Rosalind Franklin University: A History of Medical Education and Innovation
The journey of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a testament to the evolution of American medical training. From its humble beginnings as a night school for aspiring physicians to its current status as a leader in interprofessional education, the institution has consistently adapted to meet the changing needs of healthcare and society.
The Founding of Chicago Medical School
The institution's roots trace back to 1912 with the establishment of the Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine. Founded by a group of community leaders and physicians, this nonprofit school was specifically designed to serve medical students who could only attend classes at night. During its early years, the school was led by William Dorland, the editor of the renowned medical dictionary that bears his name.
The most transformative era occurred under the leadership of John J. Sheinin, who served as dean and president from 1932 to 1966. Sheinin guided the school through the restructuring of American medical education following the Flexner Report—a landmark study that led to the closure or merger of over half of the nation's medical schools. By 1930, the institution, renamed the Chicago Medical School, moved to a massive medical complex in downtown Chicago. This hub was one of the largest of its kind globally, housing seven hospitals, three medical schools, two undergraduate universities, and various colleges for nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry.
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Commitment to Equity During Global Crisis
From its inception, the Chicago Medical School distinguished itself by rejecting quotas used to limit minority enrollment, insisting that admission be based solely on merit. This inclusive philosophy became a lifeline during the Great Depression, during which enrollment more than doubled.
As Nazi Europe rose in the late 1930s, the school became a sanctuary for Jewish researchers and faculty fleeing persecution. This tradition of providing a haven continued after World War II for refugee physicians. In 1945, these values were formally codified in a nondiscrimination amendment to the school's constitution, stating that admission would be based on academic accomplishment and character merit regardless of race, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Evolution into a University of Health Sciences
In the early 1960s, President Sheinin envisioned a model where students from different medical disciplines could train together to foster teamwork. This vision materialized in 1967 with the formation of the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School (UHS/CMS).
Conceived by President A. Nichols Taylor and funded largely through the efforts of board chairman Herman M. Finch, this model was among the first in the U.S. to integrate educational programs for physicians and other health professionals. To support this integrated approach, the university added the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in 1968 and the School of Related Health Sciences (now the College of Health Professions) in 1970.
Relocation, Renaming, and Campus Growth
In 1980, the university transitioned from downtown Chicago to its current campus at 3333 Green Bay Road in North Chicago, featuring the Otto L. and Hazel T. Rhoades Auditorium as a centerpiece. The institution underwent several name changes to reflect its leadership and legacy: it became the Herman M. Finch University of Health Sciences in 1993 and was renamed Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2004. The latter honors Rosalind Franklin, whose X-ray diffraction work provided the scientific basis for the structure of DNA.
The early 2000s saw a surge in infrastructure development:
- 2001: The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine joined the university.
- 2002: Opening of the 140,000-square-foot Health Sciences Building, including the Feet First Museum.
- 2003: The campus became residential with its first student housing phase and the opening of the Education and Evaluation Center and the John J. Sheinin Gross Anatomy Laboratory.
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Modern Expansions and Specialized Facilities
RFU has continued to expand its academic offerings and facilities to remain at the forefront of medical technology. In 2011, the College of Pharmacy opened within the William J. and Elizabeth L. Morningstar Interprofessional Education Center (IPEC), graduating its first class in 2015.
Further enhancements include the Rothstein Warden Centennial Learning Center (2013), designed to promote collaboration, and the DeWitt C. Baldwin Institute for Interprofessional Education (2014), named after the father of interprofessional education. In May 2014, a statue of Rosalind Franklin was unveiled on campus.
Recent technological milestones include the 2017 opening of the Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, a 30,000-square-foot virtual health system. In 2020, the university added a $50 million Innovation and Research Park, blending academic research labs with private healthcare startups. Most recently, in 2022, RFU launched its College of Nursing, the first of its kind in Lake County, Illinois.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1912 as Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine.
- Core Philosophy: Merit-based admission and a long history of nondiscrimination.
- Educational Model: A pioneer in interprofessional education, training multiple health disciplines together.
- Major Facilities: Includes a 100,000-square-foot Innovation and Research Park and a specialized simulation center in Huntley.
- Recent Addition: Established the first College of Nursing in Lake County, Illinois, in 2022.
| Year | Milestone / Name Change | Key Development |
|---|---|---|
| 1912 | Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine | Founded as a nonprofit night school. |
| 1967 | University of Health Sciences/CMS | Shift toward integrated health professional training. |
| 1980 | Relocation | Moved to North Chicago campus. |
| 1993 | Herman M. Finch University | Renamed after the board chairman. |
| 2004 | Rosalind Franklin University | Renamed in honor of the DNA researcher. |
| 2022 | College of Nursing | First nursing college in Lake County, IL. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the university renamed after Rosalind Franklin?
The university was renamed in 2004 to honor Rosalind Franklin, whose critical work with X-ray diffraction provided the data necessary to describe the structure of DNA, one of the most significant advances in modern biology.
What is interprofessional education at RFU?
Interprofessional education is a model where students from various healthcare disciplines—such as medicine, pharmacy, and nursing—train together. This approach is designed to help them learn to work in integrated teams to improve patient care.
When did the university move to North Chicago?
The university relocated from its original downtown Chicago location to its current site at 3333 Green Bay Road in North Chicago in 1980.
What is the purpose of the Innovation and Research Park?
Opened in 2020, this $50 million, four-story facility allocates two-thirds of its space to RFU research labs and disease-based centers, while the remaining third is used by private healthcare industries and startups.
How did the school handle admissions during the Great Depression?
The school rejected quotas that limited minority enrollment, adhering to the belief that only academic merit and character should determine admission. Consequently, enrollment more than doubled during this period.