Edit: Item_179_3H_UMWMWHC_Medical_School_Planning

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= Item 179 #3H UMW-MWHC Medical School Planning = == Status == * '''Context:''' Presented in House Appropriations (Jan. 28, 2026) * '''Action requested:''' Planning resources to begin due diligence for a UMW/MWHC medical school partnership == Amendment / Item == * Item: 179 * Amendment: Number 3H * Topic: Start planning process for a public/private partnership medical school (UMW + Mary Washington Healthcare) <hr> == One-sentence summary == Requests resources to begin planning and due diligence for a UMW–MWHC partnership medical school intended to grow the regional healthcare workforce and retain graduates in Virginia. <hr> == Statement == Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. Item 179 Number 3 H is a request to start the planning process for a partnership between the University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare to create a public/private partnership for a medical school. Mr. Chairman, tthe greater Fredericksburg region is a healthcare desert when it comes to our healthcare workforce especially for doctors and nurses. If you look at the greater Fredericksburg region per capita in terms of the number of primary care physicians, it compares to rural South Dakota. The Virginia Office of Education Economics estimates that the state will need an additional 1,055 doctors by 2029 alone. With the fastest growing population in the Commonwealth – doubling since 2000 and the largest VA Healthcare Center on the eastern seaboard, the greater Fredericksburg region is in dire need of medical professionals. This opportunity is vastly different from our existing medical schools in that it is designed with a clinical focus to attract students from the region who want to stay in the region and practice. Too many of our medical school graduates now are moving away for other opportunities in other states once they get their degrees. These planning resources will give UMW the ability to do the necessary due diligence around financing, governance, program development, and cost models to incentivize students to remain in the Commonwealth and shorten time to degrees. It also affords the opportunity to begin exploring opportunities with our HBCUs and other institutions in underserved regions of the Commonwealth. <hr> == What the amendment does (plain language) == * Initiates the planning process for a partnership between the University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare to create a public/private medical school. * Funds/authorizes due diligence work on financing, governance, program development, and cost models intended to retain in-state clinicians and shorten time to degrees. * Opens pathways to explore partnerships with HBCUs and institutions serving underserved regions. == Rationale / need == * The Fredericksburg region is described as a healthcare workforce “desert,” particularly for doctors and nurses. * The region’s primary care physician rate is framed as comparable to rural South Dakota. * A statewide physician shortage is cited (additional doctors needed by 2029). * The region is described as fast-growing (doubling since 2000) and hosting a large VA healthcare center, increasing demand for medical professionals. <hr> == Talking points (usable bullets) == * This is a planning request—so UMW/MWHC can evaluate feasibility, governance, and financing before any build-out decisions. * The goal is a clinically focused school designed to recruit students from the region who want to stay and practice locally. * Retention is a core purpose: too many graduates leave Virginia after earning degrees. * The planning effort can also help build pipelines with HBCUs and institutions serving underserved areas. <hr> == Notes / to fill in when available == * '''Fiscal year(s) and amount:''' ''TBD'' * '''Where inserted in the budget:''' ''TBD'' * '''Any partner letters of support:''' ''TBD'' [[Category:2026 Budget Amendments]]

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