KINGSTON, R.I.— June 26, 2026 — The University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees today formally authorized the next phase of developing a public medical school at the University, following the State of Rhode Island’s historic investment of $5 million in startup funding approved by Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island General Assembly.
The board’s action authorizes University leadership to begin implementing key elements of the medical school development process, including conducting a national search for a founding dean, hiring a project manager and development officer, and initiating curriculum planning.
The vote marks a significant milestone in a multi-year effort to address Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce challenges and strengthen access to care across the state. It follows the work of a Rhode Island Senate Special Legislative Commission that examined the state’s healthcare workforce needs, physician shortages, and the growing primary care crisis. After reviewing extensive data and hearing testimony from healthcare leaders and stakeholders, the commission recommended advancing the creation of a public medical school at URI.
That recommendation was further supported by an independent feasibility study, which concluded that establishing a medical school at the University of Rhode Island is “both viable and necessary to meet the state’s pressing healthcare needs.” The study found that a public medical school would strengthen Rhode Island’s physician workforce, improve healthcare access, and help retain more medical talent within the state.
The study also projected substantial long-term economic benefits. At full maturity, the program is projected to generate $8.70 in economic return for every $1 invested—building on URI’s existing return of $17.39 for every $1 invested by the state—reflecting the University’s role as a major driver of Rhode Island’s economy and workforce development.
URI is well-positioned to lead this effort. As the state’s flagship public research university, URI brings established strengths in nursing, pharmacy, health sciences, and biomedical research, along with strong clinical partnerships and nationally recognized research infrastructure. These assets provide a strong foundation for developing a modern medical school focused on primary care and Rhode Island’s most urgent healthcare needs.
The Board of Trustees also affirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with state leaders, healthcare partners, and community stakeholders as planning and development efforts move forward.
“This is a historic moment for the University of Rhode Island and for the people of our state,” said Margo Cook, chair of the URI Board of Trustees. “Today’s vote reflects years of careful study and collaboration focused on addressing Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce challenges. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and partnership of Governor McKee, Speaker Blazejewski, Senate President Lawson, and members of the General Assembly. Their support makes it possible for URI to take this next step toward establishing Rhode Island’s first public medical school and advancing a vision that will benefit generations of Rhode Islanders.”
URI President Marc Parlange said the board’s action launches an important new phase in the University’s efforts to address both Rhode Island’s healthcare needs and its long-term economic future.
“The need for more physicians—particularly in primary care—has been well documented, and the healthcare challenges facing Rhode Island demand long-term solutions,” said Parlange. “Today’s action allows us to begin building a stronger in-state pathway for future physicians while leveraging URI’s existing strengths in health education, research, and clinical partnerships. A public medical school has the potential to expand access to care, strengthen our healthcare workforce, attract talent and investment, and create lasting economic and societal benefits for Rhode Island.”
With the initial state investment now secured, URI will begin the next phase of planning and development, including recruiting leadership, establishing operational structures, and beginning the curriculum and facilities design process. The University will continue working closely with healthcare providers, state officials, and community stakeholders to advance the successful development of a public medical school that serves the needs of Rhode Island residents and helps secure the state’s healthcare future.