by Sharelle B. McNair
August 29, 2025
Morgan State leaders hope the grant will assist strengthen Maryland’s healthcare workforce because the Affiliation of American Medical Faculties predicts a scarcity of 48,000 major care physicians by 2034.
Due to receiving a $1.75M grant, Morgan State College might be opening a brand new medical college to teach the subsequent era of medical doctors, CBS Information experiences.
The 2-year grant from the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis (RWJF) will help the Baltimore-based traditionally Black faculty and college (HBCU) in its plans to fund a Physician of Medication program on a public, nonprofit mannequin. Morgan State leaders hope the grant will assist strengthen Maryland’s healthcare workforce because the Affiliation of American Medical Faculties predicts a scarcity of 48,000 major care physicians by 2034.
College leaders challenge that underserved communities — just like the one the place the HBCU is positioned — will likely be hit the toughest. “For greater than a decade, we’ve been dedicated to the concept a medical college on our campus will be transformative — not just for our college students however for the state of Maryland and the nation,” Morga State President David Wilson mentioned in a press release.
“With the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis’s assist, we’re charting a brand new course towards a public, nonprofit M.D. program that may practice physicians the place they’re most wanted, shut gaps in care, and replicate the range of the populations served.”
The brand new medical college at Morgan would zone in on the significance of supporting culturally competent physicians, highlighting the enlargement of major care capability within the state. In keeping with a press launch on the varsity’s web site, information revealed that household physicians from underrepresented minority in drugs (URiM) backgrounds usually tend to serve susceptible populations, however the challenge is that solely 10.8% of lively physicians and 6.8% of educational college establish themselves as URiMs.
Nevertheless, the brilliant aspect is that when URiMs full their medical coaching and levels, 86% of the group are inclined to follow in well being skilled scarcity areas (HPSAs) or return to their home-based communities, which strengthens care within the areas the place it’s most wanted.
College leaders say they’re ready to work with state, federal, and philanthropic companions to curate this system’s curriculum, amenities, and funding mannequin — with a purpose of being the blueprint of a nationwide mannequin for “inclusive excellence in medical training.”
The journey towards medical excellence for the subsequent era of healthcare professionals began in 2020, however college officers mentioned circumstances “prevented that effort from shifting ahead.” Nevertheless, after steady engagement with healthcare leaders, policymakers, and neighborhood stakeholders, plans could probably be again on observe and even stronger.
With assist from RWJF, the grant presents a possibility on a broader scale to extend investments in medical colleges at HBCUs and different minority-serving establishments after repeatedly being under-resourced. “The Robert Wooden Johnson Basis’s assist underscores the significance of strategic philanthropy in advancing daring concepts,” Endia DeCordova, Morgan’s VP for Institutional Development, mentioned.
“This funding will allow us to develop a sustainable, mission-driven mannequin for medical training that aligns with our dedication to fairness and entry. We’re grateful to RWJF for recognizing Morgan’s management and investing within the subsequent era of healthcare professionals.”
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