World’s Richest Woman Opens Tuition-Free Medical Institution for Disadvantaged Communities
A new medical institution has been established in the United States. While it may distinguish itself due to its prominent founder, what truly sets it apart is its innovative approach to health and education. Alice Walton, regarded as the wealthiest woman in the world, inaugurated the school in her native Arkansas and will finance the tuition for the initial five graduating classes.
The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is the most recent initiative by the Walmart heiress, who holds an estimated fortune of $101 billion, as noted by Forbes. The school is located on the same campus as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, which was opened in 2011. Its site reflects its vision, with AWSOM aiming to augment conventional medical education with the arts and humanities.
AWSOM’s objective is to perceive medicine as more than mere biology and anatomy, encouraging doctors to prevent symptoms instead of merely reacting to them. Describing it as a “whole-person approach,” the four-year MD program encompasses every facet of well-being, from mental health to lifestyle decisions. It also emphasizes self-care, enabling students to nurture themselves while caring for others.
These principles connect to Walton’s personal experience with medical care, especially following a car accident in Mexico. “During my time spent in and out of hospitals, I had to grab whatever I could find to maintain my sanity,” Walton shared with TIME Magazine, detailing how creating watercolors and reading art books were crucial to her recovery. “I firmly believe that the art world and the health care sector need to intersect more, benefiting both.” The curriculum includes an art course to enhance future doctors’ observational skills and empathy.
AWSOM’s 154,000-square-foot facilities were created by Polk Stanley Wilcox, an Arkansas-based architectural design firm. The glass facades are designed to mirror the surrounding forest, while the perforated brass sunshades optimize natural light. The structure also features the largest green roof in the area, designed by New York’s OSD (Office of Strategy + Design). This area will host 90 native species, including numerous trees.
On July 18, the school conducted its inaugural White Coat Ceremony, where the first 48 students—selected from 2,000 applicants—embarked on their journey to earn an MD degree. In the brief time that has elapsed, they have already commenced practical activities. The students completed a basic life support training session, acquiring skills to respond to life-threatening situations, such as cardiac or respiratory emergencies. They also participated in a day of service, where they painted at a children’s shelter, assembled care packages for veterans, and prepared go-bags for victims of domestic violence.
Walton’s ultimate vision is for the students to contribute to the community—particularly that of Arkansas, which is ranked 48th among the 50 states regarding adult health. Over time, she aspires for AWSOM’s model to be replicated in other regions similarly deficient in medical resources.
“I hope my greatest influence will be the enduring change that access to health care facilitates,” Walton states in a message on the school’s website. “The School of Medicine can significantly contribute by training generations of medical professionals in whole-person care. If our efforts enhance quality of life, then I will feel that I have made a positive difference.”