Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital are committed to enhancing the quality of life through improved health, the professional preparation of those who will serve the health needs of others, and the discovery of knowledge that will benefit all.

We are committed to the education of medical and nursing students, basic science graduate students, medical residents and fellows, other students in health-care related professions, and practicing health professionals. We seek to enroll students of exceptional quality, and their education will be based on the present and future health needs of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation. Special recognition is given to the education of primary care providers.

Our objective is to provide a range of fully integrated patient care services for the people of central Pennsylvania and beyond. These services will extend from prevention of illness and maintenance of health through primary medical care to the highly sophisticated patient care expected at the nations premier academic medical centers.

We strive to be a national leader in pursuing scientific investigation and developing programs to advance medical and scientific knowledge, which will ultimately contribute to the health of the public, the practice of medicine, and the education of health professionals.

We will provide community outreach services to the public through health education, patient care, community activities, and applications of research.

Our central responsibility to our patients is to provide humane, compassionate, and expert care, emphasizing individual dignity.

The creative and energetic pursuit and dissemination of new knowledge to our colleagues, students, and the public at large form the cornerstones of our educational purpose.

Our employees are the foundation of our orientation to service. The skill, creativity, loyalty, and energy of our employees are the source of our effectiveness.

A commitment to excellence in all activities will be the basis for the selection of the most talented and humane scientists, teachers, health-care providers, students, and employees in all fields.

Effective and prudent use of financial, human, and physical resources is our moral responsibility and is essential to our viability.

We are committed to diversity among the faculty, staff, students, and volunteers and to promoting an environment of mutual support and respect for others. Differences in ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status are valued organizational assets. Diversity of individual backgrounds and points of view are affirmed and respected.