Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), originally known as Chongqing Medical College, was founded in 1956, growing out of Shanghai First Medical College (the present Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University). With over 60 years' development, CQMU has grown into a state-funded medical university with an integrated educational system of Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's and Postdoctoral programs in medicine as well as other related fields.

CQMU currently has more than 3,200 faculty members, including Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Chief Scientists of the National 973 Program, and Changjiang Scholars. CQMU has 4 State key discipline (Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease, and Neurology), 4 First-class discipline (Clinical Medicine, Pharmacy, Basic Medicine, and Bioengineering), and 5 State-level Research Platforms. CQMU has taken the lead in undertaking the National Basic Research Program (973 Program), National High-Tech Research and Development Program (863 Program) and the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation.

CQMU has established contacts and cooperative relationships with 52 institutions from 23 countries and regions, including University of Leicester, University College London of the United Kingdom, University of British Columbia of Canada and Dartmouth College of the United States, for staff training, exchange of students, academic exchanges and scientific research.

In the 60 years since its establishment, CQMU has made outstanding achievements in personnel training, scientific research and medical services, and has made important contributions to the development of medical education and health services in China, as well as to the local economic construction.