SPOKANE Officials for the University of Washington and Washington State University have reached an agreement to go their own ways regarding WSUs proposal to open its own medical school in Spokane.

Last month, WSU announced it would seek state approval to open its own medical school, which would focus on increasing the number of physicians practicing in underserved rural areas.

The UW had opposed that proposal.

On Friday, the schools issued a joint statement saying they had reached a deal that will mutually dissolve their partnership, known by the acronym WWAMI, in which students are trained by the UWs School of Medicine to serve communities in Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. The acronym is made up of the first letter of each states name.

Leaders from both schools agreed that the UW and WSU will independently pursue their respective proposals to meet the states medical-education needs and physician shortage.

The two universities have signed a memorandum of understanding that acknowledges both WSUs immediate efforts to secure accreditation for a new medical school and the UW School of Medicines independent pursuit of rapid expansion of its four-year WWAMI program in Spokane.

Much of that work will involve money from the Legislature.

The collective needs of our students, the Spokane community and our state are our top priority, UW President Michael K. Young said.

To this end, the UW remains fully committed to immediately expanding our medical school in Spokane, including a commitment to grow the research, industry-commercialization and medical-residency opportunities that will ensure a vibrant health-care economy well into the future, Young said.

WSU President Elson S. Floyd agreed.

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UW, WSU to pursue different paths over medical school