A University of Washingtonpanel headed by former Gov. Dan Evansbelieves the best way to quickly increase the number of doctors working in rural Washington is for the UW to expand its medical school program in Spokane. <\/p>\n
The panel also recommends creating more residencies in rural areas, particularly Eastern Washington. <\/p>\n
It didnot weigh in on whats becomea sore point between UW and Washington State University: whether its also necessary for WSUto build its own, separate medical school in Spokane to alleviate the physician shortage. The panels report notes that it was not given the task of determining if a separately accredited medical school is necessary or should be pursued by WSU. <\/p>\n
The UW and WSU, which used to worktogether to provide medical training at WSUs Spokane campus, split earlier this year over how best to increasethe number of doctors in Washingtons rural areas. There is a shortage of primary care doctors in those areastoday, a problem thatsexpected to get worseas baby boom-era doctors retire. <\/p>\n
WSU wants to build its own medical school, and the UW wants to increase the number of doctors it already trains in that city.The issue is likely to be resolved by the state Legislature in the 2015 session because both schools need money to accomplish their aims. <\/p>\n
What the panel recommended:increase the size ofthe UWs Spokane program so that it canaccept120 new medical students a year, up from 40 now; grow medicaleducation opportunitiesbeyondSpokane by partnering with other communities, such as the Tri-Cities;include a specific plan for research and commercialization activities for the UWs Spokane program; andexpand medical residencies in rural and underserved areas. <\/p>\n
The panel was convened by UW President Michael Young, and included two current WSUregents, two former WSU regents, two UW regents and one former UW regent. <\/p>\n
Both universities hiredconsultants that endorse the economic wisdomof each institutions proposals. But while WSUofficialssaid the state needs both the UW Spokane program and a WSU medical school, theUW report says that Eastern Washington cannot support two medical schools because theres a limit on the number of clinical training and residency sites available. <\/p>\n
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UW panel: Triple the UW medical school program in Spokane<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A University of Washingtonpanel headed by former Gov. Dan Evansbelieves the best way to quickly increase the number of doctors working in rural Washington is for the UW to expand its medical school program in Spokane. Continue reading