UNCW proposes medical degree program that could transform health care in the Cape Fear region
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As southeastern North Carolina faces a growing physician shortage, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is exploring the creation of a new medical program.
UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety announced Wednesday that he has requested approval from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to establish a four-year medical program at the university. The proposal also includes a three-year accelerated track option.
The proposal has generated excitement on campus, where students say the addition would benefit both the university and the broader Cape Fear region.
“It’s so exciting. I wish I had more words to describe how excited I am for it,” said Hanuli Workman, who is set to soon graduate from UNCW’s respiratory therapy program. “I actually right now am considering medical school, so it was very touching, especially since I would be an alumna now to UNCW. Hearing that we’re going to potentially have a medical school really warmed my heart.”
Workman added that she believes the program would boost the university’s prestige.
In a video message to the campus community, Volety spoke about the increasing need for health care professionals across the Cape Fear region, citing workforce shortages as a key driver behind the proposal, like how in 2025, 45% of North Carolina students accepted to medical school left the state to pursue their education.
Supporters of the proposal say it would also help improve care for the region’s senior adult population.
“Southeastern North Carolina is growing, and it’s time that we catch up with the growing needs of our aging population in health care, particularly,” said Woody White, a former New Hanover County commissioner who now serves on the UNC Board of Governors.
New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise, who also sits on UNCW’s Board of Trustees, said his support is driven by personal experience and concern for older residents.
“I was just meeting with my 95-year-old grandmother in Morganton today,” Scalise said. “There are lots of people like my grandmother that, as they get older, they’ve got more things that they need help with, and we just don’t have a sufficient supply of physicians in our community or in our state to treat all the folks who have needs.”
One major question surrounding the proposal is cost.
Some recently developed medical schools include the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville, Arkansas, believed to have cost hundreds of millions of dollars to create.
During his presentation, Volety acknowledged the high price tag but said private support would play a key role.
“There will be significant philanthropic support attached to this program,” Volety said. “It is my intent and my commitment to come up with a nine-figure gift towards this particular project.”
UNCW graduate and Board of Trustees member Dr. Yousry Sayed and his wife, Linda, have already contributed $25 million toward the effort.
Scalise said additional funding would likely need to come from the state, along with support from organizations such as the New Hanover Community Endowment.
“We have a unique opportunity to do something similar whenever it comes to healthcare at UNC Wilmington,” Scalise said. “We do need your help, but we’re not asking you to do it by yourselves. We’re going to come to the table with you, we’re going to bring the resources that we have to bear on this proposal.”
Work on the proposal began nearly a year ago. According to a timeline shared by Volety, if approved, the university would aim to welcome its first class of medical students in the fall of 2029.
The proposal presented on Wednesday was not an action item. The UNC Board of Governors is expected to take up a formal vote on the request during its May meeting.
White said he expects a unanimous vote approving the proposal.
