The state of GA is getting a new School of Medicine. Here’s when, what we know

As the state of Georgia faces a growing healthcare crisis and shortage of doctors in underserved areas, The University of Georgia has announced their new School of Medicine.

Construction has already begun on a $100 million medical education and research building on the Athens Health Sciences campus, and since accreditation, the admission process is underway for the first class of physicians this fall.

What UGA’s building

The project is expected to cover about 92,000 square feet and is scheduled to complete in December. It will house state-of-the-art technology and resources for cutting edge biomedical research.

Planned space includes:

• Simulation suites.
• Standardized patient rooms.
• Clinical skills labs.
• A gross anatomy lab.
• A medical library.
• Study areas and lounges.
• Faculty offices.

Why it matters to Georgia

Georgia ranks 39th nationally in active patient care physicians per capita and 41st in public medical students per capita, and leaders say the school will expand the state’s physician pipeline.

• Demand for care is outpacing capacity, especially in rural areas,
• Training will specifically focus on physicians’ education to strengthen the healthcare workforce in those communities.
• The state’s growing population and an aging doctor workforce have increased demand for medical training.
• The school is expected to double its class size from 60 students to 120.

Who’s getting in and how?

The school plans to enroll 60 students for fall 2026 and application deadlines have passed for fall admission and decisions will be made any minute.

Founding Dean Shelley Nuss said the school is looking for students who are “collaborative, compassionate and committed to improving health across Georgia.”

Students begin clinical training in year one, which is earlier than many traditional medical school programs.

The timeline for 2027 matriculants:

• May 2026: AMCAS application opens
• June 2026: AMCAS application submission begins
• October 15, 2026: Primary application is due, but September 1 is “strongly encouraged”
• November 15, 2026: All materials completed and submitted
• October - January 2027: Interviews
• Mid-February 2027: AMCA’s “Choose Your Medical School Tool” becomes available to accepted applicants”
• April 15, 2027: Applicants with three or more acceptances must narrow choices to three medical schools
• April 30, 2027: AMCA’s “Commit to Enroll”
• 45 days prior to orientation: Applicants must commit
• Late July, 2027: Mandatory new student orientation
• August 2027: Classes begin

Do you know anyone who’s been accepted or is planning to apply to the new UGA School of Medicine? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.