Historic Groundbreaking on New Medical School in North Carolina

On September 11, 2024, a significant milestone was reached with the groundbreaking of a new medical school in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine will be built at a cost exceeding $60 million, marking a transformative step for healthcare in the region. The facility will be located adjacent to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and is expected to create over 250 jobs while graduating more than 100 doctors annually. The new medical school aims to address the projected shortage of physicians in the U.S. by providing a robust educational program. The incoming class is anticipated to consist of around 80 students, who will have access to extensive clinical training across eight hospitals and over 90 outpatient clinics in Southeastern North Carolina. This initiative is supported by local leaders, including the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, who emphasize its importance for the community. Community leaders, including Golden LEAF President/CEO Scott T. Hamilton, highlighted the generational impact of the project, which is expected to enhance local healthcare and stimulate economic growth. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of physicians who complete their education in a region tend to remain there for practice, further benefiting the local healthcare landscape. The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine is poised to become a vital institution for training future healthcare professionals, contributing to the local economy and improving healthcare access in the Southeastern North Carolina region for years to come.