Klamath Falls, Ore., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oregon Institute of Technology (“OIT” or “Oregon Tech”) announced today its aspirations to establish a new College of Osteopathic Medicine designed to address the critical healthcare provider shortage in rural Oregon. The proposed future medical school is part of Oregon Tech’s broader health and wellness initiative, in collaboration with community partners and state agencies. This initiative aims to create Oregon's first public osteopathic college of medicine and the second public medical school in the state. The new medical school will have a primary focus on training physicians for practice in Oregon’s rural communities.
The proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine would leverage Oregon Tech's established expertise in health education, with nearly half of its graduates specializing in health-related fields. The initiative aims to help solve a statewide healthcare crisis that currently leaves 2.5 million Oregonians living in areas designated as <>Health Professional Shortage Areas. Currently, there is a 2,000:1 patient-to-doctor ratio in rural Oregon. That disparity is predicted to increase to 3,500:1 in the next decade, if nothing is done.
“This statewide initiative represents a transformative opportunity to address Oregon's rural healthcare crisis while creating significant economic benefits for the entire state,” said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, President of Oregon Tech. “Research shows that physicians are five times more likely to establish practice in rural areas if they are trained in rural settings. This approach will address the deteriorating healthcare access gap that affects millions of Oregonians.”
The proposed medical school will be located at Oregon Tech's Klamath Falls campus, with clinical training opportunities throughout Oregon. The university also plans to develop an innovative, technology- and artificial-intelligence-infused curriculum, resulting in accelerated three-year medical degree program options.
David Cauble, President and CEO of Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls and a member of the Oregon Tech Board of Trustees, expressed strong support for the initiative. “The healthcare situation in rural Oregon has reached a critical point. The proposed medical school addresses our critical physician workforce needs not only in Southern Oregon, but also all across the state of Oregon, while generating a substantial economic benefit for their communities. It is about creating healthier communities and a stronger economy for rural Oregon — the definition of a win-win proposition.”
Rural Oregonians currently experience significantly longer wait times for primary care appointments, an average life expectancy four years shorter than urban residents, and markedly worse health outcomes.
Key features of the future College of Osteopathic Medicine include:
Oregon Tech is preparing to conduct a comprehensive planning study to develop a strategic roadmap for establishing the medical school. The initiative has garnered substantial positive support and interest from healthcare providers, community leaders, and industry partners across the state.
Attachment
Ashley Van Essen
Oregon Institute of Technology
ashley.vanessen@oit.edu