UNC Board of Governors authorizes UNCW to move forward with plans for medical school

The UNC Board of Governors voted on Thursday to authorize the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) to proceed with formal planning for a new medical school. This marks the first time in more than 50 years that a public medical school has been approved in North Carolina. UNCW will now enter the UNC System’s academic planning process to establish an accredited four-year medical degree program, featuring an accelerated three-year track to help physicians enter the workforce faster. The university aims to create a ‘place-based’ model, ensuring graduates are deeply connected to southeastern North Carolina and more likely to remain in the region. Wendy F. Murphy, chair of the UNC Board of Governors, stated the program aligns with the university’s mission to serve students and the state through innovation and collaboration. She highlighted UNCW’s long-standing strength in health sciences and community partnerships, emphasizing the program’s potential to expand medical education access and strengthen healthcare in the region. Woody White, a member of the Board of Governors, called the approval a ‘visionary’ milestone, noting it will address critical healthcare challenges by increasing the physician workforce and improving patient access to care. UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety expressed gratitude for the board’s support, emphasizing the program’s focus on community engagement and workforce development. The new medical school will prioritize training physicians who understand local healthcare needs, aiming to reduce physician shortages in southeastern North Carolina. The university will now work to finalize plans and seek additional approvals to launch the program.