Georgia, October 16, 2025
The University of Georgia has opened a medical school aimed at increasing healthcare training accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved regions. This initiative not only features advanced training facilities but also prioritizes community outreach, addressing the growing physician shortages in the state. Officials anticipate that this effort will significantly enhance Georgia’s healthcare workforce, ultimately benefitting residents across the region.
Athens, Georgia: University of Georgia Opens New Medical School to Address Physician Shortage
Athens, Georgia – The University of Georgia (UGA) has officially opened its new School of Medicine, aiming to significantly enhance the state’s healthcare workforce and address the ongoing physician shortage, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
New Medical School Opens in Athens
UGA’s new School of Medicine, located on the Health Sciences campus in Athens, is now operational. This initiative marks a substantial expansion in medical education within the state, providing additional opportunities for aspiring physicians and strengthening healthcare services across Georgia.
State Investment and Facility Details
The state of Georgia allocated $50 million for the design and construction of the new medical education and research building, which has been matched by private contributions, bringing the total investment to $100 million. The facility spans approximately 92,000 square feet, with 67,000 square feet dedicated to medical education and 25,000 square feet for biomedical research laboratories. It includes medical simulation suites, standardized patient rooms, clinical skills labs, a gross anatomy lab, and a medical library. Student support spaces such as conference rooms, study areas, lounges, and faculty and staff offices are also featured. This expansion allows the School of Medicine to increase its class size from 60 to 120 students per year, effectively doubling enrollment and enhancing the state’s capacity to train future physicians.
Accreditation and Leadership
The School of Medicine has been granted “candidate status” by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), initiating the multi-year accreditation process. Dr. Shelley Nuss, previously the campus dean of the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership, has been appointed as the founding dean of the new school. Her leadership is expected to guide the institution through the accreditation process and establish a robust medical education program.
Addressing Physician Shortage in Georgia
Georgia currently ranks 39th in the nation for the number of active patient care physicians per capita and 41st for the number of public medical students per capita. The establishment of the UGA School of Medicine is a strategic response to these challenges, aiming to produce more physicians to serve the state’s growing population and particularly to meet the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The new medical school is projected to have a significant economic impact on Georgia. By 2040, it is estimated to generate between $397.3 million and $550 million annually through its operations, primarily from job creation and research activities. The expansion is also expected to increase the university’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, with projections estimating an increase from $89.5 million in fiscal year 2023 to between $179.3 million and $239.1 million by 2040. This growth in research funding is anticipated to further bolster Georgia’s economy and healthcare infrastructure.
Background Context
The decision to establish a new public medical school at UGA was influenced by a feasibility study conducted by the consulting firm Tripp Umbach, which concluded that UGA could support an independent medical school. The Georgia General Assembly approved the amended budget, including $50 million for the design and construction of the medical school building, in March 2024. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia authorized UGA to establish the new independent School of Medicine in February 2024. The university submitted its official application for accreditation to the LCME in late November 2024, marking a significant milestone in the development of the new school and its efforts to enhance healthcare throughout the state.
Conclusion
The opening of the University of Georgia School of Medicine represents a pivotal development in addressing the physician shortage in Georgia. With substantial state and private investment, a comprehensive facility, and a clear focus on accreditation and leadership, the school is poised to make a meaningful impact on the state’s healthcare system and economy in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the University of Georgia School of Medicine?
The University of Georgia School of Medicine is a new medical school located on UGA’s Health Sciences campus in Athens, Georgia. It aims to enhance the state’s healthcare workforce and address the physician shortage, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
When did the University of Georgia School of Medicine open?
The University of Georgia School of Medicine has officially opened, marking a significant expansion in medical education within the state.
What facilities are included in the new medical education and research building?
The new building spans approximately 92,000 square feet, with 67,000 square feet dedicated to medical education and 25,000 square feet for biomedical research laboratories. It includes medical simulation suites, standardized patient rooms, clinical skills labs, a gross anatomy lab, a medical library, and student support spaces such as conference rooms, study areas, lounges, and faculty and staff offices.
Who is leading the University of Georgia School of Medicine?
Dr. Shelley Nuss, previously the campus dean of the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership, has been appointed as the founding dean of the new school. She is responsible for guiding the institution through the accreditation process and establishing a robust medical education program.
How does the new medical school address Georgia’s physician shortage?
Georgia currently ranks 39th in the nation for the number of active patient care physicians per capita and 41st for the number of public medical students per capita. The establishment of the UGA School of Medicine is a strategic response to these challenges, aiming to produce more physicians to serve the state’s growing population and particularly to meet the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities.
What is the projected economic impact of the new medical school?
The new medical school is projected to generate between $397.3 million and $550 million annually through its operations by 2040, primarily from job creation and research activities. The expansion is also expected to increase the university’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, with projections estimating an increase from $89.5 million in fiscal year 2023 to between $179.3 million and $239.1 million by 2040. This growth in research funding is anticipated to further bolster Georgia’s economy and healthcare infrastructure.
Key Features of the University of Georgia School of Medicine
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | UGA’s Health Sciences campus in Athens, Georgia |
| Facility Size | Approximately 92,000 square feet |
| Medical Education Space | 67,000 square feet |
| Biomedical Research Laboratories | 25,000 square feet |
| Student Enrollment Capacity | Increased from 60 to 120 students per year |
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