SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University: Excellence in Medical Education, Research, and Patient Care

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is the only SUNY academic medical center in New York City. We provide compassionate, comprehensive and accessible healthcare to one of the world's most vibrant and diverse communities. More NYC physicians have trained at Downstate than any other medical school, anywhere. The modern teaching hospital traces its roots to Downstate, revolutionizing medical education by bringing the teaching of medicine to the hospital bedside. We continue that legacy of innovation every day.

Institutional Mission and Impact

Our mission is to provide outstanding education of physicians, scientists, nurses and other healthcare professionals. We aim to advance knowledge through cutting edge research and translate it into practice while fostering an environment that embraces cultural diversity. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has undergone a brand transformation, weaving our institutional offerings into one cohesive and meaningful brand and narrative. The goal is to retell our story, rebuild our reputation, and repackage our image within the community.

Academic Colleges and Schools

The SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is comprised of the following specialized institutions:

• College of Medicine
• College of Nursing
• School of Graduate Studies
• School of Health Professions
• School of Public Health

The MD Program and Integrated Curriculum

The MD program at SUNY Downstate is Brooklyn’s only academic medical center, and because of this, students of SUNY Downstate have the unique opportunity to collaborate with medical professionals from the nearby SUNY Downstate Hospital. During all 4 years of education, the SUNY Downstate Integrated Pathways curriculum weaves clinical and basic science education. Equity in healthcare is a guiding principle for the College of Medicine. You’ll work closely with patients and providers in and around Brooklyn, a community of 2.3 million people, to learn to deliver culturally sensitive, identity-specific healthcare.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency

The Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is dedicated to providing high quality care to a diverse patient population and to the training of skilled physiatrists. The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program is a robust clinical and didactic education program that seeks to utilize the diversity of our city and training sites to prepare residents for future success. The three-year program begins at the PGY-2 level. Residents rotate through several facilities, including:

• SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
• Kings County Hospital Center
• Staten Island University Hospital North Campus
• The Bronx VA and St. Albans VA
• St. John's Episcopal Hospital

Exposure to inpatient, outpatient, and consult services is available at each of the hospital settings. Our residents work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and prosthetists to enhance the educational experience.

Institutional Rankings and Academic Metrics

SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine serves the Brooklyn, New York area and is the only medical center for health education, patient care, and research that serves the 2.3 million residents of the Brooklyn borough. Understanding the university’s identity, selection criteria, and programs will help you focus on your application and put your best foot forward.

The following table outlines the institutional rankings and admission standards for the College of Medicine:

Research and Innovation

The university supports groundbreaking discoveries through the Office of the Senior Vice President of Research and the Office of Research Administration. Facilities include the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator and Tech @ 710, providing research opportunities and clinical trials. We provide support for getting research done and offer various research-related services to drive discoveries that transform lives every day.