PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Lawmakers are evaluating the feasibility of establishing a medical school at the University of Rhode Island (URI).
The proposal was discussed at length Wednesday by a R.I. Senate committee, which was formed to address the shortage of primary care physicians in the state. The committee consists of lawmakers, URI stakeholders and local health professionals.
Rhode Island is on track to be short roughly 100 primary care providers by 2030, the committee noted.
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The state is currently home to one private medical school, which was founded at Brown University in 1972.
URI President Marc Parlange said students are more likely to practice in the state in which they were trained.
“It could provide access and opportunity for Rhode Island students from underserved and marginalized communities within the state to pursue medical school education and stay connected to their neighborhoods and families,” Parlange said.