Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the establishment of the CUNY School of Medicine as an independent institution, transitioning it from a constituent school of The City College of New York to the CUNY Graduate Center. This move aims to expand educational offerings and increase the diversity of medical professionals in New York City, where over half the population identifies as Black or Latino, yet only 16% of physicians are from these communities.
"Every student deserves a shot at attaining a high-quality education without racking up mountains of debt," said Gov. Hochul. "The newly-independent School of Medicine at CUNY is the next step in our mission of providing high-quality, affordable education for New Yorkers."
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez highlighted the school's role in addressing inequities: "Elevating the CUNY School of Medicine to a standalone institution will ensure that medical careers and health care services are available to more people from all backgrounds and every community in New York City."
Founded in 1973, the Sophie Davis School transitioned into the CUNY School of Medicine in 2016, becoming Manhattan's only public medical school. It offers an accelerated seven-year BS/MD program and ranks third in New York State for its Physician Assistant Studies program.
Dean Carmen Renée Green expressed gratitude for recognition by state authorities: "Operating as part of the Graduate School and University Center will enable us to effectively and fully implement our mission... We are changing the skyline of academic medicine."
A $19.3 million NIH grant will fund a new Research Center focusing on minority health equity, addressing disparities through research and outreach in Harlem and South Bronx.
Most CUNY Med students are first-generation or immigrants; nearly 70% identify as Black or Latino. After graduation, 75% practice locally with many serving healthcare shortage areas.
As New York faces a physician shortage, particularly in primary care, literature suggests that an independent CUNY School of Medicine could help meet demand by expanding its capacity to train competent doctors.
CUNY remains committed to providing quality public education regardless of background or means.
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