Belmont extends its healthcare education commitment with a new College of Medicine

Dr. Michael Cuffe speaks at the College of Medicine press conference announcement.

President of the Physician Services Group for HCA Healthcare Dr. Michael Cuffe speaks at the College of Medicine press conference announcement.

Nashville’s stalwart reputation as the nation’s health care capital grew even stronger this fall as Belmont announced its intent to start a new College of Medicine that will be created in collaboration with one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, HCA Healthcare. In fact, HCA Healthcare’s Nashville-based TriStar Health will provide clinical elements in support of the proposed MD-granting program’s accreditation requirements with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

 

The need for qualified, compassionate healthcare practitioners is substantial. According to data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in June, “the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians… by 2033.” Of those numbers, a shortage of approximately 21,400–55,200 primary care physicians alone are anticipated. Interestingly, the data for this study was gathered prior to the advance of COVID-19 into a worldwide pandemic, an emergent crisis that has demonstrated “the need for a strong and sufficient health care workforce.”

Belmont Board of Trustees Chairman Marty Dickens, Belmont Trustee and retired CEO of HCA Healthcare Milton Johnson, Dr. Fisher, HCA Healthcare TriStar Division President Heather Rohan and Dr. Cuffe.

Belmont Board of Trustees Chairman Marty Dickens, Belmont Trustee and retired CEO of HCA Healthcare Milton Johnson, Dr. Fisher, HCA Healthcare TriStar Division President Heather Rohan and Dr. Cuffe.

“The shortage of U.S. physicians continues to worsen, and we share Belmont University’s commitment to address this critical need,” said HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen. “We appreciate our long history of collaboration with Belmont, and we look forward to supporting their pathway to be a successful LCME-accredited medical school.” 

 

The academic and clinical expertise HCA Healthcare brings to the table along with the countless opportunities presented by being located in the nation’s healthcare capital aren’t the only advantages Belmont medical students will receive. They will also benefit from numerous interprofessional healthcare opportunities already embedded on the Nashville campus. The University is heavily invested in the health sciences, currently offering degrees in nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy and public health as well as an MBA in Healthcare. Read the full press release here.