The Duke University School of Medicine offers a wide range of health professions education programs. These include the Doctor of Medicine program, recognized nationally for its unique patient-centered curriculum; the nation’s first Physician Assistant program; a Physical Therapy program ranked in the top 10 nationally; 16 biomedical PhD programs, and an innovative Masters in Biomedical Science, numerous other master’s degree programs, and a new Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. 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.

Biomedical PhD Students

48     Biochemistry
23     Biostatistics
11     Cell and Molecular Biology
49     Cell Biology
8       Cognitive Neuroscience
36     Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
9       Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
36     Immunology
19     Medical Physics
29     Molecular Cancer Biology
83     Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
71     Neurobiology
29     Pathology
41     Pharmacology
7       Population Health Sciences
64     University Program in Genetics and Genomics

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 national recognized clinical enterprise, and our unique scale and depth in clinical research. The combined efforts of the school’s basic and clinical faculty members in 24 departments, and numerous centers, institutes and initiatives make Duke one of the largest biomedical research enterprises in the country with $860 million in sponsored research expenditures annually.

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. Founded in 1998 to provide efficient, responsive care, Duke University Health System offers a full network of health services and encompasses three highly regarded hospitals—Duke University Hospital, Durham Regional Hospital and Duke Raleigh Hospital—physician practices, home hospice care and various support services at locations across North Carolina.

The presented data represent the total approximate figures for the entire Health System, including Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, and Duke Primary Care.

Regular Rank Faculty

245         Basic Science Faculty
2,332      Clinical Science Faculty
21           Other Faculty (in Centers, Institutes, Administration)
2,598      Total Number Faculty

School of Medicine Staff

There are approximately 6,368 staff employed in the School of Medicine, including 363 postdocs.

Duke University Health System Employees

21,226    Full-time employees

Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) Employees

2,022      Full-time employees

In alignment with Duke Health and Duke University, the Duke University School of Medicine is committed to serving others in our local community and beyond. Our faculty, staff and students make science-based decisions and seek to transform discoveries to improve human health through a variety of community initiatives.

$753 Million: Community Health Benefit

Duke University Health System contributed $753 million to benefit the community across North Carolina, including $133M in financial assistance for residents needing healthcare.

$12 Million: Direct Contributions

Duke contributed $12 million to community-based organizations and nonprofits working to support affordable housing, education, community health and other needs.

Duke University is internationally recognized as a leader in global health research and education. Our 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 working to reduce health inequities in our local communities and around the world and are engaged in research projects studying the changing global burden of disease and the many factors that influence human health. Since early 2000, DGHI researchers and students have pivoted to understand COVID-19 and reduce its global impact. They remain focused on the rapidly-shifting demographics of low- and middle-income countries, changing patterns in disease burdens, the role of technology and innovation, and the existential threat of climate change.

Philanthropic support is critical to the School of Medicine’s success in carrying out its core missions of research, education, and patient care. 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 afford the cost of attendance, endowed professorships that help Duke recruit and retain outstanding faculty; innovative research; and new buildings, facilities, and infrastructure.

The Duke Endowment in 2021 supported Duke University’s efforts to expand its faculty in computation, materials science and the resilience of the body and brain by completing the second phase of a $100 million investment. It is the largest award Duke University has ever received. The funds, divided equally between the university and the School of Medicine, form the base of Duke Science and Technology, a faculty hiring and fundraising effort designed to elevate excellence in the sciences at Duke. In conjunction with Duke Science and Technology, Duke University has created a new class of endowed professorships, called Duke Presidential Chairs, to maximize the university’s ability to recruit and retain exceptional faculty.