Exploring Programs at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU), named after the pioneering DNA crystallographer, Dr. Rosalind Franklin, embodies a spirit of inquiry, diligence, and academic excellence. These same traits drive the faculty and over 2,000 students as they engage in rigorous academics and innovative community service, shaping the future of healthcare. RFU brings together five colleges and over 30 graduate health profession and science programs. This article provides an overview of the university's history, academic programs, campus life, and other key aspects.
A Legacy of Innovation and Education
Formed in 1912 as the Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine, RFU has a rich history of adapting to the changing landscape of medical education. The institution successfully met the challenges arising from restructuring American medical education after the Flexner Report, when more than half of all American medical schools merged or closed. From the beginning, Chicago Medical School's leaders rejected quotas to limit minority enrollment, believing that only a student's merit should play a role in the admissions process. In 1945, the school put its founding principles into writing when it added a nondiscrimination amendment to its constitution.
The university's commitment to interprofessional education is a cornerstone of its approach. In the early 1960s, Sheinin advocated the creation of another university, which would enable medical students across all disciplines to train together and learn to work in teams. UHS/CMS was one of the first schools in the country committed to developing integrated educational programs for physicians and related health professionals. This educational model, conceived by A. Nichols Taylor, then president of Chicago Medical School, and funded largely through the efforts of board chairman Herman M. Finch.
In 1980, the university moved from Chicago to its current location at 3333 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. A centerpiece of the campus was and remains the Otto L. and Hazel T. Rhoades Auditorium. The university was renamed for its chairman in 1993, becoming the Herman M. Finch University of Health Sciences. The Dr. William M.
In October 2002, the university opened its new Health Sciences Building, a 140,000-square-foot (13,000 m2) facility that houses laboratories, auditoriums, classrooms, a student union, a bookstore, and the Feet First Museum. In July 2003, the university opened its first phase of student housing, making the institution a residential campus for the first time in its history. In the summer of 2003, the university completed two new facilities designed to provide the latest in medical technology to students. The Education and Evaluation Center and the John J. Sheinin, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Gross Anatomy Laboratory provide state-of-the-art equipment and multimedia resources by which students participate in their training.
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In 2004, the university was again renamed, this time to Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in honor of Rosalind Franklin, whose work with X-ray crystallography provided the data and scientific basis for description of the structure of DNA, the single most important advance in modern biology. In 2011, the university opened its fifth school, the College of Pharmacy, which is housed in the William J. and Elizabeth L. Morningstar Interprofessional Education Center (IPEC). The IPEC, which opened in July 2011, is a three-story, 23,000-square-foot building.
The university has seen massive construction projects to its campus in the past few years. The Rothstein Warden Centennial Learning Center, a three-level, 73,000-square-foot building, opened in late in late 2013. Designed with input from students, faculty, and staff, it was intended to promote interprofessional learning and collaboration between students and faculty. Features of the new building include lecture and learning labs, computer labs, recreation areas, a media room, a fitness center, a group aerobics room, and a new cafeteria. Two other new areas have been added to the Health Sciences Building. The Margot A. Surridge Student Welcome Center opened in the fall of 2014. The DeWitt C. Baldwin Institute for Interprofessional Education opened in 2014 and was dedicated on May 15 of that year. The Baldwin Institute is dedicated to advancing interprofessional education and practice in medical and health professions.
The university's Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, which opened in 2017 in Huntley, is a 30,000 square foot “virtual health system” that uses modern technology and simulation-based training models to help students master clinical skills and behaviors in a realistic, work-based environment. In January 2020, the university opened its $50 million Innovation and Research Park, a four-story, 100,000-square-foot addition on the north side of campus. In 2022, the university launched a College of Nursing, the first of its kind in Lake County, Illinois, with initial programs offering a Master of Science in Nursing for Entry to Practice and Doctor of Nursing Practice-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The range of disciplines being taught on a single campus allows for team-based, interdisciplinary learning and practice opportunities-an approach that has made RFU a national leader in Interprofessional medical and healthcare education and research.
Academic Programs
RFU offers a diverse array of master's programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in various healthcare fields. These programs cater to different learning preferences, with options for full-time, part-time, on-campus, and online study. Below is an overview of some of the master's programmes offered:
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Biomedical Sciences M.Sc.: This full-time, on-campus program provides a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences. The duration of the program is 10 months.
Clinical and Lifestyle Nutrition M.Sc.: This part-time, online program focuses on the principles of clinical and lifestyle nutrition. The duration of the program is 18 months.
Entry into Nursing Practice Master: This full-time, on-campus program is designed for individuals seeking to enter the nursing profession. The duration of the program is 24 months. The College of Nursing welcomed its first cohort of students in 2022 with a goal of creating a pipeline to meet a growing need for a highly educated nursing workforce in Lake County, Illinois. The school has affiliation agreements with Northwestern Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, NorthShore University Health System, the Lake County Health Department and the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.
Health Administration M.Sc.: This program, available in both full-time and part-time formats online, equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles in healthcare administration. The duration of the program is 24 months.
Lifestyle Medicine M.Sc.: Offered in full-time and part-time formats online, this program focuses on the application of lifestyle interventions in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. The duration of the program is 24 months.
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Pathologists' Assistant M.Sc.: This full-time, on-campus program prepares students to assist pathologists in the examination and diagnosis of diseases. The duration of the program is 22 months.
Physician Assistant Practice M.Sc.: This full-time, on-campus program trains students to become physician assistants, providing comprehensive medical care under the supervision of a physician. The duration of the program is 24 months.
Population Health M.Sc.: This part-time, online program focuses on the principles of population health and the strategies for improving the health of communities. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Health Professions Education M.Sc.: This part-time, online program is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their teaching and educational skills. The duration of the program is 21 months.
Psychology - Clinical Counseling M.Sc.: This full-time, on-campus program prepares students for careers in clinical counseling. The duration of the program is 24 months.
Colleges within RFU
RFU comprises several colleges, each focusing on specific areas of medicine and healthcare:
Chicago Medical School (CMS): Founded in 1912, CMS confers clinical degrees. The entering class each year contains approximately 190 students. Chicago Medical School had accreditation issues in 2004 and again in 2013, when it was placed on probation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
College of Health Professions (CHP): CHP was founded as the School of Related Health Sciences in 1970 and took on its present name in 2004.
Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (SCPM): The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (SCPM) was founded in 1912 by William Scholl and others. The school merged with RFU in 2001. SCPM's program is closely integrated with CMS and other colleges at RFU. SCPM is an international leader in podiatric research.
College of Pharmacy: The pharmacy curriculum includes four types of teaching environments: lectures, workshops (where students work in small groups to solve problems and discuss patient cases), labs (where students practice formulating unique drug dosage forms or practice patient care in simulated environments), and experiential courses (clinical rotations). Rotations begin in the first year and are required throughout the program.
College of Nursing: The College of Nursing welcomed its first cohort of students in 2022 with a goal of creating a pipeline to meet a growing need for a highly educated nursing workforce in Lake County, Illinois. The school has affiliation agreements with Northwestern Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, NorthShore University Health System, the Lake County Health Department and the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.
Research Opportunities
An institution named after Dr. Rosalind Franklin continues to attract and retain some of the world’s best and brightest scientists. RFU's researchers and their labs, working in major research areas, are heavily funded by the National Institutes of Health. In January 2020, the university opened its $50 million Innovation and Research Park, a four-story, 100,000-square-foot addition on the north side of campus.
Campus Life and Student Services
The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a private graduate school in North Chicago, Illinois. It has more than 2,000 students in six schools. The location of campus often takes first-time visitors by surprise-North Chicago is in Metro Chicago's North Shore suburbs, 36 miles north of the city proper. While RFU is not in the city, as many assume, it fully leverages the many benefits of being exactly where it is.
RFU provides a range of services to support its students, including:
Academic and Faculty Affairs: This department aims to provide the processes and support systems at the University level that will enhance and facilitate student learning and development and allow students to succeed in a collegial and dynamic academic environment.
Housing services: A range of hotels, as well as restaurants and other attractions, are available near campus. In July 2003, the university opened its first phase of student housing, making the institution a residential campus for the first time in its history.
Library services: The Boxer Library print and electronic collections provide online and on-campus access to many leading biomedical journals, textbooks, eBooks, and major medical information databases. Library services include reference assistance, interlibrary loan, and information literacy instruction.
ICT services: Educational Technology assists in developing course materials and integrating technology into learning activities incorporating current learning theories. You’ll also find a presentation practice room, so you can make sure you are ready to wow your classmates next time it’s your turn to share your knowledge.
Medical services: All full-time students at RFU are required to be actively enrolled in a health insurance plan comparable to the plan offered by the University.
RFU's fitness center is designed to help students and faculty reach their goals of physical wellness. Not only does the fitness center feature a variety of cardio machines, free weights and lifting equipment, there are numerous options available for everyone, from a punching bag and aerobic equipment to empty floor space for floor work. Two walls of the gym are covered with mirrors, and scales available for your use.
Student Clubs
RFU offers a variety of student clubs and organizations, including:
- American Association of Women Podiatrists (AAWP)
- American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)
- Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
- Global Health Interest Group (GHIG)
- Jewish Student Union
- Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
Accreditation and Rankings
All degree and certificate programs are approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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