The Inaugural Class of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University

Recently, a new chapter in medical education began with the welcoming of the first class at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. This new medical school, established in partnership with U.S. healthcare giant HCA Healthcare, marks a significant milestone in the field of healthcare education.

The 50 students of the inaugural class of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of experiences to the table. With a median MCAT score of 509 and a median GPA of 3.64, these students have already demonstrated their dedication and commitment to academic excellence. Moreover, the fact that 54% of the students are female and that there are 24 languages spoken among them highlights the diverse and inclusive nature of the student body.

One particularly notable aspect of the inaugural class is the focus on addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas. Four students received rural community scholarships, with the intention of practicing in rural areas after graduation. This emphasis on serving underserved communities is a commendable effort that sets the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine apart from other medical schools.

The partnership between Belmont University and HCA Healthcare brings a wealth of opportunities for the students of the medical school. With access to HCA’s network of physician practices, urgent care centers, hospitals, surgery centers, and freestanding emergency departments, students will have the chance to gain valuable clinical experience in a variety of settings. Additionally, HCA’s commitment to providing pathways to graduate medical education opportunities and supporting faculty positions for existing members of the medical staff further enhances the learning environment for students.

The establishment of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine builds upon a longstanding legacy of collaboration between Belmont University and HCA Healthcare. The deep connection between the two institutions can be traced back to HCA co-founder Jack Massey, who was a long-time supporter of the private Christian university. This legacy of support and partnership underscores the shared commitment to advancing healthcare education and improving patient outcomes.

As the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University embarks on this new chapter, it is clear that the future of healthcare education is bright. With a focus on academic excellence, diversity, community service, and collaboration with industry leaders like HCA Healthcare, the inaugural class is well-positioned to make a positive impact in the field of medicine. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the state-of-the-art facility marks the beginning of a new era in medical education and sets the stage for future generations of healthcare professionals to thrive.