In 1870, the department gained approval as the state's official university medical college and embarked on a long tradition of progressive leadership in medical education. The college was among the first public institutions of its kind in the country to admit women, and ostensibly the first such school west of the Mississippi River, signaling a long-standing commitment to excellence, service, and diversity. The first class consisted of 37 students, including eight women.
In 1876, the college became a founding member of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The college has enjoyed continual growth and expansion of its mission and services since that time.
College of Medicine Class Photo from 1880
In 2002, the college was named for Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver in recognition of a $63 million gift supporting patient care and research. To date, the Carver family and the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust have provided more than $90 million in philanthropic support to the college.
In 2020, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine celebrated its 150th anniversary. As it has since its founding, the college stands ready—through its mission of medical education, biomedical research, and patient care and service—to serve Iowa, and the world, well into the future.
Patient care services at the University of Iowa can be traced back to 1873, when the university’s medical college established a hospital in conjunction with the Sisters of Mercy Catholic order. In 1898, the 65-bed University Hospital opened near downtown Iowa City.
Dig Deeper into our History
Our Sesquicentennial
Watch a documentary that outlines the Carver College of Medicine's first 150 years, from 1870-2020.
Achievements and Discoveries
Explore a timeline of key achievements and discoveries throughout the Carver College of Medicine's rich history.
Help Us Grow
Our history is rich with impact to Iowa, help us continue to serve the state through donation.