Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee has recently welcomed its first class of 50 students to the newly established Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. This partnership with the U.S. healthcare giant, HCA Healthcare, marks a significant milestone for the university and the medical field in Tennessee.
The incoming class of 2028 at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine boasts impressive qualifications, with a median MCAT score of 509 and a median GPA of 3.64. The diversity among the students is also evident, with 24 languages spoken among them. It is worth noting that 54% of the students in the inaugural class are female, reflecting a positive trend towards gender diversity in the medical profession.
Four students in the class have been awarded rural community scholarships, emphasizing the medical school’s commitment to addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas. These scholarships aim to encourage students to practice in underserved communities upon graduation, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare access across Tennessee.
The collaboration with HCA’s Nashville-based TriStar Health brings a wealth of clinical resources and opportunities for the medical students at Belmont University. With 68 physician practices, 15 urgent care centers, 11 hospitals, six surgery centers, and four freestanding emergency departments, TriStar Health offers a robust environment for hands-on clinical training.
Dr. Anderson Spickard, MD, has been appointed as the dean of the college of medicine, building on his previous role as interim dean. The strong connection between Belmont and HCA Healthcare dates back to the early days of the healthcare company, with co-founders such as Jack Massey, Thomas Frist Jr., MD, and Thomas Frist Sr., MD, playing pivotal roles in establishing this partnership.
As one of the largest healthcare companies in the U.S., HCA Healthcare’s involvement in graduate medical education is extensive. With 186 hospitals and over 2,000 sites of care, HCA is a significant sponsor of graduate medical education programs nationwide. The company’s revenue of $65 billion in 2023 underscores its financial stability and influence in the healthcare industry.
The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine is housed in a $180 million, 198,000-square-foot facility, symbolizing the commitment to providing a cutting-edge learning environment for future medical professionals. The ribbon-cutting ceremony held in April marked the official opening of this state-of-the-art facility, signaling a new era in medical education at Belmont University.
The establishment of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University represents a significant milestone in medical education in Tennessee. With a focus on academic excellence, diversity, community service, and clinical opportunities, this new medical school is poised to make a positive impact on the healthcare landscape in the region. The partnership with HCA Healthcare and TriStar Health provides students with unparalleled resources and mentorship, setting them up for successful careers in medicine. As the inaugural class embarks on this transformative journey, the future looks bright for the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University.
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