Since the late 19th century, our community of physicians, researchers, alumni and students has helped us build a premier learning institution that rewards hard work, inquiry and collaboration. After 125 years, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine continues to set the standard of excellence in patient care, research and education in the United States and beyond. #HopkinsMed125
Living the Hopkins Mission Honorees
Meet 125 current faculty members, fellows, postdocs, staff members and students who personify Johns Hopkins Medicine’s mission to improve the health of the community and the world. Our 125 Living the Hopkins Mission Honorees were nominated by their peers as part of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This effort aims to acknowledge members of our school of medicine community who serve as a shining example of our core values through their work. See the full list.
Director, Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Then: The Johns Hopkins Billings Administration Building
The Johns Hopkins Billings building in the early 1900s. It served as a residence to doctors in training until the 1950s. As a result, those trainees came to be referred to as residents.
Now: The Johns Hopkins Billings Administration Building
Today, the Billings building houses administrative offices.
Then: Graduation
The first medical school class graduated in 1897.
Now: Graduation
The graduating class of 2017 was vastly more diverse than the first — both in terms of gender and ethnicity. Among the graduates was Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, the first black female resident in neurosurgery.
Then: Leadership
William H. Welch, the first dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, also became the founding dean of the United States’ first school of public health, which today is called the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Then: Female Faculty
A graduate of the school of medicine, Florence Sabin was the first woman appointed full professor in the school of medicine, in 1917. A bronze statue of Sabin stands in the U.S. Capitol, honoring her many contributions to anatomy and histology.
Now: Female Faculty
Today, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has more than 250 tenured female faculty members, including one of the most recently named professors: Akila Viswanathan, M.D., M.P.H., M.Sc., professor of radiation oncology and molecular radiation sciences.
Then: Research
Students in chemistry lab, 1910
Now: Research
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is now home to more than 160 basic science labs alone. More than 1,500 faculty members within the school of medicine have federal funding to support their basic, translational or clinical trials research.
Then: Surgical Practice and Training
Using small mannequins, pediatric neurogureon Benjamin Carson and his surgical team rehearse for a 2006 operation to separate siamese twins joined at the head.
Now: Surgical Practice and Training
The large single-patient rooms in The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center building allow enough space for pediatric residents to hold training sessions.
Then: Hurd Hall
Grand rounds in the 1950s took place in Hurd Hall, named after Henry Mills Hurd, professor of psychiatry and the first director of The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Now: Hurd Hall
Hurd Hall is still a common venue for many of the school’s featured events, including the medical students’ white coat ceremonies.
Then: Pediatrician-in-Chief
As pediatrician-in-chief at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Edwards Park, M.D., pioneered a holistic approach to the medical care of children, combining it with intense research, training and community outreach.
Now: Pediatrician-in-Chief
Tina Cheng, M.D., M.P.H., was named director of pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief of The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2016. Prior to that appointment, Cheng was recognized for developing community-integrated models of primary care to address the needs of vulnerable children, adolescents and families.
Then: Classroom Instruction
Physical chemistry lecture in 1903
Now: Classroom Instruction
Medical students engaged in a presentation
Then: Bedside Teaching
Bedside teaching is one of the cornerstones of academic medicine, a concept that was pioneered by Hopkins’ own Sir William Osler, one of the four founding professors of The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Now: Bedside Teaching
In 2016, the school of medicine developed that concept even further by rolling out a Primary Care Leadership Track designed to bring medical students face to face with patients and community doctors.
Then: Landmark Surgery
In 1901, surgeon-in-chief William Halsted, an early champion of the newly discovered antiseptic techniques, invited senior members of his surgical staff to participate in an “all-star operation” as a dedication of the newly erected building bearing his name.
From leading the way to modern heart surgery to discovering groundbreaking treatments for lupus and arthritis, our female professors have an integral part of our story since 1917. See our tribute to the achievements of those more than 250 women.
Since the late 19th century, the Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine have continued to set the standard for patient care, medical evaluation and research. See our interactive timeline for details about our historical highlights, milestones and discoveries.
Make a Gift
Celebrating 125 years of excellence in science, discovery and clinical care is only possible because of our strong foundation of support. Give to the School of Medicine and help us recruit exceptional students who aspire to launch high-impact careers in medicine or biomedical science, regardless of financial need.