The World's Richest Woman Has Opened a Medical School - Time Magazine

Alice Walton, the world's richest woman and Walmart heiress, has launched a revolutionary medical school in Bentonville, Arkansas, that challenges traditional medical education by prioritizing preventive care and whole-health principles over symptom-focused treatment.

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) trains its inaugural class of 48 students using an innovative curriculum that integrates art, humanities, and community service alongside traditional medical science. Students learn through hands-on experiences including gardening, cooking classes, and drawing exercises at the adjacent Crystal Bridges Museum. The school emphasizes understanding patients as whole people, addressing lifestyle factors, mental health, and living conditions that impact wellbeing. Walton covers tuition for the first five graduating classes and hopes to create a replicable model for medical education nationwide.

• Holistic approach: Students receive over 50 hours of nutrition training, including culinary classes and farm work, compared to the typical 20 hours at traditional schools • Art-integrated learning: The curriculum includes drawing and museum studies to develop observation skills and empathy in future doctors • Community focus: All students begin community service on their third day, with emphasis on serving underserved populations, particularly in Arkansas • Technology integration: The program explores innovative healthcare delivery methods including AI, virtual reality, and drone-based systems for rural communities