Memphis, TN – After months of anticipation and careful planning, Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) has officially been granted approval to establish an osteopathic medical school in Memphis. The announcement came during a recent press conference held at the university's campus.
Dr. Betty Sue McGarvey, President of BHSU, expressed her excitement regarding the decision: "We are thrilled that our hard work and dedication have paid off with this opportunity to expand our offerings and provide quality education for aspiring osteopathic physicians. We believe this new program will be a valuable addition not only to our institution but also to the broader healthcare community."
The development of the new medical school is expected to address the ongoing physician shortage in Tennessee and surrounding areas by providing students with access to comprehensive training programs designed specifically for future doctors of osteopathy (DO).
Dr. James Hildreth, M.D., Ph.D., Dean of College of Medicine at Meharry Medical College and member of BHSU Board of Trustees shared his support for this significant milestone: "The establishment of an osteopathic medical school within BHSU demonstrates their commitment towards addressing critical healthcare needs throughout the region while continuing their mission as leaders in health sciences education."
Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a holistic approach towards patient care through preventive measures such as nutrition counseling, stress management techniques, lifestyle modification strategies alongside standard treatment options like surgery or medication.
Jennifer Coleman, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Memorial Healthcare offered insight into how this innovative initiative aligns with current industry trends: “With increasing emphasis on preventative care across all sectors within healthcare today; it makes sense that we would seek opportunities which enable us train providers who can excel both clinically AND promote overall wellness.”
This groundbreaking step forward comes after several years spent developing curriculum plans along with securing necessary funding from various sources including private donations dedicated specifically toward supporting osteopathic medical education at BHSU.
As planning continues, stakeholders are optimistic about the impact this new program will have on both the university and the larger community. Dr. John Johnson, Chief Medical Officer of Regional One Health said: "I believe that this investment in our city's educational infrastructure will undoubtedly lead to improved access to care for patients throughout Memphis and beyond."
Baptist Health Sciences University expects to welcome its first class of osteopathic medical students as early as Fall 2023. Prospective applicants can look forward to additional information regarding admissions requirements and curriculum details being released in the coming months.