title
Resolution in Support of the Proposed Medical School at the University of North Carolina Wilmington
body
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Department: |
City Council |
Meeting Date: |
5/4/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Mayor Bill Saffo |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-7815 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to express City Council’s support for the proposed medical school at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (“UNCW”), and to encourage the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to authorize the planning and development of the program.
BACKGROUND:
UNCW has requested authorization from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to begin planning a Doctor of Medicine program with both four-year and accelerated three-year tracks, with an emphasis on primary care and community-based training. North Carolina ranks 40th in the number of medical students per capita, highlighting the need to expand in-state medical education opportunities. The proposed program is designed around a distributed training model utilizing partnerships with hospitals, clinics, federally qualified health centers, and medical practices across the region, including rural and underserved communities. In addition, the proposed medical school builds on a foundation of regional investment in healthcare and education, including UNCW's existing health sciences programs and significant private philanthropic commitments.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the resolution is recommended.