Larkin University plans new medical school in South Miami-Dade to tackle doctor shortage

• Larkin University planning 110,000-square-foot medical school
• Project aims to address the projected 18,000 doctor shortage by 2035
• Development expected to create jobs and retain local talent

What Larkin University is building

Larkin University is planning a new College of Osteopathic Medicine in South Miami-Dade, targeting a 2028 opening. The 110,000-square-foot campus will sit on a 48-acre site and focus on training physicians in primary care and underserved communities. The school will be named after Jacqueline Nicole Michel, honoring the daughter of founder Jack J. Michel.

What leadership says about the need

“South Florida currently is facing a significant and worsening physician shortage,” said Rudi Ettrich.

“Our population is growing rapidly, and it’s aging, which increases health care demand significantly.” The school is designed to train doctors locally with the goal of keeping them in the region long term.

What the project includes

The college will focus on osteopathic medicine, emphasizing primary care, prevention, and whole-patient treatment. Students will train through partnerships with Larkin Health System, which operates teaching hospitals and residency programs across South Florida. The campus is expected to create jobs while supporting long-term healthcare infrastructure in the region.

What this means for South Florida

Florida is projected to face a shortage of nearly 18,000 physicians by 2035, driven by population growth and aging demographics. More than half of doctors who complete residency in Florida stay in the state, making local education a key pipeline for workforce retention. This project positions South Miami-Dade as a growing hub for healthcare education and services.

What this means for investors and development

Healthcare and education projects like this act as long-term economic drivers. They generate jobs, increase demand for nearby housing and retail, and support stable institutional investment. For developers and investors, it signals continued growth in South Florida tied to healthcare expansion and population trends. Healthcare-driven development continues to shape South Florida as population growth drives demand for services and infrastructure.