RICHEST WOMAN HELPS UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES BY OPENING UP TUITION FREE MEDICAL SCHOOL
The United States has seen the opening of a new medical school. Its distinctive founder may help it stand out, but its approach to education and health is what sets it apart. The first five graduating classes will have their tuition paid for by Alice Walton, the richest woman in the world today, who founded the school in her native Arkansas.
According to Forbes, the Walmart heiress is reported to be worth $101 billion, and her most recent endeavour is the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM). The school will share a campus with Bentonville's Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which opened its doors in 2011. Its setting reflects its mission, which is to use the arts and humanities to improve traditional medical education.
The goal of AWSOM is for physicians to avoid symptoms rather than treat them, and to view medicine as more than just biology and anatomy. The four-year MD program addresses all facets of well-being, from lifestyle choices to mental health, and refers to it as a "whole-person approach." Additionally, it emphasises self-care, allowing trainees to take care of others while simultaneously taking care of themselves.
Walton's personal experience with medical treatment, especially following a vehicle accident in Mexico, is related to these ideals. Walton told period Magazine, "I had to grab anything I could find to retain my sanity throughout the period I was going in and out of hospitals." She explained that reading art books and creating watercolour paintings were essential to her recovery. "I do think there should be more interaction between the art and health care sectors; both will gain from it." The program includes an art class to help the aspiring physicians become more empathetic and skilled observers.
The architectural firm Polk Stanley Wilcox, situated in Arkansas, created the 154,000-square-foot facilities for AWSOM. The perforated brass sunshades optimise natural light, and the glass exteriors are designed to reflect the surrounding forest. The OSD (Office of Strategy + Design) in New York came up with the idea for the building's largest green roof, which is the largest in the area. Dozens of trees will be among the 90 natural species that will call this area home.
Out of 2,000 candidates, the first 48 students took the first step toward earning an MD degree at the school's inaugural White Coat Ceremony on July 18. They have already started working in the brief period that has elapsed. After completing a basic life support course, the pupils gained the ability to handle potentially fatal situations, including cardiac or respiratory arrest. Additionally, they organised a day of service where they assembled go-bags for victims of domestic abuse, painted a children's home, and created care packages for veterans.