The Wayne State University School of Medicine climbed to number 22 of the nation's 125 medical schools in the latest rankings released by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The rankings are based on total research expenditures and reflect an excess of $99 million in research funding to School of Medicine faculty in 1998, the latest year reported.

The School moved from 25th spot based on $89 million in total research expenditures in the last reporting year. WSU has climbed ten spots in the past five years, from a ranking of 32 with $57 million in 1993.

The NSF rank reflects all research spending, including federal grants.

"These rankings reflect the tremendous productivity of our faculty," noted Dr. John Crissman, interim dean of the School of Medicine. "What's more, our climb illustrates the relative strength of our faculty and programs compared to other institutions nationally."

Dr. Thomas Uhde, Associate Dean for Research for the School of Medicine, added, "Considering the intense competition and pressure for research funding nationally, this is an impressive achievement." He added, "Even more impressive is that those institutions who share a top 25 ranking with WSU School of Medicine have a much greater number of endowed professorships. This indicates that WSU is among the very best academic health systems in terms of getting an excellent return on its research investment."

Wayne State University School of Medicine provides outstanding medical education, research and patient care, and is an active partner in a number of national and regional research and treatment programs.