WSU takes first steps toward creating new medical school

Washington State University is moving forward with creating its own independently-accredited medical school, based in Spokane.

Earlier this week, the school announced that a search committee has been formed to direct and focus the search for the medical school’s founding dean – an integral part of the process of seeking national accreditation.

Committees have been formed to write the curriculum and to build infrastructure. Officials have also been visiting healthcare providers around the state as they search for partners who will teach WSU’s third- and fourth-year medical students.

“We have talked with several hospitals and physician practices around the state and have found enthusiastic support for our medical school and an eagerness to educate our students,” said WSU College of Medical Sciences Acting Dean Ken Roberts.

The community-based model adopted by WSU calls for students to spend their first two years doing mostly academic and laboratory work in Spokane. Students would then be assigned to WSU campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver or Everett for two years of clinical study.

A bill authorizing a WSU medical school through the state Legislature was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on April 1.

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