who in the 19th century developed the concept of a medical school as we know it today—to the groundbreaking New Pathway curriculum of the 1980s, HMS has led a continual process of growth and innovation in education. Today, the School continues to enhance its curriculum to meet the needs of 21st-century medicine by integrating clinical and basic science across the curriculum, developing new models for clinical education and engaging students in an in-depth scholarly experience.

Scientific discovery and integrity

Creativity fuels the engine of discovery at Harvard Medical School, where more than 11,000 faculty members direct research to advance the boundaries of knowledge. This work takes place on the School’s Boston campus and across the metropolitan area at 17 affiliated hospitals and research institutes. The integrity of the HMS faculty as they pursue their clinical, research and teaching missions is of paramount importance, and the challenge posed by potential conflicts of interest is one the School takes extremely seriously. Faculty members seeking guidance on the HMS policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment should contact the Office for Academic Research and Integrity.

Diversity and professional development

Harvard Medical School is committed to supporting the academic careers of all 11,000 plus faculty members and to advancing professional development of its staff. To that end, the Office for Faculty Affairs helps faculty navigate the promotions and appointments systems, identify career resources and understand the governance of the HMS community. The Office for Academic and Clinical Affairs provides information and resources for faculty members working in labs, classrooms and clinics. The Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership promotes inclusive recruitment, retention and advancement of HMS faculty and supports a diverse community of HMS faculty, trainees, students and staff. The Office of Human Resources provides a vital resource for the School's professional and administrative staff.

Service to humanity

The HMS mission to alleviate human suffering caused by disease extends to all members of society and to all corners of the globe. HMS students acquire an education where the fundamental importance of compassion is continually reinforced through an extraordinary variety of service experiences in community health centers, multiservice nonprofit agencies, schools and public health sites in Boston and around the world.