The history of medicine at Saint Louis University dates back almost 200 years to 1836, when SLU established the first medical school west of the Mississippi. From its founding to present day, the School of Medicine has been no stranger to excellence in medical education. Consider:

• SLU surgeons conducted the first successful heart transplant in the state of Missouri.
• SLU is one of only nine NIH-funded vaccine research institutions in the country.
• SLU operates one of the largest hepatitis C practices in the world.

At SLU, the School of Medicine’s work goes beyond training physicians to be scholars of the human body. We graduate doctors who appreciate humanistic medicine, concern themselves with the sanctity of human life and commit to dignity and respect for all patients. That’s a lot to be proud of.

As we celebrate 200 years of Saint Louis University today, we invite you to honor that proud history and ensure its legacy by making a gift to the School of Medicine. This year, the School of Medicine has two challenges for Giving Day:

• Once 50 gifts have been made to the School of Medicine today, Vice Dean of Medical Affairs, Dr. Robert Wilmott has generously pledged to give an additional $5,000. 
• Once 20 gifts have been made to the Health Resource Center Fund, esteemed alumnus Dr. Edward O'Brien has pledged to give an additional $2,500. 

About the Health Resource Center

The Health Resource Center provides free health care services to the community. It is operated by medical school students under the guidance of SLU doctors. By the numbers:

• 8 free clinic sessions
• 2,336 patient encounters in the last year
• More than 12,000 volunteer hours from medical students, professional volunteers and student leads from multiple health disciplines.

Currently the Health Resource Center has a need for vaccinations and rapid tests for PPD and HIV. Rates of sexually transmitted infections in STL are among the highest in the nation. By providing free HIV rapid testing and counseling, the HRC is helping to combat the rise of HIV infection.