The doctor isn't in, but he's on the way. Thursday, the UT Board of Regents gave the green light to creating a medical school on the Austin campus. The plan, if and when completed, will give the UT system a total of seven medical schools in the state.

With spring semester wrapping up, UT students are already signing up for summer school.

Zohaib Momin will be taking a full load to lock down a degree in chemistry. He plans to work in health care but if a medical school is built soon, a return to campus becomes a new option to consider.

"I was looking to a medical career, becoming a doctor, going to med school before and if a medical school opens up at UT that would be convenient because I live here in Austin. So I could apply for it and hopped to get in it," said Momin.

Thursday, the UT Board of Regents voted to make an annual $25 million commitment to establishing a medical school in Austin. An additional $40 million over the next 8 years will help fast track the process.

"This is something that was a wish and a desire not too long ago and now I think its something that we can see that w can get done, said UT Provost Steve Leslie.

The decision follows Seton Healthcare's multi-million dollar promise to help rebuild UMC Brackenridge Hospital. Keeping the medical school close to the new hospital complex will be the goal. The UT Tennis Center could be a possible site. But finding a location is just one of many steps that must be completed.

Legislative and state regulatory approval must be given. A search for faculty members launched. Plus, its estimated that an additional $35 million will be needed, every year to keep the school open. The extra money may come through a tax by the Central Health Care District, state appropriations, donations, and or federal funding.

"We have a great opportunity here I think what happens from here as a result of the approval form the board of regents sets the stage for what can be an great accomplishment for Austin, Central Texas and for Texas" said Leslie.

Within the year, administrators may have an idea when enrollment can begin for the first class of medical students. That could be anywhere from four to 10 years from now

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UT Regents Approve Austin Med School