LECOM at Jacksonville University Opens, Expanding Access to Medical Education in Northeast Florida

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Jacksonville University (JU) celebrate the official ribbon cutting of LECOM at Jacksonville University, marking a significant milestone in advancing healthcare education in Northeast Florida.

Just over a year after breaking ground, institutional leaders, elected officials, community partners, faculty, students and guests gathered to commemorate the completion of the state-of-the-art medical education facility located within Jacksonville University's Medical Mall.

"The opening of LECOM at Jacksonville University represents the realization of a shared vision to educate the next generation of physicians while addressing the growing healthcare needs of our region," said Silvia Ferretti, D.O., Provost, Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs of LECOM. "This facility provides an exceptional learning environment where students will receive a world-class osteopathic medical education and develop the skills needed to serve communities throughout Florida and beyond."

The new campus will welcome its inaugural class of approximately 75 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) students, expanding access to affordable, high-quality medical education while helping address the physician shortage across Northeast Florida and the state.

"As the nation's largest medical college and only osteopathic academic health system, LECOM remains committed to preparing highly skilled physicians who are dedicated to patient-centered care," said John Ferretti, D.O., President and CEO of LECOM. "This partnership with Jacksonville University strengthens our mission while creating opportunities that will benefit patients, students and the entire Northeast Florida community for generations to come."

LECOM invested approximately $50 million in the Jacksonville campus, a project expected to generate an estimated $91.1 million economic impact for Florida and the City of Jacksonville. By 2030, the campus is projected to support more than 600 jobs while contributing an estimated $60 million annually to the regional economy.

"The opening of LECOM at Jacksonville University creates an educational pathway that progresses from our undergraduate classrooms into one of the nation's leading medical schools, and out into the world-class healthcare organizations throughout Northeast Florida," said Jacksonville University Chancellor Tim Cost. "For 92 years, our mission has been to develop well-rounded, global citizens, and now this partnership will prepare physicians who will care for our families and communities."

The Medical Mall serves as an innovative hub for healthcare education, training and clinical services on Jacksonville University's Arlington campus. LECOM joins existing health sciences programs and clinical facilities to create a collaborative environment designed to prepare the future healthcare workforce.

As the official clinical education partners for LECOM at Jacksonville University, Baptist Health, UF Health St. Johns and AdventHealth will provide third- and fourth-year clinical training opportunities for medical students. Additional clinical partners include Island Doctors, Wekiva Springs Center and Angel Kids Pediatrics.

The opening of LECOM at Jacksonville University builds upon LECOM's longstanding commitment to expanding access to medical education. The institution now includes campuses in Bradenton, Florida; Erie, Pennsylvania; Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Elmira, New York; and Jacksonville, Florida, while maintaining clinical education agreements with more than 100 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 10 states.