Samuel Bard ((1742-04-01)April 1, 1742 – (1821-05-24)May 24, 1821) was an American physician who founded the first medical school in New York City and the second medical school in the United States at King's College, now known as Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

[1] He first studied at King's College, and in September 1761 sailed to Europe to obtain a thorough medical education.

Bard formed the plan of the Medical School of New York, which was published within a year after his return.

[4] In the time of the war he left the city, placing his family in the house of his father at Hyde Park; but anxious to provide for his wife and children and to secure his property, in the next year, he returned to New York, while the enemy had possession of it, and engaged in his professional business.

Having formed the purpose to retire from business, in 1798, he moved to his seat in the neighborhood of his father at Hyde Park.

[5] After paying back his father for his medical school debt, he married his cousin, Mary Bard (1746–1821), to whom he had long been attached.