The Idaho Office of the Governor issued this press release and fact sheet on Feb. 25
Media contact: Jon Hanian, Press Secretary, Executive Office of the Governor, NEWS RELEASE, (208) 334-2100
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY AFFILIATES WITH NEW IDAHO COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
(BOISE) – With approval from the State Board of Education, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced a new public-private partnership today to create Idaho’s first four-year medical school at Idaho State University’s Meridian Health Science Center.
The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) will be led by Dr. Robert Hasty, founding dean and chief academic officer. John Goodnow will support the new school’s direction as its president and executive board member. The privately funded school will be governed by a board of trustees consisting of local and regional physicians and healthcare executives. The ICOM will undergo an accreditation process through the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, and classes are expected to begin in August 2018.
“I’m confident that this groundbreaking partnership will benefit the health and wellbeing of citizens throughout Idaho and the region by helping to address our shortage of primary care physicians – especially in Idaho’s underserved rural communities,” the Governor said, citing the potential educational and economic benefits. “This is a golden opportunity for us to train more healthcare professionals to meet our statewide needs while also attracting more Idaho students into the growing healthcare field. It’s a once-in-a-generation chance for Idaho to address both our desire for better career opportunities for Idaho students and our need for more physicians.” [Read more…] about Idaho State University affiliates with new Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine