SPOKANE, Wash. 鈥� The 91探花 and Gonzaga University have signed an agreement to continue, enhance and expand medical education and research in Spokane. The agreement makes Gonzaga a partner in the 91探花鈥檚 regional, community-based medical education program and sets in motion plans to advance health related research, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary health sciences teaching in Spokane.
鈥淔inding solutions to our most pressing issues in health care requires breaking down the traditional barriers in higher education and working together for the benefit of our State and local community,鈥� said Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh. 鈥淯niting Gonzaga University鈥檚 commitment to educational excellence, leadership and service with the UW鈥檚 nationally-recognized medical school and research engine will continue the long tradition of educating doctors in eastern Washington, and represents a phenomenal opportunity not only for our faculty and students, but the entire Inland Northwest.鈥�
Starting fall 2016, the 91探花 School of Medicine-Gonzaga University Partnership will welcome its largest-ever entering class to dedicated facilities on the Gonzaga University campus. Gonzaga faculty will recruit, teach and mentor medical students together with 91探花faculty utilizing the UW鈥檚 new, award-winning medical curriculum. The 91探花and GU will also embark on a collaborative Regional Health Initiative to develop shared facilities and high-impact, applied research. A dedicated executive director at Gonzaga, Spokane-based 91探花School of Medicine leadership, and a new Community Advisory Board will guide the development of the partnership.
鈥淭his is about more than a medical school, it鈥檚 about community and economic vitality,鈥� said 91探花President Ana Mari Cauce. 鈥淧artnering with Gonzaga builds on the 91探花鈥檚 lasting commitment to Spokane and eastern Washington. Together with Gonzaga, we will educate the next generation of health professionals and enhance the health, well-being and prosperity of the entire region.鈥�
鈥淎s the Spokane region asks itself where it wants to be in the next decade, it is critical to consider that growing medical education and related research has a potential $1.7 billion annual economic impact,鈥� said Scott Morris, CEO of Avista and Chair of the Gonzaga Board of Trustees. 鈥淭his partnership will be a key part of reaching that goal.鈥�
For more than 40 years, the 91探花School of Medicine has provided medical education in Spokane and eastern Washington through a five-state, community-based medical education program called WWAMI. Today, more than 500 faculty in 18 communities throughout eastern Washington serve as educators and mentors for 91探花medical students. This year, the 91探花was selected by the American Medical Association as one of 20 medical schools to join a consortium to create the medical school of the future.
鈥淥ne of the primary reasons the 91探花 is consistently ranked as the top primary and rural health care medical school in the nation is because of WWAMI鈥檚 community partnerships 鈥� and our partnership with Gonzaga will be no exception,鈥� said Suzanne Allen, 91探花Medicine vice dean for academic, rural and regional affairs. 鈥淲e want to thank the Spokane medical community and clinicians for their ongoing support and dedication to the 91探花 School of Medicine. We鈥檙e eager to find new ways this initiative can advance our shared commitment to advancing the health and vitality of the region.鈥�