In general, research universities with medical schools have qualitatively greater sponsored research activities than those without. That sponsored research activity, usually in the biomedical fields, often becomes an economic engine, both for the university and its region. New revenue streams, derived from research and medical school related clinical activities allow for sustained growth in diverse academic programs and were crucial for UC Irvine's rapid advancement from its inception in 1965 to its current position among the very top tier of US research universities. Here we use UC Irvine as a case study to look at lessons learned and to begin to flesh out answers to what a Mason medical school project might look like. Key factors such as community buy-in, right-sizing and planned incremental growth appear to be important. At the same time, differentiation and aligning the project with regional needs also to be important.
Finally, we look at the curricular change movement loosely called Flexner II as a way of imagining a Mason medical school that trains physicians for the 21 st century.