Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University, having inaugurated its first class in July 2024, is among the newest medical schools in Tennessee and one of the newest in the country. Located on Belmont University's campus in Nashville, the school is distinguished by its comprehensive partnership with HCA Healthcare — the world's largest for-profit health system — providing students with unparalleled access to HCA's clinical training infrastructure. Set within Belmont University's Christian liberal arts environment, the school integrates faith-based values with medical education while maintaining an inclusive approach to student recruitment.
What makes it different
Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine is the newest medical school in Tennessee and one of the newest in the United States, admitting its inaugural class in 2024. Named after the co-founder of HCA Healthcare (the world's largest for-profit hospital chain), the school has a uniquely comprehensive HCA affiliation for clinical training — providing access to HCA's vast network of hospitals across Nashville and beyond. Belmont University is a private Christian university, and the medical college reflects faith-based values in its program culture.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Years 1–2: integrated basic and clinical sciences on the Belmont University campus in Nashville. Years 3–4: clinical rotations through HCA Healthcare facilities in Nashville and the broader HCA network. The school is building its curriculum structure; early cohorts will have significant influence on cultural and curricular development.
Research strengths
Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) has notable research strength in Health systems research, Hospital medicine quality improvement, Community health in Nashville, Value-based care, Faith and medicine integration.
Interview
Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) interviews via Traditional individual interviews with faculty and HCA Healthcare physician preceptors. Belmont Frist interview day is held on the Belmont University campus in Nashville and includes individual faculty and physician interviews of approximately 25–30 minutes, supplemented by interactions that assess fit with the school's faith-integrated and values-based culture. Interviewers focus on motivation for medicine, alignment with Belmont's Christian university ethos, community service orientation, and enthusiasm for training within the HCA Healthcare system. As a newly established school, interviewers particularly value collaborative, growth-oriented applicants who are excited by the opportunity to help shape an institution's early identity and culture.
Intake
Approximately 50 students per year (inaugural Class of 2028; subject to change).
At a glance
Founded in 2024, based in Nashville, TN. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Health Systems Leadership, Community Medicine.