Why the World's Richest Woman Is Focused on Improving the Healthcare System

Alice Walton, the world's richest woman and Walmart heir, founded the tuition-free Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) after her own negative healthcare experiences convinced her the U.S. medical system needs fundamental reform.

The innovative medical school opened in 2021 in Bentonville, Arkansas, emphasizing preventive medicine and "whole person" healthcare approaches. AWSOM integrates art, nature, and wellness into medical education through features like teaching gardens, art galleries, and extensive natural lighting. The curriculum provides 60 hours of nutrition education compared to the typical 19 hours at traditional medical schools, while students begin clinical training after just two months.

• The school targets rural healthcare shortages, with Arkansas having four counties without any doctors
• First five graduating classes receive completely free tuition, with 2,000 applications received for 48 inaugural spots
• The model emphasizes prevention over treatment, teaching students lifestyle factors that promote wellness
• AWSOM aims to create a replicable, sustainable medical education model that other institutions can adopt