College of Medicine History

Established in 1977 as a branch of Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M College of Medicine began with a charter class of 32 students. It was one of the five medical schools founded under the Teague-Cranston Act, a federal bill that aimed to address the shortage of medical services in underserved areas by partnering with existing Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Since its inception, the College of Medicine has embraced the land-grant service mission of Texas A&M University, striving to produce well-trained physicians and medical scientists for areas in need, particularly for primary and clinical care in rural settings, while offering affordable medical education. To meet these needs and adapt to the evolving healthcare environment, the school has continually innovated its curriculum and partnerships. With campuses in Bryan-College Station, Round Rock, Dallas, and Houston, it now enrolls over 700 medical students and more than 70 graduate students.

Active research initiatives in the College of Medicine span biochemistry, cancer, cardiovascular and integrated biology, cell and molecular biology, clinical translational medicine, microbial and molecular pathogenesis, and neuroscience. These are conducted across basic science and clinical departments, as well as through affiliated research institutes.

The College of Medicine is dedicated to fostering an environment that upholds the Texas A&M Core Values, nurturing physicians and scientists. It places a strong emphasis on comprehensive medical science education to cultivate professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and foresight to address the medical challenges of the 21st century in human science, clinical abilities, and patient care.