Mission & Vision Statements

Our vision

Washington University School of Medicine will lead in advancing human health through the promotion of wellness and delivery of outstanding health care, innovative research and the education of tomorrow’s leaders in biomedicine within a culture that supports diversity, inclusion, critical thinking and creativity.

Our mission

In leading the advancement of human health, Washington University School of Medicine will:

• Cultivate excellence and collegiality within an equitable and inclusive community
• Attract, develop, advance and support a diverse and talented current and future workforce
• Innovate through discoveries and inventions in basic, clinical, translational and population sciences
• Build and support an environment that fosters exceptionally creative research, health care, education and the well-being of our workforce
• Use our academic excellence and scientific rigor to continually advance and enhance health care in a way that ensures access, compassion, high value, equity and evidence-based care for all people in our community, including those who are underserved and uninsured
• Observe the highest standards of ethics, integrity and humanity across all missions
• Apply advances in research, education and health care to the betterment of the human condition locally and globally

Diversity statement

Washington University School of Medicine’s culture of collaboration and inclusion is the foundation for success in everything it does. The School of Medicine recognizes that by bringing together people from varying backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise, it can develop richer solutions to complex scientific questions, train culturally sensitive clinicians and provide health care in a way that best serves our diverse patient population. To support these values, the School of Medicine is deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive community in which everyone is welcomed and valued. As the School of Medicine engages more fully with the community around it and appeals more broadly to student talent, it has adopted a clearer priority on diversifying its own ranks. Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, socio-economic status, genetic information. We implement policies and practices that support the inclusion of all such potential students, trainees and employees and are committed to being an institution that is accessible to everyone who learns, conducts research, works and seeks care on our campus. We provide reasonable accommodations to those seeking that assistance.

The diversity statement was revised and endorsed by the School of Medicine Academic Affairs Committee on December 10, 2020. It was approved by the Executive Faculty on January 6, 2021.

National Council

The School of Medicine’s National Council is an advisory board whose membership consists of alumni, benefactors, as well as leaders in the fields of medicine and business. The council meets twice a year with the Dean to discuss the school and its mission and to provide advice on initiatives and projects.

See National Council members »