Duke University School of Medicine is one of the nation’s leading institutions for health professions and biomedical education, clinical care, biomedical research, and community partnership. The school comprises more than 2,600 regular rank faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students in a variety of health professions and graduate degree programs, and more than 6,200 staff.
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Leadership
Duke University School of Medicine is led by Dean Mary E. Klotman, MD. She also serves as Executive Vice President for Health Affairs for Duke University and Chief Academic Officer for Duke Health. She works with a leadership team comprising 13 vice deans and a chief of staff, as well as department chairs and center and institute directors. Associate and assistant deans also assist the dean with the oversight and management of the School of Medicine.
Departments, Centers, and Institutes
The Duke University School of Medicine comprises 26 clinical and basic science departments. The school’s strong emphasis on research to improve clinical outcomes encourages collaborations among faculty members, departments and other schools at the university, and has resulted in the development of numerous centers and institutes.
Who We Are
At Duke University School of Medicine, we are a dynamic, diverse community of scholars, educators, clinicians, scientists, and learners dedicated to advancing health and wellness through education, research, patient care, and community partnership. Established in 1930, we have grown to become one of the nation’s leading medical schools, renowned for its innovative curriculum, cutting-edge research, and commitment to excellence in clinical care.
We are driven by a commitment to improving human health. We achieve this through a unique blend of rigorous academic programs, pioneering scientific discovery, and compassionate patient care.
Central to our mission is a steadfast commitment to respect for and inclusion of people from all backgrounds. These principles are essential to achieving institutional excellence and fostering a vibrant, supportive community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, empowered, and included. The rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and perspectives that make up the School of Medicine creates an environment in which innovation and excellence thrive.
We are deeply committed to serving our community. Through partnerships with local organizations and global initiatives, we strive to we strive to improve access and quality of care for all populations.
Education, research, patient care, and community partnership come together at Duke University School of Medicine to create a healthier, more equitable world. We are proud of our legacy and excited about the future as we continue to lead in health care education and innovation.
Education & Training Snapshot
The Duke University School of Medicine offers a variety of health professions and graduate degree programs. These include the Doctor of Medicine program, recognized nationally for its unique patient-centered curriculum; the nation’s first Physician Assistant program; Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy doctorates; 18 biomedical PhD programs; an innovative Master of Biomedical Sciences, and numerous other master’s degree programs. The School of Medicine also is home to the Medical Scientist Training program which allows students to combine an MD degree with a PhD in the biomedical sciences in partnership with The Graduate School. Duke's Graduate Medical Education includes more than 180 residency and fellowship programs and almost 1,200 trainees. Explore the diversity of the school's student and trainee populations.
Students Enrolled by Degree Program
636 Biomedical PhD
519 Doctor of Medicine (MD)
306 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
189 Physician Assistant (MHS, PA)
160 Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research
131 Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
101 Master of Biostatistics
77 Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD)
51 Master of Science in Medical Physics
37 Master of Biomedical Sciences
30 Master of Management in Clinical Informatics
29 Master of Science in Population Health Sciences
16 Pathologists’ Assistant (MHS)
12 Ophthalmic Technician Certificate
9 Cardiac Ultrasound Certificate
4 Clinical Informatics Certificate
1 Master of Sciences in Clinical Leadership
Biomedical PhD Students
37 Biochemistry
35 Biostatistics
68 Cell and Molecular Biology
27 Cell Biology
7 Cognitive Neuroscience
38 Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
16 Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
63 University Program in Genetics and Genomics
35 Immunology
29 Medical Physics
8 Medical Scientist Training Program
33 Molecular Cancer Biology
79 Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
68 Neurobiology
29 Pathology
37 Pharmacology
22 Population Health Sciences
5 Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program
Total Biomedical PhD Students: 636
Source: School of Medicine Finance Office, August 2024
Graduate Certificate Program Students
Students in these certificate programs may be Biomedical PhD students, or graduate students in School of Medicine or other Duke professional schools.
32 Cell and Molecular Biology
68 Certificate in College Teaching
2 Cognitive Neuroscience
1 Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
34 Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
2 Integrated Toxicology & Environmental Health Program
5 Global Health
39 Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Source: School of Medicine Finance Office, August 2024
International Program Students
Duke-NUS (Singapore)
298 MD
33 MD/PhD
152 PhD
483 Total
Duke Kunshan University
20 MS in Global Health
48 MS in Medical Physics
68 Total
Sources: Office of Duke-NUS Affairs, August 2024
DKU University, September 2024
Graduate Medical Education Trainees
1,198 Residents and Fellows
Source: School of Medicine Finance Office, August 2024
*All enrollment data is for the academic year 2024-2025
Research Snapshot
Duke University School of Medicine is the vibrant home for the next generation of discovery. Our capacity for innovation stems from knitting together our existing strengths in fundamental basic science and deepening our growing translational capabilities, our integration with Duke’s nationally recognized clinical enterprise, Duke University Health System, and our unique scale and depth in clinical research. The combined efforts of the school’s basic and clinical faculty members in departments, centers, and institutes make Duke one of the largest biomedical research enterprises in the country with over $1.1 billion in sponsored research expenditures annually.
By the Numbers
- Duke University School of Medicine is proud to claim 2 Nobel Laureates among its faculty.
- Over 2 million patients enrolled in more than 2,500 active studies with 3,500 study sites worldwide (as of FY24)
- In 2024, Duke University School of Medicine received more than $455 million in sponsored research grants from the National Institutes of Health to advance biomedical research, ranking 13th in the country among medical schools, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research report.
- In 2024, Duke University received more than $580 million in total grants and contracts, including R&D, from the National Institutes of Health, ranking 11th in the country among universities and research institutions, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research report.
Patient Care Snapshot
Patient care is an integral part of what makes Duke University School of Medicine a hub for pioneering research and innovation. Every day, our investigators, clinicians, and staff work together to translate research findings from the bench to the bedside, and to learn from patients as we improve their care. This collaborative spirit fuels the translation of scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System, comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic health care and research center. The Health System advances Duke Health's clinical mission by delivering care across three hospitals — Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital — and outpatient services including Duke Primary Care and Duke Health Integrated Practices, Duke HomeCare & Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.
Patients Served
Inpatient Discharges, FY24
44,636 Duke University Hospital
16,880 Duke Regional Hospital
10,731 Duke Raleigh Hospital
72,247 Total Duke University Health System combined
Outpatient Visits, FY24
905,670 Duke University Hospital
68,584 Duke Regional Hospital
170,496 Duke Raleigh Hospital
1,067,414 Duke Primary Care
1,496,966 Duke Health Integrated Practice (DHIP)
3,709,130 Total Duke University Health System
Source: Duke University Health System, October 2024
Faculty & Staff Snapshot
Faculty
2,765 Regular Rank Faculty
259 Basic Science Faculty
2,482 Clinical Science Faculty
24 Other Faculty (in Centers, Institutes, Administration)
Source: School of Medicine Finance Office, August 2024
Faculty Engaged in Education and Research
1,367 Faculty
Source: School of Medicine Finance Office, FY23
School of Medicine Staff and Postdocs
6,257 Staff
402 Postdocs
Source: School of Medicine Finance Office, August 2024
Duke University Health System Employees
28,348 Staff
Source: Duke University Health System, September 2024
Faculty Memberships
(Faculty with a primary or secondary appointment in the School of Medicine)
1 Nobel Laureate
1 Nobel Laureate - Emeriti
20 American Academy of Arts and Sciences
28 American Association for the Advancement of Science
64 American Society for Clinical Investigation
44 Association of American Physicians
1 Howard Hughes Freeman Hrabowski Scholar
3 Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators
23 National Academy of Medicine
13 National Academy of Sciences
186 Faculty holding distinguished professorships
Source: School of Medicine Finance Office, August 2024
Alumni Snapshot
Over 13,000 health professions alumni from the Duke University School of Medicine span across the country and world, with the largest contingency located in North Carolina, California, and Florida. School of Medicine alumni provide critical philanthropic support for the School of Medicine research and education missions, including financial assistance for students and funding for research initiatives and endowed professorships. The Duke Medical Alumni Association supports and promotes the interests of the Duke University School of Medicine and its extended community and nurtures lifelong relationships and learning.
Health Professions Education Program Alumni (Living)
6097 Doctor of Medicine (MD)
374 Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD)
2223 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT)
36 Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
2928 Physician Assistant Program (MHS, PA)
101 Pathologists’ Assistant Program (MHS)
24 Clinical Leadership (MHS)
717 Clinical Research Training Program (MHS)
386 Master of Biomedical Sciences
334 Master of Biostatistics
377 Master of Management in Clinical Informatics
277 Master of Science in Medical Physics
27 Master of Science in Population Health Sciences
Total Living Alumni: 13,558
Source: Duke Medical Alumni Association, August 28, 2024
Community Partnership Snapshot
Duke University School of Medicine is committed to serving others in the local community and beyond, and has expanded its reach to involve the community in all its missions, including patient care, educational programs, and research initiatives. We partner with numerous community organizations to improve health care and address social drivers of health among our neighbors in Durham and across North Carolina. Our community partnerships include:
- A new Durham Early College of Health Sciences, a partnership between Durham Public Schools, Durham Technical Community College, and Duke, established with a $29.5 million award from Bloomberg Philanthropies, that will offer local students educational and career pathways in nursing, allied health, surgical technology and clinical research.
- Wellness centers located in Durham public schools that support underprivileged students.
- In 13 senior housing sites, partnered with Lincoln Community Health Center, an initiative that delivers primary care, case management, and therapeutic services to elderly and disabled individuals.
- A bilingual program for uninsured Durham residents emphasizing in-home health education on chronic diseases, coupled with patient advocacy and support.
By the Numbers
$1.088 billion: Community Health Benefit, FY23
Duke University Health System contributed $1.088 billion to benefit the community across North Carolina, including $159 million in financial assistance to 303,830 patients needing health care.
$14 million: Direct Contributions, FY23
Duke provided more than $14 million in cash and in-kind support for community groups to help eliminate health care disparities and improve access to high-quality medical care, including:
- $9 million for Lincoln Community Health Center and its satellite community clinics, which serve a majority of uninsured patients with incomes below the poverty line.
- $3 million for Durham County’s Emergency Medical Services program
- $2 million in cash contributions to other community organizations
$1.288 million: In-Kind Value to DTCC, FY24
Duke contributed more than 51,000 hours of precepting and clinical rotation experience for Durham Technical Community College students, totaling $1.288 million in in-kind value.
Source: Office of Community Health, Duke Health, August 2024
Global Impact Snapshot
Duke University is internationally recognized as a leader in global health research, education, and capacity building. The Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) brings together knowledge and resources from across the university to address today’s most important global health issues. Faculty, staff, and students are engaged in collaborative research with partners in more than 40 countries, as well as Durham and other communities in the United States, to improve access to health care and address disparities in health outcomes.
DGHI researchers are at the forefront of work to identify emerging infectious diseases and new pandemic threats, as well as cutting-edge research addressing the global rise in non-communicable diseases, access to mental health, and the health impacts of climate and environmental change.
By the Numbers
- 93 core and 72 affiliate faculty members
- 51 percent of the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) faculty members are from the School of Medicine
- 225 active research grants in FY24
- $56.5 million in annual external research funding in FY24
- $12.8 million invested in strategic partnerships around the world since 2013
- DGHI faculty have active research projects in 49 countries
- DGHI faculty were authors on 982 scholarly publications in 2023-24
- DGHI enrolls 293 students in global health education programs at all levels (undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and medical programs)
- 98 students participated in global health research during summer 2024, working with partners in 16 countries, including the United States
Source: Duke Global Health Institute, September, 2024
Philanthropy Snapshot
Philanthropic support is critical to the Duke University School of Medicine’s success in carrying out its core missions of research, education, patient care, and community partnership. Outright gifts, endowments, and investment income constitute nearly 20 percent of the school’s annual revenue, helping to meet key needs across the institution: scholarships and financial aid that help students gain world-class health professions education and training regardless of their financial circumstances; endowed professorships that help Duke recruit and retain outstanding faculty and provide them with the resources to thrive; support for innovative research that drives advances in knowledge and patient care; and resources for state-of-the-art buildings, facilities, and infrastructure.
Visionary philanthropic partners help us maximize scientific advances to achieve better outcomes for today's patients, stop tomorrow’s diseases before they ever begin, and attract, support, and prepare the next generation of health care professionals.
Philanthropic support helps Duke University School of Medicine strengthen key areas of research and accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into clinical improvements; attract and support the most exceptional faculty; lower the barriers to a Duke education for the most promising students; deliver the most advanced clinical care; maximize the ethical use of new technologies; reduce health care disparities; and address student and workforce wellness.
By the Numbers
$220.1 million: Philanthropic Commitments
$59.7 million: Additional Research Support
$279.8 million: Total FY24 Private Support
Total Private Support includes commitments from philanthropic donors, such as individuals and foundations, in addition to non-governmental grants that faculty receive to support their research.
$3.4 million: Contributed to School of Medicine Annual Giving
Annual Giving provides resources to support medical education and training, research, and flexible funds for emerging needs and new opportunities for the Duke University School of Medicine.
$8.4 million: Reunion Giving
Source: Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs, July 1, 2024