The new Wake Forest School of Medicine in Charlotte is the next step in creating a regional hub for health care innovations. The campus, in addition to one in Winston-Salem, is projected to have an economic impact of over $5 billion.
The second campus will be located in midtown Charlotte. At a press conference this week, health leaders said the first class of students would enroll in 2024.
The plans were first announced when Wake Forest Baptist Health and Atrium Health joined forces last year.
Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch says the new school is a milestone for health and education in the Southeast.
“It will also be a driving force for innovation in the corridor between Winston-Salem and Charlotte," he says. "This will further strengthen the academic bonds Wake Forest has with Charlotte and help advance learning, economic growth, and opportunity. We are excited about the center as a home for a medical school.”
Leaders associated with the project also announced the establishment of a scholarship fund for those from underserved communities wanting to pursue a career in health sciences. With an initial $5 million for the fund, they hope to grow that amount to $10 million by the time students enroll.