ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia will now receive it's own medicine school after "a historic moment" and vote from the state's Board of Regents on Tuesday, according to a release.
"The School of Medicine will significantly expand the pool of medical professionals in Georgia, attract more top-tier scientists and researchers to the state, and produce more physicians to serve underserved and rural Georgia communities," said UGA President Jere Morehead.
A Tuesday news release emphasized the importance of the decision as the medical industry faces a critical shortage of professionals. According to 2019 data from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Peach State ranks No. 40 for the amount of active patient care physicians.
With the closing of one of Atlanta's Level-1 trauma centers and a growing population, the university highlighted the importance of physicians.
University officials said the funding for the new school is coming from the state government and private support donors.
What would the new school offer
The university said the new department would "build on" their partnership with the Augusta University medical partnership.
“The UGA School of Medicine will help address the health care needs of Georgia while also serving as a springboard for economic development that advances our state,” said UGA Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jack S. Hu.
It will also team up with local healthcare providers, rural hospital, and clinics that will serve as additional training sites for students, the release said.
“The school will attract additional researchers and scientists as well as biomedical companies and startups, fueling discovery and commercialization that create new opportunities for Georgians.”
University officials added the medical school will also work closely with research schools and scientists that have led to discoveries of new treatments and vaccines.
According to a report from the Associate Press, the state House has approved $50 million for design and construction of the new school. The report stated that is roughly half the money needed to build the school.
It is unclear when the latest medical school will be built.