The purpose of this article is to trace the historical path of medical education in Rostov-on-Don. In general terms, the development of higher education, laid down in Western Europe in the 12th century, is presented. The special social status of the University, its classical structure and traditions are considered. Western European models of higher education had a great impact on Russian universities and in particular on the Imperial University of Warsaw. Special attention is paid to the history of foundation, functioning and fate of the Imperial University of Warsaw from 1816 to 1917. The University of Warsaw played an outstanding role in the development of higher education and higher medical education in the South of Russia. The relevance of the topic is that the development of the modern model of medical higher education the development of the program of activities and the principles of its implementation require further reference to historical experience.