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. <\/p>\n
With spring semester wrapping up, UT students are already signing up for summer school. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
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 <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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UT Regents Approve Austin Med School<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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. Continue reading