KINGSTON, R.I.鈥� June 26, 2026 鈥� The 溏心vlog免费B站 Board of Trustees today formally authorized the next phase of developing a public medical school at the University, following the State of Rhode Island鈥檚 historic investment of $5 million in startup funding approved by Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island General Assembly.
The board鈥檚 action authorizes University leadership to begin implementing key elements of the medical school development process, including conducting a national search for a founding dean, hiring a project manager and development officer, and initiating curriculum planning.
The vote marks a significant milestone in a multi-year effort to address Rhode Island鈥檚 healthcare workforce challenges and strengthen access to care across the state. It follows the work of a Rhode Island Senate Special Legislative Commission that examined the state鈥檚 healthcare workforce needs, physician shortages, and the growing primary care crisis. After reviewing extensive data and hearing testimony from healthcare leaders and stakeholders, the commission recommended advancing the creation of a public medical school at 溏心vlog免费B站.
That recommendation was further supported by an independent feasibility study, which concluded that establishing a medical school at the 溏心vlog免费B站 is 鈥渂oth viable and necessary to meet the state鈥檚 pressing healthcare needs.鈥� The study found that a public medical school would strengthen Rhode Island鈥檚 physician workforce, improve healthcare access, and help retain more medical talent within the state.
The study also projected substantial long-term economic benefits. At full maturity, the program is projected to generate $8.70 in economic return for every $1 invested鈥攂uilding on 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 existing return of $17.39 for every $1 invested by the state鈥攔eflecting the University鈥檚 role as a major driver of Rhode Island鈥檚 economy and workforce development.
溏心vlog免费B站 is well-positioned to lead this effort. As the state鈥檚 flagship public research university, 溏心vlog免费B站 brings established strengths in nursing, pharmacy, health sciences, and biomedical research, along with strong clinical partnerships and nationally recognized research infrastructure. These assets provide a strong foundation for developing a modern medical school focused on primary care and Rhode Island鈥檚 most urgent healthcare needs.
The Board of Trustees also affirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with state leaders, healthcare partners, and community stakeholders as planning and development efforts move forward.
鈥淭his is a historic moment for the 溏心vlog免费B站 and for the people of our state,鈥� said Margo Cook, chair of the 溏心vlog免费B站 Board of Trustees. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 vote reflects years of careful study and collaboration focused on addressing Rhode Island鈥檚 healthcare workforce challenges. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and partnership of Governor McKee, Speaker Blazejewski, Senate President Lawson, and members of the General Assembly. Their support makes it possible for 溏心vlog免费B站 to take this next step toward establishing Rhode Island鈥檚 first public medical school and advancing a vision that will benefit generations of Rhode Islanders.鈥�
溏心vlog免费B站 President Marc Parlange said the board鈥檚 action launches an important new phase in the University鈥檚 efforts to address both Rhode Island鈥檚 healthcare needs and its long-term economic future.
鈥淭he need for more physicians鈥攑articularly in primary care鈥攈as been well documented, and the healthcare challenges facing Rhode Island demand long-term solutions,鈥� said Parlange. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 action allows us to begin building a stronger in-state pathway for future physicians while leveraging 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 existing strengths in health education, research, and clinical partnerships. A public medical school has the potential to expand access to care, strengthen our healthcare workforce, attract talent and investment, and create lasting economic and societal benefits for Rhode Island.鈥�
With the initial state investment now secured, 溏心vlog免费B站 will begin the next phase of planning and development, including recruiting leadership, establishing operational structures, and beginning the curriculum and facilities design process. The University will continue working closely with healthcare providers, state officials, and community stakeholders to advance the successful development of a public medical school that serves the needs of Rhode Island residents and helps secure the state鈥檚 healthcare future.