New Hanover County endorses UNCW plan to seek approval for medical school

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners voted May 4 to adopt a resolution backing the University of North Carolina Wilmington's request to the UNC Board of Governors to plan a Doctor of Medicine program.

The board read the resolution aloud and approved it by voice vote. The resolution frames the medical school as a response to regional physician shortages, a way to expand in-state medical education, and a potential economic catalyst for New Hanover County and southeastern North Carolina.

UNCW's chancellor told commissioners the program would include both a traditional four-year degree and an accelerated three-year track "with an emphasis on primary care and community-based training," and that the university would rely on partnerships "with hospitals, clinics, federally qualified health centers, and medical practices across the region, including rural and underserved communities." He said UNCW has a substantial nursing and health sciences base and argued training locally improves retention: "If the student were to go to a medical school and do their residency at the same place, then the chances go up to 80%."

Commissioners praised the local philanthropic commitments and preparatory work. One commissioner noted the Board of Governors review was scheduled for May 21 and thanked UNCW and community partners for long-term preparation. Commissioners asked about campus siting and were told the medical school would remain on the UNCW campus with clinical placements nearby.

The resolution does not obligate county funds and is a formal expression of support to accompany UNCW's request to the UNC Board of Governors. The board approved the resolution by motion, second and voice vote during the meeting; no roll-call tally was recorded on the transcript.

Next steps: UNCW will seek authorization from the UNC Board of Governors; the transcript records the Board of Governors committee review scheduled for May 21.