Temple University to establish a medical school branch in Atlantic City in partnership with AtlantiCare.

Temple University and AtlantiCare have announced a collaborative initiative to establish a four-year medical school campus in Atlantic City, marking a significant advancement in medical education for the region. The first cohort of 40 students is expected to enroll in 2029, as per the announcement made by the two nonprofit entities.

AtlantiCare, which operates two hospital campuses in Southern New Jersey, is committing million to this project. Leadership within the organization sees this move as a strategic effort to enhance clinical, research, and educational capabilities in the area. The CEO of AtlantiCare, Michael Charlton, emphasized that this partnership represents an opportunity for recruitment and retention, ultimately helping to develop a robust pipeline of physicians.

This new Atlantic City campus will be the third branch of Temple’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine, expanding its footprint in New Jersey. The establishment of this campus adds to Temple’s existing collaborations, including a branch that was announced last year in York, Pennsylvania, in partnership with WellSpan Health. WellSpan operates over 250 patient care facilities and nine hospitals in Central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Additionally, Temple has been running a four-year campus at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem since 2020, with the main campus located in North Philadelphia.

The introduction of the Atlantic City campus is anticipated to increase Temple’s total student enrollment by up to 320, bringing the potential total to 1,200 students across its Philadelphia and Bethlehem locations. Medical education at this expanded level aids in developing a cohesive pipeline for students transitioning from medical school to residency and ultimately to faculty roles across all campuses, according to Dr. Amy Goldberg, Dean of Temple’s medical school.

The model employed by Temple allows for a unified educational experience across its campuses. For the initial 18 months, classes will be conducted remotely, ensuring that all students receive consistent instruction during the preclinical years. This arrangement supports Temple’s philosophy of “one school, four campuses.”

The initiative is also seen as a significant step towards economic development in Atlantic City, as articulated by Temple University President John Fry. By assisting AtlantiCare in transitioning into an academic medical center, the partnership aims to stimulate growth and provide community benefits in both healthcare and education sectors. The collaboration represents a commitment to enhancing the region’s medical landscape while simultaneously fostering academic opportunities for future healthcare professionals.