By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS - Associated Press - Wednesday, January 21, 2015<\/p>\n
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - Two Spokane legislators introduced bills Wednesday that would help pave the way for a new Washington State University medical school in Spokane. <\/p>\n
State Sen. Michael Baumgartner, a Republican, and state Rep. Marcus Riccelli, a Democrat, introduced the bills in each chamber. Baumgartners bill has a total of 17 co-sponsors and Riccellis has 60 co-sponsors, which he said showed broad support. <\/p>\n
The bills would eliminate a restriction dating from 1917 that gives the University of Washington in Seattle the exclusive right to operate a public medical school in the state of Washington. The UW medical school admits only 120 Washington medical students each year. <\/p>\n
A lot of folks on both sides of the aisle support stronger, more vibrant medical instruction in Washington, Riccelli said. Multiple medical schools are the norm in most states. <\/p>\n
Washington State has proposed opening its own medical school in Spokane to address a big shortage of doctors across the state, especially in rural areas. The school commissioned a study showing it is well-positioned to pursue an accredited medical school. <\/p>\n
The University of Washington has proposed that its existing medical programs be expanded, and has commissioned a study showing that is the most cost-effective way to produce more doctors in Washington. <\/p>\n
The two universities have agreed not to oppose each others proposals in the Legislature. Lawmakers will decide which, if any, expansion of medical education to fund. <\/p>\n
Washington State University proposes to expand an existing medical training facility at its branch campus in Spokane into a new medical school. The university will seek an appropriation of $2.5 million in this years operating budget to begin the accreditation process, the lawmakers said. <\/p>\n
I am pleased but not at all surprised by the strong support for this bill, Baumgartner said. Were saying a law written nearly 100 years ago should not dictate the way we teach medicine in the 21st century. <\/p>\n
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