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 Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) 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.
Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) 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.
Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) research strengths
Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) is strong in these research areas:
- Health systems research
- Hospital medicine quality improvement
- Community health in Nashville
- Value-based care
- Faith and medicine integration
How the Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) interview runs
Format: Traditional individual interviews with faculty and HCA Healthcare physician preceptors
Belmont Frist holds interview day on the Belmont University campus in Nashville. It includes individual faculty and physician interviews of roughly 25 to 30 minutes, plus other interactions that test your fit with the school's faith-integrated, 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, it particularly values collaborative, growth-oriented applicants who want to help shape an institution's early identity.
Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) intake
Approximately 50 students per year (inaugural Class of 2028; subject to change).
Belmont Frist College of Medicine (MD) at a glance
Founded in 2024. Based in Nashville, TN.
Programmes offered:
- Primary Care
- Hospital Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Health Systems Leadership
- Community Medicine