Alice Walton Celebrates Milestone at AWSOM Ceremonial Opening
The Alice Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) officially opened its doors on October 29, 2023. This milestone ceremony took place in Bentonville, Arkansas, where Alice Walton delivered a heartfelt address. Her speech reflected her journey founding AWSOM in 2021 and her vision for integrating health care and the arts.
A Vision for Innovative Medical Education
Alice Walton expressed her overwhelming emotions during the event. She emphasized the importance of establishing AWSOM on the Crystal Bridges campus. Walton stated that her goal was to create a medical school focused on whole-person care, prioritizing health maintenance rather than just disease treatment.
Supporting Architecture and Design
Walton highlighted the architectural excellence of the facility, designed by principal architect Wesley Walls. The modern building covers 154,000 square feet and features the largest living roof in the Ozarks, spanning two acres. This green roof enhances energy efficiency and can be accessed via the Crystal Bridges trail system.
- The construction of AWSOM was completed in 28 months.
- During the process, a small tornado impacted the construction site.
Wesley Walls remarked that the building’s design draws inspiration from the Ozark landscape. It reflects the school’s mission to promote a harmonious relationship with nature while fostering healing and learning.
A Collaborative Effort
Walton acknowledged the contributions of various individuals and organizations, including Lloyd Minor, dean of the Stanford University School of Medicine. He provided guidance and support throughout the project’s development.
Dr. Sharmila Makhija, AWSOM’s founding executive dean, joined the team in 2023. She expressed her commitment to transforming medical education and praised Walton’s inspiring vision. Makhija also recognized her team of faculty and executive leaders who are instrumental in daily operations.
A Diverse Inaugural Class
The inaugural class consists of 48 students from 19 states, with one-third hailing from Arkansas. The students represent a diverse range of backgrounds, speaking 13 languages, and include many first-generation college graduates.
- Significant details about the inaugural class:
- 48 students enrolled
- 1 in 5 students are first-generation college graduates
Dr. Yolangel Hernandez Suarez, executive vice dean at AWSOM, noted that the opening of the school marks a new chapter in medical education focused on compassion and innovation.
Student Perspectives
Rylie Poling, one of the first medical students, expressed her excitement about joining AWSOM. She has been passionate about becoming a doctor since childhood and appreciates the tuition-free benefit offered by the school. Poling is particularly interested in holistic medicine and aims to specialize in internal medicine and rheumatology.
AWSOM’s focus on innovative medical education, surrounded by art and nature, signifies a new approach to preparing future physicians. As the school embarks on this journey, it sets a standard for compassionate care and community health.
