Idaho Lawmakers Call for In-State Medical School

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — While the plan to open a new medical school at Washington State University in Spokane, Washington, has been praised, some Idaho lawmakers say that does not affect the need for a medical program in the Gem State.

The Idaho State Journal reports that Idaho Rep. Kelley Packer, R-McCammon, is pushing for a cooperative medical program that would bring together all of Idaho's public universities and colleges to fill the state's need for medical training. Packer says Idaho currently ranks 49th in physicians per capita in the United States.

Currently Idaho students looking to attend medical school can do so through the WWAMI Medical Education Program, where students are dual enrolled at University of Idaho and the University of Washington School of Medicine. There are only 35 spots for Idaho students in the program.