Medical school in Charlotte moves a step closer to reality with key approval

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s official: Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Wake Forest School of Medicine are partners, bringing Charlotte another step closer to a four-year medical school.

The systems first announced their plans for a “strategic combination” in April 2019 and formalized the agreement later that year. It was still subject to regulatory approval, a requirement since cleared. A strategic combination is not an acquisition — the entities remain in tact and have separate boards. Those leaders, however, will answer to another 16-member board focused on Atrium’s and Wake Forest’s combined strategy.

The combined enterprise will carry the Atrium name.

“It’s been a milestone week for Atrium,” said CEO Gene Woods at a special-called meeting on Friday morning. “We are very excited about the investments that we’ll be making in our community.”

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