New US Medical Schools Are Reshaping Clinical Training, Medscape Reports

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A new wave of MD and DO medical programs across the United States is reshaping early clinical and community training by introducing patient contact in the first weeks,...
The AAMC, formerly known as the Association of American Medical Colleges, projects a US physician shortage of up to 86,000 by 2036.
Tyson School of Medicine rely on an Anatomy Resource Center equipped with plastinated donor specimens rather than traditional cadavers.

A new wave of MD and DO medical programs across the United States is reshaping early clinical and community training by introducing patient contact in the first weeks, utilizing simulation centers and plastinated anatomy labs, and designing curricula specifically around local population needs, Medscape reported.

Why is a physician shortage driving new MD and DO school programs?

The AAMC, formerly known as the Association of American Medical Colleges, projects a US physician shortage of up to 86,000 by 2036. Nationwide, there are currently 163 MD-granting schools and 47 osteopathic colleges. Since 2019, 11 MD programs have earned preliminary or full accreditation, while osteopathic education has added 22 new teaching campuses since 2020. Several of these new programs explicitly target underserved-area needs to train physicians for populations facing acute care shortages.

How are medical schools replacing traditional cadavers with plastinated specimens?

Institutions like the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine rely on an Anatomy Resource Center equipped with plastinated donor specimens rather than traditional cadavers. These tissues are preserved using curable polymers to yield durable, odorless specimens suitable for long-term study. The school integrates clinical cases directly into anatomy lab sessions, connecting anatomical structures to real patient scenarios as students learn. A nearby simulation center further prepares learners through trained actors, practical procedures, emergency response practice, and electronic health record training.

What clinical exposure and financial support do students receive in their first week?

Kaiser Permanente students enter a longitudinal clerkship during their first week, spending a half day each week with a physician preceptor alongside required experience at a federally qualified health center. This early access is backed by tuition coverage through the first seven classes and a transition toward needs-based aid to lower financial entry barriers. Similarly, the University of Georgia School of Medicine begins teaching history-taking and basic assessments in week one, starting with actors before progressing to real patients.

How does the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine incorporate research into community care?

Located in Hagerstown, Maryland, the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine operates within a health system boasting more than 120 years of community-based care. The institution establishes research as a foundational element for training physicians committed to long-term community service. Students receive dedicated time one day each week for research and are paired with faculty mentors from the start. Its first class enrolled 90 students in the fall of 2025, with the next expanding to 145 students.

In what ways does the Roseman University College of Medicine address household-level factors?

Roseman University College of Medicine in Las Vegas bases its training model on household-level determinants such as housing, food security, transportation, and employment, treating these factors alongside traditional medical care. This curriculum depends on enduring partnerships with local organizations and the specific households students serve. Admissions prioritize applicants with Nevada ties and a demonstrated interest in underserved care, although staying in-state is not required.