A New View of Healthcare

Thanks to outstanding leadership and innovative ideas, the University continued to grow and evolve. 1967 marked the formation of The University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School and the move to 2020 West Ogden in the heart of the Chicago medical district. The University of Health Sciences was designed to build teams of health professionals. Conceived of by Dr. A. Nichols Taylor, then president of The Chicago Medical School, and with the approval of board chairman Herman M. Finch -- who would later serve as Chief Executive Officer of the University and was a prominent member of the University community until his death in 1998 -- The University of Health Sciences brought together diagnostic, supportive, and investigative functions of medicine in one setting.

Dr. A. Nichols Taylor stated, "Based on the concept that healthcare teams, guided by qualified physicians and researchers, are a key factor in providing comprehensive healthcare, the University's goal is to provide education and training within the same academic environment for the professions that are essential contributors to the healthcare system."

The idea was simple and radical for its time: by learning together, medical school students and students of other healthcare professions would come to respect each others' contributions and work together effectively for the well-being of the patient.

In 2003, the Institute of Medicine issued a report calling for the implementation of integrated healthcare teams, validating the groundbreaking ideas put forth by the University more than thirty years earlier.

In 1968, The University of Health Sciences had evolved to include a School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, providing extensive research opportunities. Today, the school offers graduate and postdoctoral training in the biological and related health sciences.

By 1970, The School of Related Health Sciences (now The College of Health Professions) established its first program in Physical Therapy. Today, the school offers degree programs in many areas of health science, including Nutrition, Pathologists' Assistant, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant.