As the demand for physicians across the U.S continues to rise, several academic institutions have launched new medical schools, residencies and other training programs to support the physician workforce:
1. Stockton, Calif.-based University of the Pacific is exploring plans to open a new medical school and has asked city officials to help secure federal funding for the project. The Stockton City Council voted unanimously during a special meeting to submit a federal grant application on behalf of the university as it pursues the proposed school of medicine.
2. Savannah, Ga.-based St. Joseph’s/Candler will add 103 medical residency positions over the next five years after Georgia lawmakers approved $20 million in the amended state budget to expand physician training programs in coastal Georgia.
3. New Brunswick, N.J.-based Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is debuting a preventive cardiology program in partnership with Newark, N.J.-based Rutgers Health and West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health.
4. Omaha, Neb.-based Creighton University School of Medicine has received approval to launch a new orthopedic surgery residency program beginning in summer 2026. The five-year program will begin recruiting through the 2026–2027 National Resident Matching Program cycle.
5. Moscow-based University of Idaho and Salt Lake City-based University of Utah are partnering to create a regional undergraduate medical education program in Idaho. The program will be a first for Idaho and will prioritize bringing physicians to rural communities. Students in the program must be Idaho residents, complete clinical rotations in Idaho, sign a return to practice agreement committing to practice medicine for at least four years in the state following residency and must contribute to the Rural Physician Initiative Program.
