About Baylor College of Medicine
At Baylor College of Medicine, we have a proud history that dates back to our founding in 1900 in Dallas, Texas, originally as the University of Dallas Medical Department. Despite the University of Dallas not existing at that time, a dedicated group of Dallas physicians established our institution to advance medical education and practice in North Texas. We opened our doors to 81 students at a former synagogue, Temple Emanu-el, emphasizing our commitment to accessible and progressive medical training from the very start.
In 1903, we formed an alliance with Baylor University in Waco, Texas, adopting the name Baylor University College of Medicine. This partnership helped us grow and solidify our reputation as a premier private medical school, which by 1918 was the only private medical school in Texas. In 1943, we relocated to Houston after being invited by the M.D. Anderson Foundation to join the newly formed Texas Medical Center, marking a new chapter as pioneers in one of the world’s foremost centers for medical research and patient care.
Over the years, Baylor College of Medicine has been a leader in medical education, research, and clinical care. Our faculty includes renowned physicians and researchers such as Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, who joined us in 1948 and significantly advanced the field of cardiovascular surgery. The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences was established in 1949, highlighting our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through rigorous research training.
In 1969, we became an independent institution, separating from Baylor University to expand our opportunities for federal research funding and strengthen our ability to innovate and lead in medicine. Today, we continue to be a cornerstone of medical education and healthcare delivery, with an emphasis on transforming health outcomes through patient-centered care, scientific discovery, and community engagement.
Our location in Houston allows us to be at the nexus of healthcare innovation and collaboration within the Texas Medical Center. We provide cutting-edge medical education, train future leaders in medicine, and contribute groundbreaking research to address the most pressing health challenges globally. Our mission is to improve health both locally and worldwide through the integration of education, clinical care, research, and community service.
We are proud of our longstanding tradition and continue to forge a future grounded in excellence, service, and innovation to make meaningful impacts on human health.
