Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine was recognized as one of the best research-oriented medical schools in the nation, rising one spot to rank 19th, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, released today.
This year marks the second significant revision to methodology used to compile the U.S. News rankings for medical schools in as many years. In particular, the inclusion and weighting of some categories of research funding have been changed from the previous year’s rankings: as a result, some top medical schools saw unexpected shifts in their placements.
This is the 12th year in a row Feinberg has placed in the top 20 of research-oriented medical schools, and several departments ranked highly among the specialty-specific rankings.
“Once again, Feinberg has been recognized as a member of an elite group of world-class medical schools,” said Eric G. Neilson, MD, vice president for Medical Affairs and Lewis Landsberg Dean. “During this time of growth and investment in our mission of leading-edge scientific discovery and innovative medical education, I expect that that stellar reputation will continue to grow.”
This year, six of Feinberg’s specialty programs were recognized among the best in the nation – an all-time high for nationally-ranked specialties. Obstetrics and gynecology rose one spot to rank 7th, in the nation, while internal medicine, pediatrics, radiology, and psychiatry all ranked 16th, and surgery ranked 17th.
The newly published U.S. News research rankings are based on National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and other research funding categories, survey assessments completed by deans and senior faculty at peer institutions and entering class data. The magazine surveyed the nation’s 152 fully accredited medical schools and 33 schools of osteopathic medicine.
Feinberg, founded in 1859, has built a national reputation for excellence through its leading-edge scientific initiatives, premier clinical facilities and innovative curriculum. The medical school is a central component of Northwestern Medicine, a top-tier academic health system, and currently includes nearly 4,000 faculty members who teach, conduct research and practice medicine. During the 2018-2019 academic year, Feinberg welcomed 680 medical students, 1,189 residents and fellows, 376 PhD students, 418 postdoctoral fellows, and 688 master’s and professional program students.
