PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University announced it will soon create the school's first-ever medical school with an expansion of the graduate disciplines studied on the Provo campus.
According to the school, the program will focus on "international health issues affecting members of [the church]" and its "worldwide humanitarian efforts."
"It is envisioned that unlike many medical schools, the BYU medical school will be focused on teaching with research in areas of strategic importance to the church," the school said in its announcement.
An exact start date has yet to be released as plans are still ongoing in relation to the creation of the medical school.
Reaction on the Provo campus was nearly unanimous in its support.
"I think it’s exciting," said student Andrew Larson. "I think it’s something a lot of people will be excited about. I mean, University of Utah has a good program, but I think BYU will do a good job with their program and I think it’s good news. So, I’m excited."
The addition of a medical is also positive for the city of Provo as well.
"BYU grows unicorn companies faster than any other college in the country," said Keith Morey, Provo's Director of Economic Development, "so the fact that they’re going to have a research component, a medical research facility here, just means that they’ll excel at that as well."
The new BYU medical school will not have its own hospital system, but hopes to have relationships with other healthcare institutions in Utah. The announcement said discussions between BYU and Intermountain Health are currently underway. Relationships with other systems, including the University of Utah, are also possible, the school said.
University of Utah leaders commended the BYU announcement, saying its program will complement its own.
“We will work with BYU and church leadership to lay the groundwork for a model collaboration that serves the needs of this state and provides critical health services to countries around the world," said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. “With a new medical school in the state, the U and BYU can strive to meet existing and future health care professional shortages, provide more opportunities for aspiring medical providers and contribute to the health care needs of patients in our region and around the globe.”
