The founding of a university comes from ideals and efforts of many people. The evolution of a university is driven by the consolidated and strong will of more people. The development of a university must encompass the wisdom, talent and vision of the staff.

Kaohsiung Medical University (originally Kaohsiung Medical College) was established in 1954. It was the first private medical college as well as the first college founded on land donated by the private sector. It is a model for private education. Kaohsiung Medical University has played a distinguished role in medical history. It contributes primarily to the promotion of education and medicine in Southern Taiwan. It also inherited the legacy of Patrick Manson (born in Scotland in 1844), the father of Tropical Medicine, who had been devoted to medicine and education since his arrival in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 1866.

The first three two-story grey buildings were built on a 107,000 m2 rice field. From its days of being surrounded by swaying rice fields and scattered cattle, with the continuous efforts by the staff and students, it has grown into a major research- and teaching-led university. Kaohsiung Medical University has provided a high-caliber education system with high-leveled professionalism and a wide range of the humanities. The mission of the University is to develop and promote the advancement of science; to undertake fundamental, strategic and applied research; to build up research on local subjects; to care for underprivileged groups; and to participate in local, regional, national and international medical services. In the undertaking of this significant mission of teaching, research and service, Kaohsiung Medical University has constantly expanded and fulfilled these duties.

Kaohsiung Medical University has been educating its medical professionals to meet the various social needs of its patients and ultimately improve the society as well. It has strengthened the local medical educational system and research, and therefore, promoted and improved the quality of medical service. It has become a major medical education center in Southern Taiwan as well as the educational hub of Kaohsiung-Pingtung Area. With the Kaohsiung Medical University’s over-fifty-year legacy, it will continue to widen access, open new frontiers, and strive towards even greater excellence. At Kaohsiung Medical University, people cheer for today’s achievements and strive for tomorrow’s ideals.