The College of Medicine was the first in the nation to have a dedicated Department of Humanities and a Department of Family and Community Medicine. Both were original departments as the College opened.

The original buildings on the Medical Center campus included the Medical Science Building and University Hospital, Animal Research Farm, Laundry and Steam Plant, and University Manor Apartments. Since 1970, the campus has grown from 318 acres to 550 acres. Many additions have been made to the academic and patient care facilities, reflecting the steady increase in patient demand for services and the need to expand research and teaching programs.