DOVER, DE. (June 2, 2026) – Governor Matt Meyer today announced a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University to establish a regional campus of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, creating the first four-year medical school in Delaware’s history and a major investment in the future of healthcare access across the state.
Delaware is currently one of only three states in the nation without a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) granting institution. The Delaware Medical School Consortium will change that, providing students with the opportunity to complete their entire medical education in Delaware while creating a stronger pipeline of physicians to serve communities throughout the state.
“Today marks a transformational moment for healthcare in Delaware,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “For too long, aspiring physicians have had to leave our state to pursue a medical degree, and too often, they never come back. Our healthcare costs are too damn high, and Delawareans deserve action. The Delaware Medical School will help us grow our healthcare workforce, expand access to care, and give more Delawareans the opportunity to stay here, train here, and ultimately serve the communities that raised them. This historic partnership with Thomas Jefferson University is an investment for the people of Delaware and the future of our state.”
“Jefferson is committed to being part of the solution to Delaware’s physician shortage. We are proud to help build a future where every Delawarean has access to the care they deserve. Jefferson is all in,” said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO, Jefferson.
“By bringing together Delaware's leading academic institutions and health systems, we are building a model for medical education that is rooted in Delaware's communities and designed to keep talent in the State. Thomas Jefferson University is honored to lead this effort," said Susan C. Aldridge, PhD, President, Thomas Jefferson University.
"Sidney Kimmel Medical College has trained generations of physicians for more than 200 years, more than any other medical college in the country. It is a privilege to bring our mission to Delaware's patients and communities,” added Said Ibrahim, MD, Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
“As Delaware faces the dual challenges of an aging population and persistent health care workforce shortages, today’s announcement marks a pivotal step toward securing the future of health care in our state,” said Delaware Health Care Commission Chair Neil Hockstein. “The partnership with Thomas Jefferson University builds upon the institution’s longstanding commitment to medical education and healthcare innovation while leveraging Delaware’s healthcare systems, academic institutions, and community partners to create a medical school designed to meet the state's evolving healthcare needs.”
“Strong primary care is the foundation of a high-performing health system, and this medical school creates an opportunity to train future clinicians with that focus from day one,” said Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young. “By grounding education in clinical care and social drivers of health, we are preparing providers to deliver more connected, patient-centered care across Delaware.”
“As a legislator representing one of the fastest growing - and more rural - regions in the state, I hear regularly from constituents about the difficulty of finding healthcare providers and accessing care close to home. The provider shortage is real, and our rural communities often feel its effects most acutely," said Rep. Alonna Berry. "By investing in medical education and expanding opportunities for students to learn and train in Delaware, we are strengthening our healthcare workforce, building a pipeline of future providers, and improving access to care for Delaware families."
Led by Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, the Delaware Medical School Consortium, consisting of Delaware-based academic institutions and health care systems, will collaborate in a coordinated, statewide effort to train and retain physicians. Pre-clinical instruction will initially be based in New Castle County, while clinical education and training will primarily occur within healthcare systems in Kent and Sussex counties, where the physician shortage is most acute.
The Delaware Medical School Consortium is supported by the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening access to care and improving health outcomes, particularly in Kent and Sussex Counties. By aligning with these priorities, the medical school will help prepare clinicians to meet the evolving needs of communities throughout Delaware.
This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $157,394,963.86 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Additional details regarding accreditation, enrollment timelines, academic programming, and community partnerships will be announced as planning and implementation efforts continue.
Governor Media Contact:
Jonah Anderson
jonah.anderson@delaware.gov
Jefferson Media Contact:
Damien Woods
damien.woods@jefferson.edu
267-324-8823