Arizona State University (ASU) has made significant strides toward launching its new medical school, the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, with the announcement of preliminary accreditation from the *Liaison Committee on Medical Education* (LCME). This accreditation allows the institution to begin recruiting its inaugural class, set to start in August 2026. In addition to this crucial milestone, ASU received a remarkable donation of over **$100 million**, marking the second-largest gift in the university’s history to support the establishment of the school.
ASU President **Michael Crow** expressed gratitude for the accreditation and emphasized its importance. “While it is something we expected, accreditation is not to be taken lightly,” he stated. Crow highlighted the significance of the donation, noting that it reflects the values the school aims to instill in its students. “John Shufeldt is the embodiment of the kind of student we want to produce,” he added.
**John Shufeldt**, the benefactor, has a distinguished background, holding an MD, JD, and MBA, and is board certified in emergency medicine. He founded several healthcare-related companies, including **NextCare**, **MeMD**, and **Tribal Health**. His contribution will not only establish the school but will also fund the creation of an endowed professorship in entrepreneurship in medicine and a health-tech venture philanthropy fund through the ASU Foundation for a New American University.
Shufeldt expressed enthusiasm about the school’s vision, stating, “I know what I want to do for the next 30 years.” He underscored the need for innovative leaders in healthcare, emphasizing that the new school will focus on training physicians who possess both clinical skills and entrepreneurial acumen. “We don’t simply need more physicians. What we do need is more physicians who can innovate,” he remarked.
Innovative Curriculum and Dual Degrees
The John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering aims to prepare students for the evolving landscape of healthcare by integrating disciplines such as medicine, engineering, technology, and humanities. Students will earn both an MD and a Master of Science in medical engineering within four years. This dual-degree program is designed to cultivate a new generation of healthcare leaders equipped with innovative problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of emerging technologies.
**Dr. Holly Lisanby**, the founding dean of the new school, referred to Shufeldt’s donation as “transformative.” She noted that the preliminary accreditation allows the school to move forward in its mission to recruit students who align with its unique offerings. “Our students are going to be fully immersed in both cultures from the very beginning: the medical culture as well as engineering,” Lisanby explained.
The curriculum will ensure that graduates are proficient in utilizing new tools, including artificial intelligence and data science, to enhance patient care and develop innovative healthcare practices.
Part of a Broader Health Initiative
The new school is a key component of the **ASU Health** initiative, which aims to create an interdisciplinary learning environment focused on addressing healthcare needs in Arizona and beyond. This initiative includes the **School of Technology for Public Health**, **Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation**, **College of Health Solutions**, and the upcoming **ASU Health Observatory**. All these entities will be located in downtown **Phoenix** as part of the **Phoenix Bioscience Core**.
**Dr. Sherine Gabriel**, the executive vice president of ASU Health, described the recent developments as a “giant step forward” in building a comprehensive learning ecosystem. “We have and continue to assemble an incredibly talented faculty,” she stated. With the recent accreditation, ASU can begin the process of welcoming its first cohort of medical and engineering students.
The new school will temporarily operate at the Mercado in downtown Phoenix until the ASU Health headquarters is completed, with groundbreaking expected in **spring 2026** and a projected completion date in **2028**.
Preliminary accreditation from the LCME is a critical step for the school, allowing it to recruit and enroll students. This accreditation is necessary for students to qualify for federal financial aid, residency programs, and licensure exams. The school will undergo continuous evaluation by the LCME before receiving provisional accreditation after enrolling students and demonstrating progress toward meeting established standards.
The establishment of the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering signifies a forward-thinking approach to medical education, aiming to produce healthcare professionals who are not only skilled in their fields but also equipped to lead and innovate in an ever-evolving industry.