Delaware to Establish First Medical School Through Partnership With Thomas Jefferson University

Governor Matt Meyer announced a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University to establish Delaware’s first four-year medical school. (Photo courtesy of Delaware.gov.)

Delaware will soon be home to its first four-year medical school, following a newly announced partnership between Governor Matt Meyer’s administration and Thomas Jefferson University.

The initiative will establish a regional campus of Sidney Kimmel Medical College through the newly formed Delaware Medical School Consortium, creating the first institution in state history authorized to grant Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees.

State officials said the effort is designed to address Delaware’s ongoing physician shortage by allowing students to complete their entire medical education within the state while strengthening the pipeline of healthcare providers serving local communities.

“Today marks a transformational moment for healthcare in Delaware,” said Matt Meyer. “For too long, aspiring physicians have had to leave our state to pursue a medical degree, and too often, they never come back. Our healthcare costs are too damn high, and Delawareans deserve action. The Delaware Medical School will help us grow our healthcare workforce, expand access to care, and give more Delawareans the opportunity to stay here, train here, and ultimately serve the communities that raised them. This historic partnership with Thomas Jefferson University is an investment for the people of Delaware and the future of our state.”

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According to state officials, Delaware is currently one of only three states without a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) granting institution.

The consortium will be led by Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and will include collaboration among Delaware-based academic institutions and healthcare systems. Pre-clinical instruction will initially take place in New Castle County, while clinical education and training will primarily occur within healthcare systems in Kent and Sussex counties, where physician shortages are considered most severe.

“Jefferson is committed to being part of the solution to Delaware’s physician shortage. We are proud to help build a future where every Delawarean has access to the care they deserve. Jefferson is all in,” said Joseph G. Cacchione.

“By bringing together Delaware’s leading academic institutions and health systems, we are building a model for medical education that is rooted in Delaware’s communities and designed to keep talent in the State. Thomas Jefferson University is honored to lead this effort,” said Susan C. Aldridge.

“Sidney Kimmel Medical College has trained generations of physicians for more than 200 years, more than any other medical college in the country. It is a privilege to bring our mission to Delaware’s patients and communities,” added Said Ibrahim.

State healthcare leaders praised the announcement, citing concerns about both physician shortages and Delaware’s aging population.

“As Delaware faces the dual challenges of an aging population and persistent health care workforce shortages, today’s announcement marks a pivotal step toward securing the future of health care in our state,” said Neil Hockstein. “The partnership with Thomas Jefferson University builds upon the institution’s longstanding commitment to medical education and healthcare innovation while leveraging Delaware’s healthcare systems, academic institutions, and community partners to create a medical school designed to meet the state’s evolving healthcare needs.”

“Strong primary care is the foundation of a high-performing health system, and this medical school creates an opportunity to train future clinicians with that focus from day one,” said Christen Linke Young. “By grounding education in clinical care and social drivers of health, we are preparing providers to deliver more connected, patient-centered care across Delaware.”

State Rep. Alonna Berry said the new medical school could have a significant impact on healthcare access in rural areas.

“As a legislator representing one of the fastest growing – and more rural – regions in the state, I hear regularly from constituents about the difficulty of finding healthcare providers and accessing care close to home. The provider shortage is real, and our rural communities often feel its effects most acutely,” Berry said. “By investing in medical education and expanding opportunities for students to learn and train in Delaware, we are strengthening our healthcare workforce, building a pipeline of future providers, and improving access to care for Delaware families.”

The Delaware Medical School Consortium is supported through the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, an initiative focused on improving healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in Kent and Sussex counties.

The project is funded through a federal award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services totaling approximately $157.4 million.

Additional information regarding accreditation, enrollment timelines, academic programs and community partnerships is expected to be announced as planning and implementation efforts move forward.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.