Medical School

To be built in Bentonville, AR, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine will create a new paradigm of medical education that integrates conventional medicine with holistic principles and self-care practices. Founded in 2021 by philanthropist Alice Walton, the School of Medicine will offer a four-year, medical degree-granting program. New York-based multidisciplinary studio OSD has been selected as the landscape architect and Arkansas-based firm Polk Stanley Wilcox as lead architects for the first-of-its-kind medical school designed to help students rise to the health challenges of the 21st century. Currently in the design development phase, construction of the 154,000-square-foot facility will begin in Spring 2023, with the goal of completing and welcoming the first class in Fall 2025, pending accreditation. “The School of Medicine is poised to be an inspiring learning environment that supports well-being, emphasizes innovation, and equips future physicians to be agents of change. We are excited to help pave the way for the next generation of holistic physicians and health professionals,” said Walton. “This unique, site-responsive building will welcome students, staff, and visitors alike to explore this beautiful campus, serving a broader vision of enhancing quality of life in our region and beyond.” Conceived as an extension of Crystal Bridges’ forest, trails connect the school’s campus with surrounding woodlands and the Ozarks at-large as well as adjacent arts institutions, creating a link between art, nature, and healing for a holistic learning environment. Through the network of hiking and biking trails, students can reach the school’s sister organization, Whole Health ...