Expanding Medical Education Act

The Expanding Medical Education Act establishes a new grant program under the Public Health Service Act, enabling the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education, including consortiums, for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of schools of medicine or osteopathic medicine, or their branch campuses. Priority for these grants will be given to institutions proposing to establish new schools or campuses in areas where no such school exists, particularly in medically underserved communities or health professional shortage areas . Special consideration is also given to minority-serving institutions, and the Secretary is encouraged to ensure equitable geographic distribution of awards across the United States. Grant funds must be used to recruit, enroll, and retain medical students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine, individuals from rural and underserved areas, low-income individuals, and first-generation college students. Additionally, funds are mandated for developing curriculum that emphasizes care for rural and underserved populations, including accessible and culturally appropriate services. Institutions may also use grants for purposes such as: planning and constructing new school facilities or branch campuses in areas without existing schools or minority-serving institutions; planning, developing, and meeting accreditation criteria; hiring faculty and staff, including those from underrepresented groups; supporting educational programs; and modernizing and expanding infrastructure. The bill requires annual reports from grant recipients and a comprehensive quinquennial report from the Secretary to Congress, detailing program outcomes, student demographics, workforce impact, and recommendations, with all reports made publicly available.