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.
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
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.
The initial SOM team moves into its first office at Hofstra University's Axinn Library.
LCME Self-Study Process Kick-Off Event
RFP for former Jets Facility
2009
Pipeline Program Launch
Preliminary LCME Accreditation Site Visit
2010
In June 2010, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) granted Preliminary Accreditation to the School of Medicine.
The School of Medicine officially opened its initial building.
Admissions cycle began for recruitment of the inaugural class
2011
The School welcomed its inaugural class.
2012
Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine Welcomes Second Class Through its Doors
School of Medicine Hosts First Scholarship Day
2013
The SOM breaks ground on new addition:
Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine Breaks Ground on New Construction
The School of Medicine received Provisional Accreditation in 2013 from the LCME:
Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine Receives Next Step in Accreditation
2014
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.
March 20, 2015: First Match Day
First Commencement (inaugural class)
The SOM attained Full Accreditation.
School of Medicine Receives $1.7 Million HRSA Grant to Enhance Primary Care Training
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
Hofstra Northwell's Medical Scholars Pipeline Program Ends With a Celebration of New Beginnings
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
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
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
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
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.
The SOM achieved the full eight-year accreditation term.
Zucker School of Medicine earns continued full accreditation
2021
On Monday, May 10, 2021—commencement day at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell—98 medical students finally began a lifelong dream, officially becoming doctors. The ceremony took place at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University.
Zucker School of Medicine’s Seventh Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Diversity, Determination and Courage
2022
David Battinelli, MD, executive vice president and physician-in-chief of Northwell Health, officially assumed his new role as dean of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell on Friday, July 1, 2022.
Northwell Physician-in-Chief, Dr. David Battinelli, New Dean of Zucker School of Medicine.
2023
Phase I of Curriculum Renewal concludes, gathering ideas for a refreshed curriculum that will prepare future doctors for tomorrow’s healthcare industry.
Phase I of Curriculum Renewal concludes
2024
Zucker School of Medicine Incorporates Surgical Skills and Robotic Surgery Training into Undergraduate Curriculum: Inaugural Class Showcased Newly Developed Skills
First cohort of second-year medical students enrolls in Surgical Skills Training Course elective.