How New US Medical Schools Are Reshaping Doctor Training
New medical school programs opening across the United States are reshaping early clinical and community training by introducing student patient contact in their very first weeks, utilizing simulation centers with trained actors, and building curricula directly around local underserved population needs.
Key Clinical Takeaways:
- The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a US physician shortage of up to 86,000 by 2036.
- New curricula replace traditional cadavers with plastinated specimens and place students in clinical clerkships during their first week.
Why are new medical schools opening across the United States now?
According to a recent Medscape report, the expansion comes as the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a national physician shortage of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036. Across the country, 163 MD-granting schools and 47 osteopathic colleges currently operate. Since 2019, 11 MD programs have gained preliminary or full accreditation, while osteopathic education has added 22 new teaching campuses since 2020. Several of these emerging programs explicitly design their training around community and underserved-area needs to produce physicians equipped to serve populations facing severe care shortages.
How are anatomical studies changing beyond traditional cadavers?
At the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, students study human anatomy using an Anatomy Resource Center equipped with plastinated donor specimens rather than traditional cadavers. Tissues preserved with curable polymers create durable, odorless specimens designed for long-term study. Clinical cases are integrated directly into anatomy lab sessions, linking structural content to real patient scenarios. A nearby simulation center allows students to work with trained actors, practice clinical procedures, handle medical emergencies, and interact with electronic health records.
What does early patient exposure look like for students?
Kaiser Permanente students begin a longitudinal clerkship in week one, spending a half day weekly with a physician preceptor alongside required experience at a federally qualified health center. This early clinical access is paired with tuition coverage through the first seven classes, shifting toward needs-based aid to lower financial barriers to entry. Similarly, the University of Georgia School of Medicine teaches history-taking and basic clinical assessment from week one, utilizing standardized actors before transitioning to real patients.
How do community-based health systems shape research and training?
The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine in Hagerstown, Maryland, operates within a health system possessing more than 120 years of community-based care history. The school positions research as central to training physicians who intend to serve the local community long-term. One day a week is dedicated to research, pairing students with faculty mentors from the start. Its inaugural class enrolled 90 students in fall 2025, with subsequent enrollment slated to grow to 145 students.
In what ways do schools incorporate household-level factors into care?
At the Roseman University College of Medicine in Las Vegas, training centers on household-level factors such as housing stability, food security, transportation, and employment, alongside traditional medical care. The educational model relies on sustained partnerships with local organizations and the households students serve. Admissions favor applicants with Nevada ties and a demonstrated interest in underserved care, though permanent in-state residency is not required.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.