NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Belmont University will be partnering with HCA healthcare's TriStar Health to launch its new College of Medicine.
“As seen with all of the efforts observed this week as we prepare to host a presidential debate, Belmont University settles for nothing less than excellence in everything we do. That is certainly our intent with this new College of Medicine, and working with HCA Healthcare, I have no doubts that this program will produce the next generation of health care leaders,” said Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher in a press release.
HCA Healthcare is the nation’s largest hospital chain and regularly partners with Belmont. Their most recent partnership was for the upcoming presidential debate. The health group will ensure that proper safety guidelines are in place for the large event.
“HCA Healthcare will bring world-class expertise to Belmont’s College of Medicine, offering our students extraordinary faculty instructors and a pathway to residency and clinical placements. A College of Medicine is the natural next step in Belmont’s health care offerings. It’s not an easy step, but it’s characteristic of Belmont University to take on challenges and do big things, and do those things well," he added.
TriStar Health will provide clinical elements in support of Belmont’s plans to pursue Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation for the new college.
LCME is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree in the U.S. (and Canada). Belmont College of Medicine would seek to become the nation’s 156th LCME-accredited medical school, and its graduates would be well-positioned to help fill the significant physician gap anticipated to be felt between now and 2033.
“As seen with all of the efforts observed this week as we prepare to host a presidential debate, Belmont University settles for nothing less than excellence in everything we do. That is certainly our intent with this new College of Medicine, and working with HCA Healthcare, I have no doubts that this program will produce the next generation of health care leaders,” said Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said in a press release. “HCA Healthcare will bring world-class expertise to Belmont’s College of Medicine, offering our students extraordinary faculty instructors and a pathway to residency and clinical placements. A College of Medicine is the natural next step in Belmont’s health care offerings. It’s not an easy step, but it’s characteristic of Belmont University to take on challenges and do big things, and do those things well.”
The university did not immediately disclose when the medical school would be open for enrollment. Instead, the university is conducting a nationwide search for a dean of the medical school, who will eventually establish a timeline for “potential openings.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
