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History

The School of Medicine was established in 1917 (Taisho 6). Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato, a world-class renowned microbiologist, was appointed as the first dean. Dr. Kitasato introduced the 'Large Classroom System' to solve the negative effects caused by  'sectionalism', which used to dominate the Japanese medical community. He valued a linkage between basic and clinical medicine. He also attached importance to medical practice which truly contributes to public welfare. For the past 80 years, the School has worked towards fostering reliable medical researchers and practitioners with rich professional knowledge, skills and decent humanity.

1858(Ansei 5)

Opened a school for Dutch studies in Edo (now Tokyo).


1873(Meiji 6)

Opened Keio Gijuku Igakusho (the origin of the School of Medicine). The first headmaster was Toan Matsuyama.


1917(Taisho 6)

Established the School of Medicine. The first dean was Shibasaburo Kitasato.


1918(Taisho 7)

Established the Nursing School.


1920(Taisho 9)

Opened Keio University Hospital. The first director was Shibasaburo Kitasato.


1929(Showa 4)

Built the Preventive Medicine Building.


1937(Showa 12)

Built Kitasato Memorial Library.


1945(Showa 20)

Lost 60% of the on-campus buildings due to an air raid during WW2.


1952(Showa 27)

Established the new School of Medicine.


1956(Showa 31)

Established the Graduate School of Medicine.


1957(Showa 32)

Built the East Building.


1961(Showa 36)

Built the Second Building.


1977(Showa 52)

Established the Tsukigase Rehabilitation Center.


1987(Showa 62)

Built the New Building of Keio University Hospital.


1988(Showa 63)

Established the Nursing College (by reorganizing Kosei Joshi Gakuin(Nursing School).


1994(Heisei 6)

Established a Master Program at the Graduate School.


2001(Heisei 13)

Established the Center for Integrated Medical Research.


2008(Heisei 20)

Established the Building for Clinical Research.


  贈医 無限の輸贏 天また人 医師 道うを休めよ 自然の臣なりと 離婁の明視と麻姑の手と 手段の達するの辺 唯是れ真なり 福澤 諭吉  
  [Summary in English]
Medical Science is an everlasting fight between human and Heaven. Doctors should not regard themselves as 'subordinate to nature', those who only assist in natural healing.  The essence of medical science is to try every possible means for recovery with "Kiro's" insight and "Mako's" magical hands.

*Kiro is a famous Chinese figure who is said to  have been able to distinguish one thing from another in the distance.

 
  北里柴三郎  
  Our newly established School of Medicine aims to realize the following goals:
Avoid 'sectionalism', a longstanding problem of the medical community;
Create a strong linkage between basic and clinical medicine; and
Build a cooperative partnership among students and medical staff for the sound development of medical science.
 
 
  Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato