Our Mission
East Carolina University School of Medicine, now Brody School of Medicine (BSOM), was established in 1974 by the North Carolina legislature. BSOM’s mission is:
- To increase the supply of primary care physicians serving the state
- To improve the health and well-being of the region
- To train physicians who will meet the health care needs of the state.
In fulfilling this Mission, BSOM does not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability.
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University offers a rich and rewarding undergraduate medical education experience. Our moderate size is an advantage, allowing students to develop close collegial relationships with their classmates and the faculty. The school is known for its innovative approaches to teaching, yet it does so in a way that enhances the rich traditions and ethical foundation of medical practice. Many of our students choose to become generalists, but our graduates compete well for postgraduate appointments no matter what specialty they pursue. And there is no better value in a medical education than the one we provide at ECU. Take a little time to explore our web site, and don’t hesitate to call us if you have additional questions. We appreciate your interest in the Brody School of Medicine.
The Office of Admissions is a unit of the Division of Academic Affairs.
Overview
East Carolina University
East Carolina University was chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1907. Today it has greater than 28,000 students and is the third largest university in North Carolina. Offering degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctorate levels, East Carolina University is one of 16 constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina.
School of Medicine
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University provides a complete and challenging medical education designed to prepare physicians for service in the 21st century. The faculty and administration emphasize close personal attention to the needs of individual students, a firm and balanced foundation in scientific knowledge and humanistic patient care skills, and adherence to traditions of service, achievement and high ethical standards.
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University admitted its first class of four-year medical students in 1977. The school is now recognized as the centerpiece of a comprehensive academic medical center with doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in the basic medical sciences, extensive research programs, residency programs in ten specialties, and a patient referral network serving citizens in the eastern third of North Carolina.
Many elements make up the educational approach at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, but among the most important are the relatively small class sizes, a highly competent and concerned faculty, and exceptional facilities.
With 86 members in each entering class, students have the opportunity to know all of their classmates to a degree not possible in larger classes. Thus, one’s journey through medical school is a shared experience accomplished in a supportive atmosphere.
Small class size also facilitates close relationships between students and faculty — a fundamental strength of the medical education program. Opportunities for individual instruction and counseling are abundant, whether in the classroom, a faculty member’s office, or at the bedside of a patient. Because faculty members are able and willing to spend time with students, they are better prepared to contribute to the growth and development of each student, not only as a future physician but as a person with unique interests and goals.
Supporting the faculty in its mission are the excellent facilities of the medical school and Vidant Medical Center, the primary affiliated teaching hospital of the school. These modern educational and clinical facilities were carefully designed to meet the needs of students- from the William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library with its individual study areas and well-equipped personal computer center to the comfortable auditorium used for large group discussions and professional conferences. These resources contribute to an educational atmosphere that encourages mature study, intellectual curiosity, and the formal and informal exchange of ideas and knowledge.
The medical school curriculum has been carefully developed and is regularly monitored and adjusted to reflect the changes occurring in contemporary medical education and practice. The curriculum provides a logical integration of basic science and clinical science knowledge, including early experience in the patient-care setting through individual preceptorships at physician offices throughout the state. Innovative teaching methods such as small group discussions, computer assisted instruction, and use of standardized patients are employed whenever appropriate during the entire four years, as a complement to the traditional venues of the lecture hall and the laboratory.
The Brody School of Medicine and East Carolina University are committed to maintaining a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability. Any suggestions by students as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this course will be appreciated and given serious consideration.
Away from the classroom, students are able and encouraged to pursue and enjoy many other activities sponsored by the university and the city of Greenville. Class members are active in student government, specialty interest groups, and student branches of regional, state, and national professional organizations. Greenville is a dynamic city, home to an excellent large university featuring superior cultural offerings, intercollegiate spectator sports, and abundant recreational activities.
Simply stated, our goal at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University is to provide men and women with the basic knowledge and clinical experience needed to attain successful careers in medicine. And while that goal can be accomplished only through a difficult and demanding course of study, we also believe that the journey through medical school can and should be one of life’s most enriching and rewarding experiences.
Best wishes to you as you prepare for that journey.