Construction continues on University of Texas Dell Medical School, which plans to welcome its first class in 2016. Construction continues on University of Texas Dell Medical School, which plans to welcome its first class in 2016.[/caption]

The University of Texas Dell Medical School announced June 29 it received preliminary accreditation as a medical school.

“Starting today we will begin recruiting our first class of medical students,” The University of Texas at Austin President Gregory Fenves said, adding that one year from now the school will welcome its first class of students. “This will be an enormous boon to our city and our region,” he said.

Dell Medical School Dean Dr. Clay Johnston said the school already has more than 1,000 applications from prospective students.

“It’s already nearly impossible to get into Dell Medical School,” he said.

Johnston compared the growing health care community collaboration in Austin to the Italian Renaissance.

“We have a similar kind of opportunity here,” he said. “This is an opportunity to rethink everything.”

State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, said the inclusive health ecosystem being developed would soon become synonymous with the city of Austin.

“The world will see what happens when the innovative city of Austin, Texas, rethinks innovation and puts it to work for a healthier home and a healthier world,” Watson said.

Dr. Susan Cox, executive vice dean for academics at the new school, said the institution would emphasize individual, self-directed learning. Christann Vasquez, president of Dell Seton Medical Center added that each school at the institution would work collaboratively to improve care for vulnerable and underserved Central Texas residents.

To learn more about Dell Medical School, visit https://dellmedschool.utexas.edu.