Thomas Jefferson University Establishes New Medical Campus to Strengthen Workforce

Thomas Jefferson University has announced plans to establish a four-year regional campus of Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, further expanding access to medical education and strengthening the healthcare workforce across the Lehigh Valley. 

Located at One Center Square, in downtown Allentown, the campus will include more than 54,000 square feet of newly constructed medical education space. Students will complete the same rigorous JeffMD curriculum offered at SKMC's Philadelphia campus, including identical learning objectives, assessment standards and graduation requirements. Clinical training will be conducted at Jefferson Health – Lehigh Valley Region hospitals and outpatient locations. 

"This new campus reflects our ongoing focus to expand access to exceptional academic and clinical training, while making a lasting investment in the future of healthcare in the Lehigh Valley," said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, FACC, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson. "We are committed to building a stronger regional physician workforce to meet the growing healthcare needs of this community." 

The new regional campus builds on a strong and growing clinical education partnership between SKMC and Jefferson Health in the Lehigh Valley. During the 2025–2026 academic year, eight physician assistant students and more than 80 medical students completed clinical rotations at Jefferson Health – Lehigh Valley Region hospitals. 

"Physicians are more likely to practice where they train. Establishing a four-year campus of Sidney Kimmel Medical College in the Lehigh Valley will expand opportunities for medical education, strengthen regional connections and build a pipeline of physicians who are committed to serving this community for generations," added Said Ibrahim, MD, MPH, MBA, Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.