ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – The University of Michigan Medical School is celebrating 175 years of education this year.
The school’s origins can be traced to an 1848 report by UM Regent Zina Pitcher, who called for the creation of a medical school that would “set an example worthy of imitation.” Five faculty members and 95 students gathered for the first classes in the fall of 1850 in a nearby building near the part of campus now known as the Diag.
The institution is now a respected center for medical education, research and advanced clinical training; while also operating one of the largest healthcare systems in the country.
“Our 175th anniversary comes at a time of great change for our world, our nation, our university and Michigan Medicine,” said Marschall Runge, dean of the Medical School, CEO of Michigan Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs, in the announcement. .
“Amid that change, our medical school and our entire institution can continue to serve the public interest through discovery, innovation, education and evidence-based care. Sharing and learning from our history can inspire us all, including a new generation of innovators, scientists and medical professionals.”
To honor that history, Michigan Medicine will share and host exhibits, events, links and videos about the medical system’s legacy through announcements on its anniversary website.
Clothing for the 175th anniversary is for sale, with the proceeds going to a fund that helps finance new developments. Those with memories and photos they would like to share can do so using the online form on the website. Michigan Medicine social media posts include the hashtag #michmed175.
One of the stories that will be told is that of the 100th anniversary of the University Hospital known as “Old Main.” It served patients from 1925 to 1986. A newer hospital, the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion, will open this fall near where Old Main once stood.
Michigan was also the first major medical school of its time to admit women, and one of the first to admit “students of color.”
The retrospective also includes reflections and perspective from modern times.
“While we are proud of our achievements, it is also important to remember that there were times when we could have done better. By learning from those lessons, we can continue to improve the lives of countless people in Michigan and beyond,” said Joel Howell. , an emeritus professor of medicine and history at UM who co-wrote a book about the Medical School in 2017.