Idaho State University, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Sign Agreement to Improve Health Care Access in Idaho
May 13, 2024
Idaho State University and Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding that solidifies the partnership between the two institutions and paves the way for further collaboration.“As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare workforce needs, ISU leads with pioneering programs, impactful research, and an unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of our communities,” said ISU President Robert Wagner.
Wagner added, “As an institution, we are expanding our available programming and seeking effective collaborations and partnerships with our fellow public institutions and industry partners.”
ICOM President Tracy Farnsworth said the two institutions are helping to bridge the gap in health care access in Idaho. Currently, Idaho ranks last in physicians per capita, Farnsworth said. Together, the institutions are offering dual degree programs, including Master of Public Health, Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Science in Health Informatics combined with a DO degree.
ISU Senior Vice Provost and Vice President for Health Sciences Rex Force said Idaho State University is providing Idaho with graduates in dozens of high-demand health professions. In the past five years, ISU has added nearly 700 students in health professions programs, expanding to meet workforce needs. Force said the University’s Family Practice Residency program is also providing needed physicians across the state.
“For 30 years Idaho State’s Family Medicine physician training program has been producing family docs who are in practice all around the state - over 100 of them over the years,” Force said. “This year there’s an interesting story— two graduates from ICOM are residents in the ISU residency’s rural training tracks in Rexburg and Rupert. This is how the two institutions are helping to meet our respective missions.”
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