Facts & Figures
Our Dual Mission and Impact
Across the United States, New York State, and New York City, there is a substantial and growing shortage of medical professionals, particularly in primary care. At the same time, persistent gaps in health outcomes continue to affect certain populations and neighborhoods. Many capable students who could help address workforce shortages in high-need areas encounter structural barriers to entering medical education and the health professions.
Founded in 2016, the CUNY School of Medicine was created to address long-standing challenges in medical education and healthcare delivery. Built on the 50-year legacy of the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, CUNY Medicine advances a dual mission that distinguishes it nationally: opening pathways into medical education for exceptional students whose perspectives strengthen the profession, and preparing future physicians and physician assistants who choose to practice in communities where their skills and commitment are most needed.
of New York City’s population is Black and Hispanic.
of the City’s physicians are Black and Hispanic.
The Social Determinants of Medical Education
2.1 million people in New York City—about one-quarter of all New Yorkers—and 8 million people in New York State live in a designated HPSA without adequate access to medical care.
Over 75% of Medical Students come from the highest-income households in the U.S., while only 5% come from the nation’s lowest-income families.
52% of New York City’s population is Black and Hispanic, meanwhile only 16% of the City’s physicians are Black and Hispanic.
Sources: Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care HPSA Data; New York State Department of Health; Association of American Medical Colleges; U.S. Census Bureau (all accessed Fall 2023)
Snapshot of CUNY Medicine Students
are second-generation immigrants born in the U.S.
identify as Black or Hispanic
are eligible for need-based financial aid such as New York State TAP or federal Pell grants
are first generation to attend college compared to 12% for medical schools nationally
Data for students in all years derived Fall 2023
Our Doctors and the Communities They Serve
match to coveted residencies
are in primary care
practice in NYC
practice in HPSAs compared to 15% of NYS medical school graduates
Sources: CUNY Medicine 2021 admissions data for BS/MD cohort entering M1 year in 2023; CUNY Medicine and U.S. residency placements via the National Resident Matching Program; Residency Placements; “CUNY Medicine admits most diverse class in its 48 year history” (CUNY media statement, June 21, 2021)
Our Highly Competitive Degree Programs
We offer an accelerated 7-year BS/MD program in which students earn their BS in biomedical sciences in three years and are then eligible to enter the four-year MD program. To address the social determinants of medical education, we nurture prospective students through pathway programs, eliminate the MCAT as a roadblock to entry, and offer student-success initiatives across the curriculum. We also partner with medical professionals in HPSAs.
The 28-month MS in Physician Assistant Studies is one of the oldest programs in the United. Founded in 1973 at Harlem Hospital, the program has prepared generations of students whose backgrounds and experiences strengthen the profession to practice in hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient clinics—particularly in healthcare provider shortage areas. The program joined the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program in 1978.
7-Year BS/MD Student Facts
Student Acceptance Rate
31 accepted out of 1,416 7-Year BS/MD applicants
Data from Class of 2024
Student Diversity 7-Year BS/MD
Student Residence 7-Year BS/MD
MS in Physician Assistant Studies
Student Acceptance Rate
123 accepted out of 1,349 applicants
Data from entering Class of 2023