The Alpert Medical School at Brown University is a 4-year MD-granting program that began medical education in 1811 but closed in 1827. In 1972 they reopened, welcoming the first class. Students at Brown have the opportunity to receive their medical education in a welcoming environment committed to outreach. Many students participate or volunteer in hospitals and medical clinics, and many do advocacy work regarding refugees, asthma, human rights, and other issues. Students can select a scholarly concentration in a number of areas such as aging, underserved communities, policy, medical education, and translational research. Brown encourages students to participate in research during medical school and find career advisors and mentors in faculty.