Charlotte’s New Medical School Marks Historic Milestone in Local Education

Charlotte Welcomes New Medical School: A Historic Leap Forward

Exciting news is brewing in Charlotte! Starting next summer, the city will be home to its very first four-year medical school, courtesy of Wake Forest University. After all, it’s about time! Charlotte stands as one of the largest cities in the United States without a dedicated medical school, and this new venture is long overdue.

A Glimpse into the Past

But wait—this isn’t the first time Charlotte has tried its hand at medical education. Over a century ago, the North Carolina Medical College opened its doors in uptown. Historians believe that this long-forgotten institution had quite an impact, with over 700 students and 40 doctoral degrees awarded to aspiring physicians. Many of those graduates went on to establish thriving practices throughout North Carolina, marking a significant contribution to the state’s medical landscape.

Where was this school located, you ask? The building was at 229 N. Church St. and holds the honor of being classified as a historical landmark by Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The architecture, crafted by James McMichael, is another reason for this designation. McMichael’s designs include not just the medical college but also several churches in the area.

Inside the College

So what was it like inside the North Carolina Medical College? The basement housed essential facilities like showers, toilets, cadaver vats, and service rooms—certainly not your typical school setup! An entrance on Sixth Street led to a dispensary that had a separate waiting room for Black and white patients along with various examination and treatment rooms. For those who couldn’t afford medical care, the school provided free services for an hour each weekday. Not too shabby!

The school’s upper levels were buzzing with activity, featuring a lounge, administrative offices, and demonstration spaces. Students had access to two labs and even a dissecting hall! Oh, and let’s not forget the magnificent two-story amphitheater at the back that could seat at least 250 attendees, making it the perfect venue for lectures.

High Hopes and Hard Times

Initially, the college was off to a great start. In 1907, the entire student body relocated to the structure on North Church Street, with more than 80 students enrolling that year. However, the winds of change were blowing. By 1910, the Carnegie Foundation stepped in to evaluate the school’s facilities—and, well, let’s just say the findings weren’t pretty.

The school received heavy criticism for its inadequate facilities and lack of resources, with reports labeling it “thoroughly wretched.” This harsh judgment was too much for the school’s administration, which struggled to gather the funds needed for improvements. Ultimately, the school shut its doors in 1914, forcing students to transfer to the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond to complete their studies. The last degrees awarded under the college’s name came in 1917.

A New Dawn in Medical Education

Fast forward to today! The opening of Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine in Charlotte is poised to change the educational landscape. The new campus is being developed on a 20-acre site at the corner of South McDowell and Baxter streets, as part of the exciting Pearl District project. This $1.5 billion initiative isn’t just about the medical school; it’s a comprehensive development that will bring retail, office spaces, hotels, and apartments to the area.

Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology are teaming up for this ambitious project, with a groundbreaking event already held in January 2023. The first class is set to welcome 48 eager students for the class of 2029. What a remarkable step forward!

Looking Back to Move Forward

But it’s clear—it’s crucial that we remember our past. As Tommy Warlick, a historic preservation expert, puts it, “It’s always important for us to get the story straight and to make sure that our history is accurate.” So let’s keep the stories alive as Charlotte steps boldly into this new chapter!