One of four medical schools in The University of Texas System, UT Southwestern Medical School admits more than 230 students each year, and admission is highly competitive. By law, 90 percent of students are from Texas, assuring the state a consistent source of high-quality physicians.

Medical students are taught the basic sciences and fundamental mechanisms of disease during the first two years, along with basic clinical skills. For the second two years, they pursue clinical courses in a variety of medical specialties, which allow them to integrate their basic knowledge with practical patient care at UT Southwestern's affiliated teaching hospitals and clinics.

UT Southwestern's faculty members continue to educate physicians beyond medical school. They annually train more than 2,300 clinical residents and fellows. Faculty members also provide continuing medical education to physicians and other health professionals through seminars, teaching rounds, and instruction on and off campus in new techniques. Attendance in 2006 totaled more than 48,000 participants at more than 1,300 activities.