First Moscow State Medical University, formerly known as Moscow Medical Academy (MMA), named after outstanding Russian scientist – Ivan M. Sechenov, was established in 1765. For almost 250 years, MMA has been playing a leading role in the development of medical science and training of medical and scientific personnel. According to the UNESCO rating in 1998, MMA took second placing after Rene Descartes Academy of  Medical Sciences.

MMA is state run higher education institution of the Russian Federation functioning on the basis of its constitution, legislation, regulations of Russian Ministry of Health and its own statutes.