About

History

History of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine

Established in 2008, the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell was founded by two equal partners: Hofstra University and Northwell Health. The School of Medicine is built upon the strong clinical and graduate medical education programs of Northwell, as well as the robust research and academic programs of both Hofstra and Northwell’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. For eight years in a row, the Zucker School of Medicine has been recognized among the top medical schools nationwide for medical research and primary care (2017-2024, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools), and for the third year in a row as one of the most diverse medical schools in the country (2022-2024, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools). The institution comprises more than 4,000 faculty members across 25 academic departments and enrolls a diverse community of over 400 students. For more information, visit medicine.hofstra.edu.

 
    1. 2006
      AAMC Calls for 30 Percent Increase in Medical School Enrollment
      June 19, 2006

      The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), citing population increases, a doubling between the years 2000 and 2030 of the number of citizens over the age of 65, and an aging physician workforce, recommended that medical school enrollment be increased by 30 percent by 2015.
      AAMC Calls for 30 Percent Increase in Medical School Enrollment
      School of Medicine
    2. 2008
      School of Medicine Formal Agreement
      March 26, 2008

      On March 26, 2008, with the approval of their respective boards, Hofstra University and North Shore-LIJ Health System entered into a formal agreement that established the School of Medicine, the first allopathic medical school in Nassau County and the first new medical school in the New York metropolitan area in more than 35 years. After a formal search, Dr. Lawrence Smith, nationally recognized for his leadership in medicine and medical education, was appointed as Founding Dean. Dr. Smith had served as the Chief Medical Officer of the Northwell Health System since September 1, 2006, and has continued, as Dean, in the position of Executive Vice President/Physician-in-Chief of Northwell Health. By holding a leadership role in both the University and Northwell, Dr. Smith facilitates a unified approach to maintaining a successful partnership, providing innovative leadership, and ensuring the seamless integration of classroom and clinical experiences.
    3. First SOM Office
      May 2008

      The initial SOM team moves into its first office at Hofstra University's Axinn Library.
    4. LCME Self-Study Process Kick-Off Event
      October 21, 2008

      LCME Self-Study Process Kick-Off Event
    5. RFP for former Jets Facility
      December 2008

      RFP for former Jets Facility
    6. 2009
      Pipeline Program Launch
      June 2009

      Pipeline Program Launch
    7. Preliminary LCME Accreditation Site Visit
      December 2009

      Preliminary LCME Accreditation Site Visit
    8. 2010
      Preliminary Accreditation
      June 2010

      In June 2010, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) granted Preliminary Accreditation to the School of Medicine.
       
    9. Initial SOM Building Opening
      June 2010

      The School of Medicine officially opened its initial building.
       
    10. Admissions Cycle
      September 2010

      Admissions cycle began for recruitment of the inaugural class
    11. 2011
      Inaugural Class
      August 1, 2011

      The School welcomed its inaugural class.
    12. 2012
      Inaugural Publication of the School's Literary Journal
      April 18, 2012


      Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine's Students & Faculty Launch Inaugural Publication of the School's Literary Journal
    13. SOM Welcomes Second Class
      August 1, 2012


      Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine Welcomes Second Class Through its Doors
    14. First Scholarship Day
      November 26, 2012


      School of Medicine Hosts First Scholarship Day
    15. 2013
      New Construction
      June 6, 2013

      The SOM breaks ground on new addition:
      Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine Breaks Ground on New Construction
    16. Provisional Accreditation
      June 20, 2013

      The School of Medicine received Provisional Accreditation in 2013 from the LCME:
      Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine Receives Next Step in Accreditation
    17. 2014
      $10 Million Scholarship fund for Medical Students
      January 27, 2014


      Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine receives $10 Million Scholarship fund for Medical Students
    18. The Osler Society
      May 19, 2014


      School of Medicine to Launch The Osler Society
    19. $50,000 Award for Medical Scholars Pipeline Program
      July 31, 2014


      Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine Receives $50,000 Award for Medical Scholars Pipeline Program
    20. 2015
      Expansion Building
      March 2, 2015

      The School opened the doors to its expansion building, which increased the size of the main education site to over 60,000 gross square feet, bringing the total physical structure to 113,000 square feet.
    21. First Match Day
      March 20 2015

      March 20, 2015: First Match Day
    22. $50,000 Award for Medical Scholars Pipeline Program
      May 11, 2015

      First Commencement (inaugural class)
    23. Full Accreditation
      2015

      The SOM attained Full Accreditation.
    24. $1.7 Million HRSA Grant to Enhance Primary Care Training
      July 25, 2015


      School of Medicine Receives $1.7 Million HRSA Grant to Enhance Primary Care Training
    25. 2016
      Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine
      January 1, 2016

      Effective January 1, 2016, the School of Medicine, formerly known as the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, became the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, in parallel with the new Northwell Health brand.
      North Shore-LIJ to Change Name to Northwell Health
    26. Student-run Free Clinic Opens in Queens
      February 22, 2016


      Hofstra Northwell Student-run Free Clinic Opens in Queens
    27. Celebration of New Beginnings
      July 22, 2016


      Hofstra Northwell's Medical Scholars Pipeline Program Ends With a Celebration of New Beginnings
    28. New White Coats
      August 16, 2016


      New White Coats Mark Transition for Nurse Practitioner Students
    29. 2017
      Medical students stand in solidarity against Obamacare repeal
      January 30, 2017

      In the wake of new U.S. administration promises to abolish health care reform, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine students joined forces with the Protect Our Patients movement on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017 to protest the possibility that millions of Americans may lose their health care coverage if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed.
      Medical students stand in solidarity against Obamacare repeal
    30. School of Medicine rises high in the grad school ranks
      January 30, 2017

      Just two years following the graduation of its first class of medical students, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine ranks among the top medical schools in the country for primary care and research, according to the new 2018 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools
      School of Medicine rises high in the grad school ranks
    31. Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine
      August 30, 2017

      Donald and Barbara Zucker, New York philanthropists and Northwell’s leading lifetime donors, make a generous gift of $61 million in support of the next generation of health professionals – earmarking $50 million for medical student scholarships. In recognition, the medical school is renamed the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
      Hofstra University, Northwell Health announce naming of medical school in honor of Donald and Barbara Zucker
    32. 2019
      Zucker School of Medicine launches new pipeline program
      June 24, 2019

      Eight rising college sophomores from close to home and beyond continued their quest for science and medical knowledge on Jun. 24, 2019, as the first class of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Pipeline Program (ZPP) for college students. Ten years following the inception of the school’s highly successful Medical Scholars Pipeline Program (MSPP) for high school students, the newly launched ZPP focuses on taking college students like Kelly Centeno all the way to medical school and the fulfillment of a dream to become a doctor or other professional in medicine.
      Zucker School of Medicine launches new pipeline program
    33. 2020
      Zucker School of Medicine — 10-year Anniversary
      January 16, 2020

      Established in 2008, and officially open for student admission in 2010, the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell was founded by two equal partners: Hofstra University and Northwell Health. It was the first medical school established in Nassau County, Long Island, and the first new medical school in the New York metropolitan area in more than 35 years. Take a trip down memory lane as we celebrate the past 10 years at the Zucker School of Medicine. #ZSoMTurnsTen
      Zucker School of Medicine celebrates 10 years.
    34. Continued Full Accreditation
      February 18, 2020

      The SOM achieved the full eight-year accreditation term.
      Zucker School of Medicine earns continued full accreditation