Baylor University's Legacy in Medicine Through Education and Innovation

Baylor University’s impact on medicine runs deep, shaping the future of healthcare through education, research and leadership. From training the next generation of medical professionals to driving groundbreaking discoveries, Baylor’s influence extends far beyond the classroom.
Baylor’s legacy in healthcare began in 1903, when visionaries established Baylor College of Medicine. Today, Baylor College of Medicine stands as a powerhouse of medical education and innovation, pushing the boundaries of research and transforming patient care. In 1909, Baylor’s Nursing School (now Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing) began training exceptional nurses, and in 1918, the Baylor College of Dentistry was established. These organizations share the bond of history and longstanding commitment to excellent healthcare education that formed from their foundation at Baylor.
In light of this history, it comes as no surprise that Baylor alumni are at the forefront of modern medicine — leading hospitals, pioneering medical breakthroughs and shaping healthcare policy. Whether in patient care, biomedical sciences or public health, their work is redefining the future of healthcare — one innovation at a time.
Harriet “Hallie” Earle, BA 1901, MS 1902, MD 1907, was a Baylor Bear through and through. A Hewitt, Texas, native, she stayed close to home to attend Baylor University and received her bachelor’s degree in 1901 before going on to earn her Master of Science in 1902 and graduating at the top of her medical school class in 1907. She made history as the first woman to earn a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and the first licensed female physician in McLennan County.
Justin Ford Kimball served as vice president of Baylor University, overseeing its medical institutions in Dallas. In 1929, he worked to address Baylor Hospital’s financial struggles and introduced a plan that would allow Dallas teachers to prepay 50 cents a month for future hospital care. This plan quickly gained widespread adoption, and by 1931, Kimball’s idea had spread nationwide, influencing hospitals during the Great Depression. His plan eventually evolved into Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance, which now serves millions.
Brigadier General Deydre Teyhen, MPT ’95, DPT ’08 is Director of the Defense Health Network National Capital Region for the Department of Defense Health Agency, where she oversees 12,000+ staff members across 34 medical facilities and 11 dental facilities caring for active duty service members and their families. She is the first physical therapist ever promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Army. From her career as a PT practitioner, through her education as part of the renowned Army-Baylor program, to establishing a combat hospital in Iraq, accepting command of San Antonio’s Brooke Army Medical Center, and her current leadership role, Teyhen continues to innovate to serve those who serve.
Today, Baylor University remains committed to preparing doctors, nurses and healthcare leaders through its top-tier programs. Baylor graduates go into nearly every field of healthcare, many pursuing a path to patient care as physicians. Typically, between 70% to 75% of Baylor students who apply to medical school in a given application year are accepted. This is a significant success rate compared to the national average of 40% to 41%.
Baylor prehealth students are supported by programs and opportunities that undergird their studies. From scholarship programs and professional shadowing opportunities to student organizations and structures for mentorship, Baylor is investing in the future leaders in medicine.