Albany Medical College: A Legacy of Innovation and Education
Albany Medical College (AMC), a private medical school located in Albany, New York, boasts a rich history and a commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. Founded in 1839 by Alden March and James H., AMC has evolved into a leading academic medical center, attracting and producing numerous leaders in medicine and research over its 170-year history.
A History of Distinction
Since its inception, Albany Medical College has been a hub of medical innovation and discovery. The institution is credited as the site where David S. Sheridan perfected the modern-day disposable catheter, among other significant advancements. Its faculty, researchers, and alumni include luminaries such as two Nobel Prize winners, two Lasker Award winners, two MacArthur Fellowship recipients, one Gairdner Foundation International Award winner, a former Surgeon General of the United States Army, and a former Surgeon General of the United States Air Force. Furthermore, AMC has produced several presidents and CEOs of major academic hospitals, as well as an early president and co-founder of the American Medical Association. The college is also one of 135 nationwide chapters of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, founded in 1902, which is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the profession and art of healing.
In October 1958, further expanding its community outreach, the college, alongside the medical center, launched a public radio station, WAMC. The callsign is derived from both the college and medical center, signifying their intertwined missions.
Renowned Faculty and Alumni
Albany Medical College has been associated with numerous distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to medicine and science. Some notable figures include:
Kenneth Blackfan: A well-known pediatric hematologist and mentor of Louis K. Diamond and Sidney Farber, Blackfan is regarded as the "father" of modern-day chemotherapy. The Diamond-Blackfan Syndrome is named in his honor.
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Jeffrey M. Friedman: A molecular geneticist at Rockefeller University, Friedman's discovery of the hormone leptin and its role in regulating body weight has had a major impact on the understanding and treatment of human obesity.
Nancy E. Gary: Former dean of Albany Medical College and Executive Vice President of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Dean of its.
F. Timothy Johnson: An Emmy Award-winning television personality, author, and physician who gained recognition.
David Nalin: Credited with discovering oral rehydration therapy, a treatment estimated to have saved approximately 50 million lives from diarrhea worldwide.
William H. Oldendorf: A neurologist, physician, researcher, and medical pioneer, Oldendorf was the originator of computed tomography. His work led to the development of MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and other imaging techniques. He was a winner of the Lasker Award.
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James Salisbury, M.D.: Known for his contributions to medicine.
John A. Sampson: A gynecologist who advanced the study of endometriosis.
Theobald Smith: A pioneering microbiologist and the first person to demonstrate that diseases can be transmitted through insects.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
Albany Medical College offers a variety of programs designed to train the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists. These programs include:
Doctor of Medicine (MD): The traditional four-year medical program provides students with a comprehensive education in the basic sciences and clinical medicine.
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Combined-Degree Programs: AMC reserves up to 50 places in its first-year class for students in combined-degree programs with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Union College, and Siena College. These programs allow students to complete undergraduate requirements before matriculating at Albany Medical College, ultimately earning both their undergraduate and MD degrees. Albany Medical College will only consider applicants to one of the three combined degree programs. Dual applications will not be considered.
Albany Medical College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI): This accelerated Biomedical Program enables qualified individuals to complete requirements of both the BS and MD degrees in seven calendar years. Medical research is a focus of this program and is carried out at the medical school during the third year at RPI and during the first and second years at Albany Medical College. The goal of this program is to prepare physicians who will advance the practice of medicine through their clinical skills combined with their understanding and ability to carry out health care research. Applications are initially reviewed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Applicants must complete high school with superior credentials. Three years of science (including chemistry and lab-based physics). SAT I in math (Level I, Level IC, Level II or Level IIC), writing; and science (physics, chemistry, biology, or biology E/M) are required. In lieu of the SAT, ACT scores may be submitted. All tests must be completed by the November test date. The application deadline is Nov.
Albany Medical College and Union College: This joint program enables qualified students to earn both the BS, MS, or MBA and MD degrees in eight years. The curriculum stresses thorough undergraduate preparation in both the sciences, humanities, and health care management. The requirements of an interdepartmental major, a non-science discipline, as well as 10 courses in health care management provide the opportunity to acquire a breadth of knowledge and understanding not typically found in premedical programs. Invitations to interview will be extended to select applicants with uniformly superior academic credentials and test scores, as well as relevant backgrounds. Candidates must complete high school with superior scholastic credentials. SAT I math (Level I, Level IC, Level II, or Level IIC); writing and science (physics, chemistry, biology, or biology E/M) are required. In lieu of the SAT, the American College Test (ACT) scores may be submitted. Self-reported scores are accepted during the application process. Clinical or volunteer service in medicine either in person (preferred) or virtually is required, and a student will not be considered for the LIM program without it. The application deadline is Nov.
Albany Medical College and Siena College: This joint program places emphasis on humanities, ethics, and social service. Students accepted into this program will earn a BA from Siena after four years of study and an MD degree from the Albany Medical College upon completion of the medical curriculum. In addition to the traditional science courses that provide a firm foundation for the basic medical sciences, students in this program will take more humanities courses at Siena than in traditional premedical programs. Included in the curriculum are courses in philosophy, ethics, decision making, social work, medical sociology, and metaphysics. The program includes two summers of volunteer service. Grants are available for travel and living expenses. During the summer between the junior and senior year at Siena, students are engaged in non-medical work with disadvantaged individuals. During the summer, following the second year of medical school, medically oriented volunteer experiences may be sought in underserved rural or city clinics. Science in Humanities & Medicine AdmissionsCompetitive applicants are well-rounded high school seniors who have compiled strong academic records. Of equal importance, is demonstrated concern for others and for the community as exhibited in volunteer activities. High school seniors interested in this program must initially file an application with Siena College. SAT math (Level 1, Level IC, Level II, or Level IIC); writing and science (physics, chemistry, biology, or biology E/M) are required. In lieu of the SAT, the American College Test (ACT) scores may be submitted. Application deadline is Nov.
Physician Assistant (PA) Program: Established in 1972 in collaboration with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), the PA program initially granted graduates an A.A.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from HVCC and a certificate of completion from AMC. Since 2005, the program has awarded a Master of Science in PA studies.
Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences and Bioethics: The Alden March Bioethics Institute (AMBI), a multi-institutional bioethics research organization based at Albany Medical College, offers graduate programs including those offering the M.S. and Doctor of Professional Studies (D.P.S.) in Bioethics. The institute's faculty conduct research supported by federal and foundation grants.
The Alden March Bioethics Institute (AMBI)
The Alden March Bioethics Institute (AMBI) stands as a prominent multi-institutional bioethics research organization rooted at Albany Medical College in New York. It's home to 26 faculty members who produce first-rate scholarship, backed by over $3 million in funding from federal and foundation grants. The Institute previously housed The American Journal of Bioethics (AJOB) and bioethics.net. Its faculty oversee various graduate programs, including those that confer the M.S. and Doctor of Professional Studies (D.P.S.) in Bioethics.
Albany Med Health System
Albany Medical College is the cornerstone of the Albany Med Health System, the largest and only regionally governed, not-for-profit health system in northeastern New York and western New England. The System is built on the strengths of each member and makes Albany Medical Centerâs advanced care readily available to patients from the mid-Hudson Valley to the North Country, providing patients with the best of both worlds.The Albany Med Health System includes:
Albany Medical Center: Northeastern New York's only academic medical center and one of the largest private employers in the Capital Region. It incorporates a 766-bed hospital, which offers the widest range of medical and surgical services in the region, and Albany Medical College, which trains the next generation of doctors, scientists, and other health care professionals. It also includes the region's largest physicians' practice. The Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital, located within Albany Medical Center, is the region's only children's hospital and the referral center for seriously ill and injured children from 25 counties across upstate New York and western New England. It also includes the Massry Family Children's Emergency Center, which is the region's only Level 1 pediatric trauma center.
Columbia Memorial Health: Serving the Hudson Valley since 1893.
Glens Falls Hospital: Serving patients across five counties in an area that spans 6,000 square miles of New York's Adirondack region. Founded in 1897, the Glens Falls Hospital campus is home to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, the Joyce Stock Snuggery Childbirth Center, and the Wound Healing Center. More than 20 regional facilities provide an array of specialized medical and surgical services.
Saratoga Hospital: Founded in 1891, Saratoga Hospital is the only acute care facility in Saratoga County and has maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence since 2004.
Visiting Nurses: The Albany Med Health System Visiting Nurses is the region's second largest home health care agency with more than 400 nurses, rehabilitation therapists, social workers, home health aides, personal care aides, and an additional 60 staff. Annually it serves more than 3,750 patients in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties.
Albany Medical Center works with dozens of community partners to improve the region's quality of life.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Albany Medical College and the Albany Med Health System are committed to promoting and advancing the value and strength of people from all communities. Albany Medical Center was recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. By reflecting the communities it serves, equity and inclusion are embedded into its everyday practices. The institution defines diversity broadly, encompassing all people regardless of ethnic and racial background, socioeconomic background, geographic location (urban and rural), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, age, physical disabilities, and other personal attributes.
Patient Safety and Clinical Competency Center (PSCCC)
Albany Medical Collegeâs Patient Safety and Clinical Competency Center (PSCCC) houses a collection of simulation and clinical training resources to educate students and health care professionals in a safe and dynamic setting. Using lifelike manikins and other training tools, as well as role playing with trained actors to simulate patient exams and consultations, students practice hands-on medicine in a safe but realistic medical setting.
Epic Implementation
The Albany Med Health System is in the process of launching Epic with the goal of providing seamless, high-quality care to its communities and improving the experience for its employees.
Accreditation and Recognition
Albany Medical College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education of the American Association of Medical Colleges, and other relevant accrediting bodies.
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