About
Founded in 2021, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is a nonprofit, four-year MD program that will enhance traditional medical education with the arts, humanities, and whole health principles. The School’s culture embraces self-care to empower students to care for their own well-being as well as that of their patients.
The state-of-the-art medical education facility is under construction in Bentonville, Arkansas on the Crystal Bridges campus, home to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Heartland Whole Health Institute.
The School has been granted preliminary accreditation status by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
Mission. Vision. Values.
MISSION
Alice L. Walton School of Medicine trains physicians who are devoted to transforming the health of medically underserved and rural communities in Arkansas, its surrounding states, and beyond. AWSOM physicians make a difference by pioneering whole health principles, deploying contemporary technologies, and developing novel partnerships to bridge the gaps to high quality medical care and to promote health and well-being for all individuals and communities.
VISION
Equip and support physicians and health professionals to successfully tackle the health care challenges of the 21st century.
VALUES
Empathy
Self-care
Inclusivity
Humanism
Entrepreneurialism
Community Focus
“We have to give people the tools so they can have control of a happy, healthy life.”
— ALICE WALTON, FOUNDER
A Medical School on a Mission
Philanthropist Alice Walton founded the School of Medicine in 2021 to improve health and well-being by creating a new pipeline of physicians for the future. Based on her own health care experiences, she recognized the need for a whole-person approach to include physical, behavioral, spiritual, and socioeconomic well-being.
“I hope my biggest impact will be the lasting change that access to health care provides. The School of Medicine can play a big role as it educates generations of medical professionals in whole-person care. If the work we’re doing helps improve quality of life, then I’ll feel I’ve made a positive impact.”
— Alice Walton, Founder
Rooted in Community
Alice L. Walton School of Medicine will collaborate closely with the health care community in Arkansas and beyond.
AWSOM has developed partnerships with national and regional clinical sites.
“This School will transform the future of medical education by integrating whole health principles and the arts into the curriculum. Alongside our health partners, we will educate and enable students to deliver compassionate care to improve outcomes for the Heartland region and beyond.”
— Sharmila Makhija, MD, MBA, Founding Dean and CEO
Our Campus
AWSOM is reshaping medical education in a new state-of-the-art facility in Bentonville, Arkansas, where the next generation of physician leaders will experience an innovative MD program. The walkable campus, shared with the world-renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, is minutes from downtown Bentonville and connected to the cities of Northwest Arkansas via the 40-mile paved Razorback Greenway.
Leadership
Our leadership team pioneered the vision for Alice L. Walton School of Medicine and oversees the School’s continued growth and innovation.
Learn more about each member of the leadership team.
In the News
As Alice L. Walton School of Medicine prepares to educate the next generation of physician leaders, our work is drawing attention and building momentum.
Read the latest news surrounding the School.