The University of Georgia School of Medicine, located in Athens, is among the most recently established MD programs in the United States; the independent, separately accredited school received LCME preliminary accreditation in February 2026 and enrolls its inaugural class in fall 2026, expanding physician workforce training for Georgia's growing population. Developed in collaboration with Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia, UGA Med combines the research and academic resources of one of the nation's flagship public universities with clinical training delivered through the Augusta University Health system. The program targets Georgia residents committed to serving the state's communities.
What makes it different
UGA School of Medicine is one of the newest MD programs in the United States, established to address Georgia's physician shortage and expand medical education access in Northeast Georgia. Operating in partnership with Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, students complete their clinical years at Augusta-affiliated hospitals. Being among the early cohorts of a new program offers unusually close faculty mentorship and an opportunity to shape institutional culture.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. Preclinical training at the UGA Athens campus; clinical rotations at Augusta University Medical Center and affiliated sites. Curriculum developed in collaboration with MCG and emphasizes early community health exposure and primary care. As a new program, curriculum details are subject to evolution.
Research strengths
University of Georgia School of Medicine (MD) has notable research strength in Community health, Rural health, Health workforce development, One Health (human-animal-environment interface), Health disparities.
Interview
University of Georgia School of Medicine (MD) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interviews with faculty and students. UGA School of Medicine, as a newer program launched in partnership with Augusta University, conducts traditional interviews on the Athens campus. Applicants typically participate in one or two faculty or panel interviews of 30–45 minutes each, with questions focused on motivation for medicine, Georgia community commitment, and the applicant's fit with a developing program in its early cohorts. The day includes a tour of the UGA Health Sciences Campus and an information session outlining the regional campus model, with clinical training completed at Augusta University Medical Center and partner sites across Georgia.
Intake
Approximately 60 students in the inaugural fall 2026 class, with planned expansion toward 120 over time.
At a glance
Founded in 2026, based in Athens, GA. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Community Health, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Rural Medicine.
