Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine has been recognized as one of the best research-oriented medical schools in the nation, rising three spots to rank an all-time high of 15th, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, released today.
This is the 14th 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.
“This year’s ranking recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of our world-class faculty and their commitment to transforming the future of medicine,” said Eric G. Neilson, MD, vice president for Medical Affairs and Lewis Landsberg Dean. “Our academic medical center is inspired by research that informs education and patient care through the dedication of our faculty, students, trainees, and staff who push the boundaries of scientific discovery. That our rise in the ranks of top institutions comes during a time of unprecedented challenges is a testament to the commitment and drive of our entire community.”
This year, five of Feinberg’s specialty programs were also recognized among the best in the nation. Obstetrics and gynecology rose five spots to be ranked 4th, surgery rose 12 spots to be ranked 12th, pediatrics rose three spots to 13th, internal medicine rose one spot to 14th, and radiology remained ranked at 17th. Physical therapy, assessed every four years by U.S. News, ranked 4th in the nation in 2020. In the U.S. News rankings of public health programs, Feinberg’s public health program was ranked 24th, the second-highest ranking for a U.S. public health program that is part of a medical school.
The newly published U.S. News research rankings are based on federal expenditures, survey assessments completed by deans and senior faculty at peer institutions and entering class data. The magazine surveyed the nation’s 155 medical schools and 36 schools of osteopathic medicine. Again this year, U.S. News significantly altered the rankings’ methodology. In particular, the prior use of NIH Award Dollars and NIH Award Dollars per Faculty was changed from the previous year’s methodology to Federal Grant and Contract Expenditures and Federal Grant and Contract Expenditures per Faculty.
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 critical component of Northwestern Medicine, a top-tier academic medical center, and currently includes 2,032 regular faculty who teach, conduct research and/or practice medicine. During the 2020-2021 academic year, Feinberg welcomed 657 medical students, 1,224 residents and fellows, 401 PhD students, 454 postdoctoral fellows, and 736 master’s and professional program students.
