Economic Impact

MDCOM’s mission is to train high-quality, diverse physicians who can match into all specialties of medicine and practice in culturally diverse communities throughout Delaware, the District of Columbia, and Maryland.

The direct benefits of medical school is a critical resource to the region as well as the state. Studies have shown that increases in the primary health-care delivery model are tied to better health outcomes in patients, lower costs for health providers, and greater equity in health-care. To increase the primary-care delivery model in both the underserved and rural areas of Maryland, physicians must be trained in primary-care disciplines and select shortages such as family practice, general community-based internal medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

MDCOM will bring new revenue streams within diverse communities throughout the state and will inspire additional economic development through the expansion of health science education programs, clinical and research partnerships with nearby community hospitals, and private business expansions developed.

When the proposed school is fully operational it will have an economic impact that will, directly and indirectly, impact health care, jobs, housing, and taxes. Baltimore communities surrounding the Morgan State University campus will begin realizing healthcare benefits and additional economic impact as graduates of the school of osteopathic medicine become immersed in the region and state.

The proposed college of osteopathic medicine would be a major driver of the economy, generating millions in annual net impact to the region.

The planned school of medicine would provide:

More Doctors: Residency programs that lead to the recruitment of additional sub-specialty physicians who not only train medical students but also provide sub-specialty clinical services that were not available in the community before the formation of the residency program.

Strong Hospitals: Hospitals would save an average $75,000 on average in recruitment costs for every resident they hire – allowing these dollars to be invested in patient care and community health programs. Hospitals with primary-care residency programs have lower utilization of emergency departments as a result of clinics that are staffed by residents.

Family physicians are significant generators of economic activity in local communities on top of the health-care services they provide. Family physicians employ staff, purchase goods, and services, and generate income for other health-care organizations in their community (e.g., hospitals, and nursing homes.)

Increase health-care access for underserved and disenfranchised populations.

Increase the number of high-qualified and diverse physicians who have regional connections and interests; therefore, addressing the health-care workforce need of the region.

Expansion of an innovative economy whereby biomedical companies are launched and attracted to the region; new jobs are created; and research sparks technology transfer, commercialization, and economic value through improvements in prevention, treatment, and practice.

Grow the health-care delivery system in Maryland. As a result, the quality of life for community residents improves as well as the ability to leverage health-care cost savings.