UNCW announces proposal for new 4 year medical degree program
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.
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.
During a meeting of the UNC Board of Governors’ Committee on Educational Planning, Policies, and Programs in Morganton, Burke County, Volety presented data showing that in 2025, 45% of North Carolina students accepted to medical school left the state to pursue their education.
Local officials signaled support for the proposal. New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise, who also serves on the UNCW Board of Trustees, said the county is prepared to work with the UNC system to support this proposal.
“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.
Wednesday’s presentation was not an action item. The full request is expected to go before the UNC Board of Governors for a vote at its May meeting.
