Rush University Medical School: A Leader in Healthcare Education and Innovation
Rush University Medical Center, located in Chicago's Illinois Medical District, stands as a prominent academic medical center with a rich history and a commitment to shaping the future of healthcare. Integral to the RUSH System, which includes RUSH University Medical Center, RUSH University, RUSH Copley Medical Center, and RUSH Oak Park Hospital, alongside numerous outpatient facilities, Rush University has established itself as a leading institution in health sciences education, research, and patient care.
A Historical Perspective
Rush Medical College holds the distinction of being Chicago's first healthcare institution. Chartered on March 2, 1837, even before the city of Chicago itself, the college officially opened its doors on December 4, 1843, with an initial class of 22 students. Founded by Daniel Brainard, the school was named in honor of Benjamin Rush, a physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence who also imparted medical knowledge to Meriwether Lewis.
In its early days, Rush's faculty members were renowned for their expertise. They were deeply involved in patient care, research, and teaching, contributing significantly to scientific advancements and the development of new clinical procedures. As Chicago expanded, Rush collaborated with other emerging institutions, solidifying its role in the city's healthcare landscape.
Although undergraduate education was discontinued in the early 1940s, the library remained active, and faculty members continued to teach at the University of Illinois School of Medicine. In 1969, Rush Medical College reactivated its charter and merged with Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, forming Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center. Rush University was then established in 1972, encompassing colleges of medicine, nursing, health sciences, and research training.
Comprehensive Programs and Rankings
Rush University is composed of colleges of medicine, nursing, health sciences, and research training.
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RUSH University College of Nursing continues to be recognized as one of the top nursing schools in the country, earning rankings in the top 5 across all programs, and securing the No. 1 ranking for the Clinical Nurse Leader program and the No. Clinical Nurse Leader, Master’s (No. Doctor of Nursing Practice (No. Pediatric, Primary Care (No. Family Nurse Practitioner (No. Psych Mental Health (No. Adult Gerontology, Acute Care (No. Adult Gerontology, Primary Care (No. Nursing Administration (No. In January, the College of Nursing Master's degree ranked No.
College of Health Sciences: Health Systems Management (No. Audiology - Doctorate (No. Speech-Language Pathology (No. Occupational Therapy (No. Physician Assistant (No.
Rush Medical College was recognized for its research excellence.
Rush University Medical Center has 664 patient beds at its 14-story, 830,000-square-foot location on Chicago's Near West Side. The hospital is known for its butterfly-shaped tower, designed to handle mass casualty events.
Rush offers more than 70 residency and fellowship programs in medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties.
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Rush Medical College was recognized for its research excellence.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Rush University places a high priority on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university fosters an inclusive environment where faculty, staff, residents, and students can thrive. The resident-run Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee offers mentoring, networking, advising, and professional development opportunities.
Affinity groups such as the Student National Medical Association, Latino Medical Student Association, Interprofessional Minority Student Association, and RushPRIDE provide additional support and connection.
At Rush Medical College in 1847, David Jones Peck, MD, became the first African-American man to receive a doctor of medicine degree from an American medical school.
Focus on Wellness
The Rush Center for Clinical Wellness, established in 2020, is dedicated to promoting a culture of wellness and providing mental health support services for all members of the Rush community. The center offers a safe space for individuals to improve their well-being and access professional counseling services. Residents and fellows are encouraged to utilize the center and have access to individual and couples’ psychotherapy with doctoral-level clinical psychologists at no charge, year-round, for a variety of concerns.
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Community Engagement
Rush University is committed to serving the communities it serves. Through community service, research, and diversity initiatives, Rush students actively engage with and contribute to the well-being of local populations.
National Recognition
Rush University consistently receives high rankings from U.S. News & World Report. In the Best Graduate Schools rankings, multiple programs in the College of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences have been recognized among the top ten in the country. The College of Nursing has ranked No. News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs list.
The College of Nursing remains one of the top ranked nursing schools in the country. All six of the traditionally ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) tracks are in the top five nationally, and No. 1 in Illinois. The College of Health Sciences' Audiology doctorate program, ranked at #9, has been in the top 10 each year since the program’s first ranking in 2008. The Health Systems Management program is ranked at #5.
Rush University Medical Center's commitment to excellence is further reflected in its "Best Hospitals" ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The medical center has received recognition in several specialties:
- Neurology and neurosurgery (No. and tied for No. 1 in Chicago and Illinois
- Orthopedics (No.
- Geriatrics (No.
- Endocrinology (No.
- Gynecology (No.
- Gastroenterology and GI surgery (No.
- Pulmonary care and lung surgery (No.
- Cardiology (No.
- Cancer (No.
- Urology (No.
- Ear, nose and throat (No.
Research Excellence
Rush Medical College has been consistently recognized for its research excellence, contributing significantly to advancements in medical knowledge and patient care.
Rush University position across all scientific rankings where that institution is listed:
Discipline - World Ranking - Country Ranking - No. of Scientists - No. of Publications - Total D-index
Medicine - 117 - 51 - 1 - 16879 - 3405Neuroscience - 129 - 54 - 1 - 3997 - 965Biology and Biochemistry - 364 - 115 - 2 - 1466 - 555Immunology - 195 - 68 - 1 - 960 - 317Microbiology - 274 - 87 - 1 - 915 - 228
The Road Home Program
Rush University Medical Center established the Road Home Program in 2014 to address the mental health needs of veterans and their families.
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