Baylor College of Medicine
About Baylor Medical School
All you need to know about Baylor College of Medicine- Programs, Admission Requirements, Campus Life, and much more!
Baylor College of Medicine is located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston Texas, US. BCM is a private-sector health sciences university. It was established in 1900.
Ranking
The Baylor medical school has retained a top position in the best medical programs of the country. Particularly, it is prominent for having the lowest tuition among all the private medical colleges in the United States. Moreover, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is one of the top 25 graduate schools in the US. Also, the Nurse Anesthetist program of the School of Allied Health Sciences ranks 2nd and the physician assistant program secures a position on 6th. In addition to that, the National School of Tropical Medicine is notable in the USA as it is the only school in the nation that has been working exclusively for the ignored tropical diseases and related research.
Schools
There are a total of 4 schools in the university. These include a medical school, Baylor College of Medicine (BMC); the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; the School of Allied Health Sciences; and the National School of Tropical Medicine.
Medical School
Each year, the medical school enrolls around 185 students. Out of these 185, almost 75% are Texas residents. Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) is the cheapest private medical school in the country. Moreover, it is also one of the few medical schools in the United States that has the structure of an accelerated 1.5-year preclinical syllabus.
Additionally, there are only 45 medical institutions in the United States that offer a Medical Scientist Training Program and Baylor College of medicine (BMC) is one of them. The Scientist Training Program is funded by the federal and is an extremely competitive program. The program gives bright students a chance to study a combined MD and Ph.D. in medical science. However, this combined program usually takes 7–9 total years to complete. Typically, in one year, almost 8–12 students enroll in this program and receive free of charge tuition. Moreover, they also get a stipend of $29,000 for each academic year, in addition to the ‘no-tuition’ scholarship.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Ranking
The Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences secures the 25th position for the best Ph.D. program in the biological sciences. Overall, in 2013 the Blue Ridge Institute ranked BCM as 19th for the research funding (from the National Institutes of Health). Additionally, Baylor is also considered in the top 20 in eight specialty areas, including number one in the nation for Genetics.
Faculty
Moreover, BCM has outstanding faculty members with research faculty including seven members of the National Academy of Sciences, 14 members of the Institute of Medicine, and three from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Graduates
Each year, around 100 students join the graduate program. However, the pool of students is diverse. Usually, one-half of the students are women. Almost, one-third of the students are graduates from foreign schools.
Collaboration
There are many departments of the graduate school that team up with Rice University and many other institutions within the Texas Medical Center.
Programs
Currently, 615 graduate students are enrolled in one of the thirteen different Ph.D. programs. The programs are:
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Molecular Virology & Microbiology
- Immunology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
- Neuroscience
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Developmental biology
- Molecular and Human Genetics
- Structural and Computational Biology & Molecular Biophysics
- Translational Biology & Molecular Medicine
- Clinical Scientist Training Program
- BCM School of Allied Health Sciences
The School of Allied Health Sciences
The School of Allied Health Sciences focuses on educating Allied Health professionals so that they can be the best in providing high-quality patient care. Moreover, the school provides students with knowledge of allied health education, healthcare delivery, and health promotion based on research.
Physician Assistant Program
The School’s Physician Assistant Program is ranked as the 6th best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. In 1971, the program started as a certificate program. However, it was elevated to Bachelor of Science status in 1975. Today, the school offers a Master of Science program in the Physician Assistant Program.
Nurse Anesthesia
In 2012, the first batch of the students from the Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia program graduated. The program comes 5th in the whole country’s training programs in nurse anesthesia, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Program
The Master of Orthotics and Prosthetics Program started in June 2013. The program is a 30-month program. In the first 12 months, students study the didactic curriculum. Next, for the following 18 months, students spend them in clinical rotations and research. Overall, BCM’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Program is the only program in the U.S.A that combines a series of full-time clinical rotations. Therefore, the students of this program are fully exposed to the six core areas of expertise that are designed to meet the requirements of the NCOPE-approved residency.
National School of Tropical Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) National School of Tropical Medicine is eagerly working for education, healthcare delivery, research, and policies related to the neglected diseases that afflict the poor. It is the first of its kind institution in North America. Mainly, it works for those diseases that affect people who live below the World Bank poverty level.
Currently, the school offers a Diploma in Tropical Medicine program, Moreover; it offers diplomas for several non-degree courses and seminars for undergraduates, graduate students and, professionals. However, the college is not offering masters and doctorate programs but is planning to launch these degrees soon.
In addition to educational programs, the school provides clinical services at the Tropical Medicine Clinic at Harris Health System’s Smith clinic. The clinic works to prevent, diagnose, and treat general and neglected tropical diseases. Moreover, the clinic is also trying to improve the health of those people who work in areas where tropical diseases usually thrive.
Moreover, the most important affiliate of the National School of Tropical Medicine is Baylor Travel Medicine. It opened on May 10, 2012. On the whole, it provides medications, counseling, and information to patients.
Tuition fee
Although the tuition varies for each academic year, you can have an estimate here.
The School of Medicine
Visit here for the fee estimates of the medical school.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Have a look at the Graduate school of Biomedical Sciences fee structure.
The School of Health Professionals
The fee for the health-professional programs at Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) can be seen here.
Indirect expenses
Apart from the tuition fees, there are many other expenses. You can have an estimate of them here. For more information, contact here:
Student Account Services
Student Account Services One Baylor Plaza MS: BCM216 Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 798-4322
Fax: (713) 798-6474
Email: SAS@bcm.edu
Baylor Medical School Admission Requirements (for Undergraduate Course)
If a student is interested in admission to the Baylor College of Medicine (BMC), then they must have completed at least (or more than) 90 undergraduate semester hours at a fully accredited college or university in the United States.
The courses that should be completed satisfactorily are:
- Math -3-4 semester hours
- Any quantitative math course (statistics, physics, calculus, etc. However, Biostatistics is preferred.)
- Expository writing -3-4 semester hours (Any course that requires intensive writing, for example, include any formal courses in English, Philosophy, History, Public Policy, Political Science, or Religion)
- Organic Chemistry -6-8 semester hours (no lab requirement)
- Biochemistry -3-4 semester hours (no lab requirement)
- Humanities-Social/Behavioral Sciences -12 semester hours (Subjects like psychology, sociology, foreign languages, ethics, philosophy, theology, anthropology literature, art history, etc.)
- Advanced Biology -3-4 semester hours (the lab is not a requirement but genetics, cell/molecular biology is highly preferred)
Moreover, the Spanish language is highly recommended.
Although having an outstanding academic record and academic achievements are important for a bright career in the field of medicine, the admissions committee deems that these qualities are not enough. Instead, some other essential qualities that sustain the development of a physician are:
- The motivation for the study of medicine
- Effective communication
- Being compassionate towards other humans
- An abiding interest in the problems of people
- Having strong leadership skills
- Personal integrity
The college believes in providing equal opportunities in medicine for everyone who is interested in a medical career. Therefore, BCM is very accepting of applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Also, the college provides a chance to those who are underrepresented in medical careers due to their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, personal experiences, or any other reason.
If you are interested in applying to Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) visit the link given below as they participate in the American College Application Service:
https://www.bcm.edu/education/schools/medical-school/md-program/admissions
Moreover, you also have to complete this supplemental application. However, there will be a fee of $100 for the supplemental application. For more information in regards to admissions:
Office of Admissions Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) One Baylor Plaza Rm. N104 MS BCM 110 Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 798-4842
Fax: (713) 798-5563
Email: admissions@bcm.edu
Hospital Affiliation
There are many affiliated hospitals of Baylor College of Medicine (BMC). BCM’s affiliations include:
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Ben Taub General Hospital
- Memorial Hermann – The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
- Menninger Clinic
- Children’s Hospital of San Antonio
- Cooperating Patient Care Institutions:
- Community Health Centers
- Cullen Bayou Place
- DePelchin Children’s Center
- Houston Child Guidance Center
- Jewish Family Service Cancer Center
- Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
- Park Plaza Hospital
- Quentin Mease Hospital
- Seven Acres Jewish Geriatric Center
- Houston Shriners Hospital (orthopedic)
- Thomas Street AIDS Clinic
- Woman’s Hospital of Texas
Additional Programs
Although all four schools of BCM offer many degree and non-degree programs, the departments of Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) offers many residency and fellowship programs to provide advanced clinical and research training to those individuals who have already passed their M.D. and Ph.D.
K-12 Programs
The Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) partners with the district schools through the Center for Educational Outreach for K-12 programs. The aim is to provide in-person and web-based resources for teachers, students, and the general public.
College and Post-Baccalaureate Programs
The college offers many programs like Baccalaureate/M.D. programs, DeBakey Summer Surgery Program, Premedical Honors College, SMART Program, BCM PREP, and Tropical Medicine Summer Institute to college students. These programs allow students to gain valuable insight and experience in healthcare and science careers. Moreover, students who have graduated from college can also benefit from these programs.
Programs for Professionals
BCM believes that education continues even after graduation. Therefore, the College offers many programs for individuals who want to learn throughout their careers. The programs include the Continuing Medical Education courses (in-person and online), the Clinical Scientist Training Program, and a Diploma in Tropical Medicine. Moreover, the Center for Training in Healthcare Quality also offers many programs. Likewise, the Office of Faculty Development also gives a number of options for ongoing education that has both degree-granting and non-degree-granting programs.
Residency training
BCM sponsors the medical education of graduates in more than 80 ACGME-accredited training programs. Moreover, it also offers sponsorship for 40 Texas Medical Board (TMB)-approved training programs.
Moreover, Baylor College of Medicine (BMC) provides a very enriching learning experience as residents or fellows learn from one of the most diverse patient populations of the country. This is partly because of the diversity present within the city of Houston. Also, the good reputation of hospitals of Texas and Houston’s being a hub for the international industry also contributes to patients coming from every corner of the globe.
Research at Baylor College of Medicine (BMC)
In 2013, Blue Ridge Institute made a list of all the competing research funding from the National Institutes of Health and Baylor medical school made it to 19th. Likewise, Baylor is also in the top twenty in eight specialty areas and number one in the U.S.A for Genetics.
As mentioned earlier, the college’s research faculty includes seven members of the National Academy of Sciences, 14 members of the Institute of Medicine, and three members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Moreover, 800,000 square feet (70,000 m2) of BCM’s campus is dedicated entirely to research laboratories. At this place, some of the facilities are:
- BCM’s Human Genome Sequencing Center
- Human Neuroimaging Lab
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy
- Huffington Center on Aging
- Influenza Research Center
- National Center for Macromolecular Imaging
- W.M. Keck Center for Computational Biology
Houston
Baylor medical school is in Houston, which is the largest metropolitan in Texas. Houston is an International city with endless opportunities. In this section, International students that are interested in studying medicine at BCM can know about the city itself.
Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States. It is a leader in the arts, education, and healthcare. Also, it has boosting modern industries, a flourishing intellectual and cultural atmosphere, thriving vegetation, and much more. Moreover, Houston has a top-rated culinary scene that gains national attention. Today, Houston is the energy capital of the world and has given rise to international companies in a wide range of industries. The city has nice weather as it is full of trees and boasts 20,000 acres of parks, public green space, and open water. There are plenty of recreational options available, e.g., restaurants, shopping malls, cultural performances, and entertainment.
Diversity-wise, Houston’s population is a multicultural blend of people (more than 5.5 million). Therefore, it is the most diverse large metropolitan area in the nation. In addition to that, the cost of living in Houston is relatively low. Here, relatively translates into the fact that on average, living in Houston is at least 25.9 % cheaper than living in the 20 most populous U.S. cities. Thereof, you can have an affordable yet comfortable lifestyle in the city. Plus, the state does not charge any state or local income taxes. Looking at the career opportunities, the economy of Houston is expanding in diverse industries. Therefore, the job market is rapidly growing. Additionally, the average temperature of the city is 68 degrees, and an average rainfall of 46 inches year-round.
The entertainment possibilities in Houston are endless. A person, no matter their age, can never be bored here. The city has a permanent ballet, opera, symphony and theater companies, museums, and much more. Likewise, the food options in the city are also excellent. Almost 11,000 restaurants are serving every type of cuisine from all around the globe. From those expensive, excellent dining restaurants to inexpensive and bar-b-que restaurants, you will find everything. Currently, there are more than 60 colleges, universities, and institutes in Houston. Students come here from all over the world and have a great experience.
Learning Options at Baylor College of Medicine (BMC)
Now that you know all about the life and education facilities at BCM, here is a great source to take help from at your time in the college.
Dr. Najeeb lectures
Mostly, medical school students have a hard time studying medicine. That is not because it is tough but because it becomes tedious and confusing. That is why the reason students tend to skip their classes. Sometimes, they are present in the class but still cannot understand the lectures. As a result, students get terrible grades in the end. So, when textbooks become very time to consume to study from, explore other options. We recommend using video lectures by Dr. Najeeb. Today, students from almost 190 countries use his video in medical schools. He teaches all the medical concepts effortlessly. Also, his style is basic yet useful. Moreover, he makes sure that a student who is watching his video lecture is on the same page with him. To enhance the learning process, Dr. Najeeb uses hand-drawn illustrations.
In addition to that, the video lectures on Dr. Najeeb Lectures are almost on all the topics related to medical science. There are lectures on basic medical science and Clinical Science. The 800+ lectures range from topics of Gross Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Embryology, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, etc. You can have a look at the video library. Get a lifetime subscription if you want to study medical sciences with clear concepts. However, before signing up for a subscription, you can also try video lectures for free. Additionally, check out what students from other medical universities have to say about Dr. Najeeb’s lectures.