On Nov. 11, 1968, the Coordinating Board of the Texas College and University System approved the establishment of a new four-year public school of medicine in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. On June 13, 1969, The UT Medical School was created by act of the Legislature, and an appropriation for its initial cost became effective Sept. 1, 1969. Three considerations led to the organization of the school: local, regional, and national shortages of physicians; the extraordinary, but until then underutilized, resources for medical education in Houston and in the Texas Medical Center; and the large number of well-qualified candidates seeking entry to medical school.

A dean and supporting staff were appointed in the spring of 1970. Two years were then devoted to assembling faculty, resources, and equipment; designing a curriculum; and organizing these various parts into an effective medical education team. During this period, the Medical School was accredited by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The faculty grew rapidly, and effective instruction, in both the basic sciences and clinical disciplines, began. New facilities were opened, major construction programs were initiated, and the renovation of Memorial Hermann Hospital was completed. In 1972, the Medical School, along with five other UT health programs, was incorporated into The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Now, almost 35 years later, the Medical School has achieved a position of excellence among the other fine institutions in the Texas Medical Center. It has remained fully accredited throughout this time and was re-accredited in 2004 for eight years.