Office of the President
Greetings from the President
Wayne J. Riley, M.D., M.P.H., MBA, MACP
Welcome to Meharry Medical College! We intend for this Web site to be informative, instructive, and inspiring. We want you to know about the proud legacy and unique mission that propels Meharry to leadership in America’s health sciences community. We bring to you a “virtual” experience in the College’s values and its vision.
Meharry is a rare national treasure venerated for its distinguished pedigree and more than a century of extraordinary service to humanity. Established through a slave-era Freedman’s act of kindness, Meharry has ascended to prominence through the power of irresistible forces of destiny. Its ability to endure in the face of adversity is the hallmark of a true legend.
Today, Meharry is strategically positioned to lead the charge for a healthier nation. I invite you to stroll through this virtual site at your leisure to understand why the oldest independent, historically black academic health center in the nation continues to earn such high esteem.
From the time in 1876 when the Methodist Church and Samuel Meharry combined their assets to establish a healing arts program to teach former slaves to care for neglected peers, Meharry Medical College has remained committed to the education, health and health care needs of underserved populations. We function as a private institution with a very public mission. Notwithstanding the fiscal challenges inherent in such a posture, we will always be the “safety net” institution that cushions the fall of the medically underserved. The students who attend Meharry understand our historic role, and the typical graduate leaves here committed to advancing our noble traditions.
Nothing has broken our will to thrive and serve and nothing has turned us away from our mission. We have been consistent in our efforts and will remain dedicated to our vision of eliminating healthcare disparities through education, research and patient care.
As the nation aligns its healthcare priorities, it can look to Meharry Medical College as a beacon and trusted resource with a solid 131-year history in providing quality healthcare.
