IN THE NEWS
UH Manoa
The University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine remains one of the top primary care institutions as U.S. News & World Report placed JABSOM in the top tier of all medical schools in the nation in its 2025 "Best Medical Schools" rankings.
There were 15 other schools placed in the elite Tier 1 category, marking the sixth time in eight years that JABSOM has made the top 25. Consistently landing in the top quartile of 130 ranked schools from 194 allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. solidifies JABSOM's place as a premier destination for physicians to learn and train.
"As JABSOM marks its 60th anniversary, we reflect on our commitment to the state," said Dean Sam Shomaker. "Our mission has always been to train physicians who are prepared to address the healthcare needs of Hawaiʻi. Currently, there is a critical demand for Primary Care physicians, particularly in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and OBGYN. We are proud that so many of our students are dedicated to serving our state in these areas. Additionally, we are honored that our commitment to this mission is being recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report."
Proving itself as a top primary care medical school, 66 percent of the Class of 2025 will enter Primary Care specialties this year.
Maintaining its top tier status in the U.S. News and World Report increases JABSOMʻs visibility nationwide. Seen as one of the best places to train to become a physician, the continued visibility in the rankings leads to a more competitive applicant pool. More than 2200 applicants have been vying for 77 spots in recent years.
Attracting the best of the best means the physicians trained here are more inclined to serve the people of Hawaiʻi upon completing residency. The latest Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) data reflects that trend. More than half of JABSOM graduates are prepared to practice in underserved communities compared to the U.S. average of 40 percent. The quality of JABSOM clerkships is ranked in the top 10% in the nation.
Peer institutions and a few national primary care and research metrics determine medical schools' rankings.
On the research side, JABSOM holds its solid Tier 2 ranking alongside Tufts University and Dartmouth College. JABSOM's hyperlocal research continues to focus on areas which significantly contribute to the overall health of Hawaiʻi.
"The John A. Burns School of Medicine remains the leader of research in the Pacific. This is due to our faculty, staff, and student research endeavors. JABSOM is focused on issues that impact our population and we continue to make strides in health disparities, aging, reproductive biology, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and infectious diseases," said Dr. Steve Ward, Interim Associate Dean for Research at JABSOM.