Thomas Jefferson University and its Delaware partners shared plans Wednesday for the state\u2019s first medical school, which is expected to welcome its first class in July 2028.<\/p>\n
The proposed school would operate as a four-year regional campus of Jefferson\u2019s Sidney Kimmel Medical College. The inaugural class is expected to include 40 students, pending formal accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.<\/p>\n
Jefferson leaders, state officials and regional healthcare partners discussed the plans during a community forum at the University of Delaware\u2019s Virden Retreat Center in Lewes.<\/p>\n
Gov. Matt Meyer announced in June that Jefferson had been selected to establish the campus. Delaware is one of three states without a medical school.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor too long, Delaware students who dreamed of becoming doctors had to leave home to do it, and too many never came back,\u201d Meyer said.<\/p>\n
Students would complete their medical education and clinical training in Delaware through partnerships with healthcare systems and colleges across the state.<\/p>\n
Officials said the program is intended to address physician shortages, particularly in Kent and Sussex counties, where population growth has increased demand for healthcare services.<\/p>\n
Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Dr. David Tam said training students and medical residents locally could encourage more doctors to remain in Sussex County.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen medical students and resident physicians train here, they stay here, build their careers here and care for our community,\u201d Tam said.<\/p>\n
The Delaware Medical School Consortium includes Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Delaware, Beebe Healthcare, state officials and other education and healthcare partners.<\/p>\n
Jefferson and its partners said plans for the campus are moving forward, pending formal accreditation.<\/p>\n
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