The University of Missouri opened a medical school in Kansas City in 1971 to meet the health care needs of Missouri and the nation. Using an alternative approach to medical education from that of the traditional four-year school, the UMKC School of Medicine accepts students directly out of high school for the combined baccalaureate/ Doctor of Medicine program, which allows students to graduate in six years with their medical degree. The School’s innovative curriculum provides students with early and continuous patient-care experience and fully integrates liberal arts/humanities, basic sciences and clinical medicine. The learning environment de-emphasizes competition and encourages learning through close faculty-student interaction and student partnerships. Students begin learning about medicine and interacting with patients from the first day of class. They also learn the skills and attitudes that foster compassion, honesty and integrity. Hands-on learning and clinical experience are integrated throughout all the years of the program. The UMKC School of Medicine also offers the M.D. Program to students who have obtained, or will soon earn, a baccalaureate degree. These students may complete their medical degree in four years following their undergraduate programs.