A legislative commission studying Rhode Island’s physician shortage has recommended establishing an MD-granting medical school at the University of Rhode Island, according to a final report released Tuesday.
The commission, which began its work in August 2024, found that a public medical school — combined with expanded residencies, loan forgiveness programs and higher reimbursement rates — would help address what it called a growing primary care crisis in the state.
“Rhode Island is deep in a primary care crisis, and one that is projected to get even worse in the next several years,” said Sen. Pamela J. Lauria, co-chairwoman of the commission. “Rhode Island is one of the last states without a public medical school option.”
An independent feasibility study by consulting firm Tripp Umbach concluded that a URI medical school is realistic and would be a sound investment. The study proposed an initial state investment of $20 million, with approximately $150 million to be raised through private donors. The first class could enroll in 2029.
The school would be financially stable by its third year of operation and generate $196 million annually in economic activity once fully operational, according to the consultant’s projections. It would support about 1,334 jobs and contribute $4.5 million in state and local tax revenue each year.
URI President Marc Parlange, who co-chaired the commission, called the proposal “a natural and strategic extension” of the university’s work.
“Establishing a medical school at URI is a natural and strategic extension of this work — one that is both realistic and a sound investment,” Parlange said.
The report noted that physicians are more likely to practice in the state where they are educated and complete residency. A more affordable public option would also reduce student debt that often pushes graduates toward higher-paying specialties rather than primary care, the commission found.
However, the report emphasized that a medical school alone will not solve the shortage. The commission recommended creating a Primary Care Commission to expand residency slots, develop scholarship programs tied to five-year commitments to practice primary care locally, and pursue broader health care reforms including improved reimbursement rates and administrative simplification.
