ASU’s medical school secures accreditation and new name

Arizona State University’s new medical school has reached a major milestone. The program has earned preliminary accreditation, allowing ASU to begin recruiting its first class for August 2026. The school also revealed its new name, the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, after receiving a transformational nine-figure gift from an ASU alumnus.

The medical school will eventually anchor the new ASU Health headquarters near Fifth and Fillmore streets in downtown Phoenix, with construction expected to begin this spring and finish in 2028. Until then, classes will be held at ASU’s Mercado campus near Seventh and Van Buren.

Dr. Holly Lisanby, the school’s founding dean, joined “Arizona Horizon” and says the accreditation marks the beginning of a new era for medical training in Arizona.

“Dr. John Shufeldt…he really represents the values of our school,” Lisanby said, “…he’s a physician, who is caring for the Arizona community, he takes a special interest in tribal communities, he’s an entrepreneur, he’s a businessman, he’s an ASU alum, so we’re really thrilled.”

Lisanby emphasized that the school is taking a different approach with its teaching methods towards these new students.

“Train physicians who are also engineers, who are able to leverage technology,” Lisanby explained, “…in order to scale access to care, make care more affordable, and improve outcomes.”

A standard medical school is a four-year program where one is trained and acquires an MD (Medical Doctorate Degree). However, at ASU, one would get two degrees: the MD and the Master’s of Medical Engineering degree.

“We’re looking for students who are interested in improving health outcomes in Arizona,” Lisanby said, “…and we’re looking for students who are interested in learning about technologies that can help them provide better, more effective care for people living in our community.”

Lisanby emphasized that while the program does teach courses on engineering, one does not need an engineering degree to join the program.