The University of New Mexico School of Medicine is ranked among the top medical schools in the nation in the new “Best Graduate Schools” rankings by U.S. News & World Report, a diversified media company dedicated to helping consumers, business leaders and policymakers make important decisions about products, education and healthcare.
U.S. News and World Report ranks medical schools in two categories. Best Medical Schools: Research and Best Medical Schools: Primary Care.
In the “Best Medical Schools: Primary Care” category, the UNM School of Medicine was designated a Tier 1 medical school, the highest of four tiers. This Tier 1 designation puts UNM above the rest and solidifies its “best” status among medical schools.
“We are thrilled to be ranked seventh in the nation for diversity in our medical school and for the number of graduates serving in health care shortage areas,” said Patricia Finn, M.D., dean of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. “We also ranked highly for the number of graduates serving in primary care and in rural areas. These recognitions validate our school’s dedication to addressing some of the most critical health care needs in our state.”
“Our emphasis on excellence in primary care education ensures that our students are well prepared to provide comprehensive and accessible health care. Our commitment to diversity in our curriculum and student body enriches the learning environment and prepares our graduates to serve culturally diverse populations with empathy and sensitivity. These rankings resonate deeply with my personal mission to equip the next generation of our local and global communities, integrating scientific discovery and health equity, and putting the patient at the center.”
— Patricia Finn, MDDean of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine
In the category of “Best Medical Schools: Research,” UNM is ranked third.
Additionally, the UNM School of Medicine achieved impressive rankings including:
- #7 Most Diverse Medical School Ranking
- 7th in number of graduates working in areas with a shortage of medical personnel
- #15 in Primary Care Graduates
- 26th in number of graduates active in local areas
“Primary care rotations and learning opportunities in rural, tribal and underserved communities are key strengths of our program and result in graduates going on to thrive in these fields,” said Doug Ziedonis, MD, MPH, vice chancellor for the UNM College of Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System.
These recognitions highlight our commitment to promoting a more equitable and just health care system, and I congratulate the School of Medicine team for putting patients and students first every day.
— Doug Ziedonis, MD, MPHMPH, Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at UNM and CEO of the UNM Health System
According to U.S. News & World Report, the methodology for determining the rankings began in the winter of 2023-2024, when the organization surveyed 196 medical and osteopathic medical schools that were fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Medical Association in 2024. Using this data and third-party statistics, the hierarchy and diversity and practice rankings were calculated.
