Jesuit Medical Schools
Students interested in earning a medical degree may consider attending a Jesuit medical school where Jesuit principles such as caring for the individual and treating the heart, mind and soul are integrated into the program. Here is a list of Jesuit medical schools to consider.
Loyola University - Stritch School of Medicine
The Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University offers several programs, including a combined Doctor of Medicine (MD)/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, post-graduate residency and fellowship programs and continuing medical education based on evidence-based best practices. Graduates can participate in residencies in areas such as internal medicine, anesthesiology, pediatrics, pathology and surgery as well as fellowship opportunities that include geriatrics, hand surgery, infectious disease, surgical pathology and vascular neurology.
Creighton University School of Medicine
The Creighton University School of Medicine offers a Jesuit education through MD, physician assistant (PA), PhD and dual degree programs. Following completion of the MD program, students often engage in a residency and fellowship programs offered by Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and Phoenix, Arizona in specialty areas such as emergency medicine, podiatry, interventional radiology and critical care medicine.
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
The Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine offer students robust medical education centered on Jesuit traditions that support fostering an appreciation of humanistic medicine. Degree programs offered at SLU include an MD, a PhD in Anatomy and dual degrees, such as an MD/PhD. The school also has residency programs in child neurology, anesthesiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, endocrinology and geriatric medicine among several others areas, as well as fellowship programs in critical care, pediatrics, cardiology and other medical specialties.
| School Name | Medical Degree Programs | Average Graduate Tuition (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|
| Loyola University | *MD *MD/PhD | $18,594 |
| Creighton University | *MD | $16,128 |
| Saint Louis University | *MD *MD/PhD | $20,880 |
Source: *NCES - National Center for Education Statistics
Overview of Jesuit Medical School Programs
Jesuit medical school programs typically focus on teaching Jesuit principles, such as striving for excellence, sharing gifts with others, caring for the individual person, developing the whole person, honoring God and focusing on behaviors that show critical thought and moral action. There are several common courses offered in these programs, including the following.
Quality Improvement
This course helps prepare students for practice-based learning and professional improvement through an exploration of Quality improvement (QI) initiatives. Students first learn how to identify factors affecting patient safety. They then learn how to deploy QI initiatives to foster improvements for patients and the healthcare system.
Geriatrics
This class teaches in-depth information about treating the geriatric patient and includes such topics as depression, dementia and delirium. Hazards associated with hospitalization of this age group, the aging process, geriatric assessment and nursing home care topics can also be covered. The course can also include information about interviewing, testing, record keeping, and conducting physical examinations.
Infectious Diseases
Concepts related to infectious diseases are covered, including their impact on morbidity and mortality and the transport of exotic diseases. Information about the structure of disease-causing agents, their pathogenesis, and treatments is also reviewed. Students also have the opportunity to learn how to assess patients for these types of diseases.
Cardiovascular System
This course covers concepts related to the normal and abnormal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Students learn clinical skills related to interpreting diagnostic tests and examine common therapeutic treatments related to cardiology. In addition, students in advanced courses can work daily rounds to be exposed to the follow up and service needed to treat patients with cardiovascular issues.
Gastrointestinal System
A GI course covers basic knowledge related to gastrointestinal system physiology, pathology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. Additionally, diagnosis and disease prevention are reviewed in the class. Students also learn how to approach GI problems and request consults when necessary.
Introduction to Clinical Anatomy
This course provides medical students with a foundational understanding of anatomical science through meticulous study of the human body's structure and function. The course covers anatomic terminology while also exploring the relationships between key body systems and structures. Students often take part in cadaver dissections and can also review diagnostic images.
Introduction to Pharmacology
This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics and drug-receptor theory. The course can also cover quantitative and statistical methods related to pharmacology. Students also learn about the processes involved in drug development.
Adult Hospice and Palliative Care
In this course students can be involved in palliative care consults. They learn to work collaboratively with a team of clinical and non-clinical professionals to treat patients dealing with serious illness. Students also learn about end of life care and how to effectively communicate with patients and caregivers during this process.
Jesuit medical schools can offer students the opportunity to earn a medical degree while focusing on many Jesuit principles related to healing the whole person and serving humankind. This article outlined key information about Jesuit medical schools and how students can pursue medical training and education at one of these institutions.