Aspiring doctors could soon have new opportunities to pursue a medical career in Wisconsin. The board of the Medical College of Wisconsin has approved plans that would open two new campuses in the state by 2015, opening the door for dozens of students to pursue a medical career.
The current proposal would open campuses in Green Bay and somewhere in Central Wisconsin, likely in a location such as Wausau, Steven Point, or Marshfield. Medical College of Wisconsin CEO and President Dr. John Raymond says the eventual location of the second campus will be based largely on the types of medical providers that agree to partner with the program.
Raymond says the anticipate about 25 students in the first class at each campus, which will focus on classroom instruction for the first 18 months and then additional work directly with medical providers. He says the programs will train physicians in the communities they could eventually serve.
The effort is aimed at addressing a shortage of physicians and other health care providers in Wisconsin. Raymond says the two regions selected offer the best opportunity for students to gain the experience they need and there are enough providers in each area to help them receive the proper training.
The Medical College will now begin the process of seeking accreditation, finding funding, and making formal agreements with medical providers in those areas. The cost of opening the campuses is expected to be about $23 million.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:18)
