Medical School Orientation

Dear incoming member of the Class of 2027,

I’m so excited to welcome you to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo!

I congratulate you on the decision to begin your journey into the remarkable profession of medicine with us. This choice speaks volumes about who you are as an individual, what you believe is important and your ambition.

With each new year, students bring with them a sense of promise and possibility. You represent a diverse group of individuals with a rich array of backgrounds, experiences, and talents who have followed many unique paths to get here. I’m grateful for all you will contribute to our school, society and the future of medicine.

As a medical student, you have the advantage of training in our cutting-edge facilities. Located in the heart of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, alongside several local hospitals, Jacobs School students learn the basics of clinical practice by contributing to patient care, research and collaboration. You can look forward to engaging and interactive classroom study, simulation activities, active and applied learning techniques, fostering creative problem-solving skills and developing solid teamwork.   

Our students learn from and readily have access to our nationally and internationally renowned faculty members, instructors who have been honored for their commitment to pre-clinical education. With the help of these mentors, you will develop knowledge and skills in medicine and related disciplines, preparing you to succeed as physicians, scientists, educators and thought leaders.  

As you immerse yourself in the rigors of medical student life, you can rely on the support of your peers and our faculty members. Additionally, staff in our Office of Student and Academic Affairs and Offices of Medical Curriculum are committed to enhancing your educational experience.

Research is also of vital importance at the Jacobs School and our students are encouraged to explore opportunities and remain curious. An integral part of my life for many years, I have witnessed the many ways research can transform patients’ lives.

The Jacobs School is well positioned to lead the way in medical and scientific excellence. Guided by our strategic pillars of education, research, clinical care and inclusion, we will leverage and build on our foundation of prestige to shape the future of health care.

You should feel proud knowing you are studying at a flagship institution of the SUNY system, which is a distinction that reinforces UB’s stature among premier public research universities. A flagship university sets the standard to which other institutions aspire. UB is also one of the nation’s top 40 public universities and one of just 65 universities in the prestigious Association of American Universities. This is a distinction given to institutions whose research, education and discoveries transform society.

The UB community is composed of enthusiastic, lifelong learners — people who value diversity and inclusion, who are committed to challenging discrimination and strive to improve society by addressing disparities and inequities.

On behalf of all of our professors, physicians, researchers and staff, welcome to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. May the next four years take you on a remarkable journey of discovery that begins now.

With warm wishes for a rewarding year,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Vice President for Health Sciences and
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences