Medford, OR. — City leaders in Medford are exploring the creation of a regional medical school to help address a critical shortage of physicians in Southern Oregon and rural communities across the state.
The initiative, still in its early stages, was presented to the Medford City Council during a study session earlier this month. Consulting firm Tripp Umbach delivered a feasibility study that concluded Medford could support a new medical school in partnership with an existing medical institution such as Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). A press release from the City of Medford pointed to “persistent health disparities in Southern Oregon and Northern California.”
The proposed school would serve as a training ground for medical students, with the goal of retaining them in Oregon’s underserved areas. Consultant Paul Umbach noted that “you can train them here and keep them here,” citing the success of a similar program in Great Falls, Montana, where about 75 percent of graduates stayed in the region. The City of Medford has already allocated $100,000 toward the feasibility study and is considering contributing city-owned land to support the campus, potentially through a public-private partnership.
The proposal comes as other parts of Oregon pursue similar solutions to the state’s worsening physician gap. In April, the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) announced its own plans to establish a public College of Osteopathic Medicine in Klamath Falls. As reported by the Rogue Valley Times, the osteopathic program would focus on producing D.O.-trained primary care physicians who are more likely to serve in rural areas. OIT is requesting $1.5 million in state funding for early planning.
OIT President Nagi Naganathan has previously proposed “that a solution to the state’s health care access problem would be to rapidly increase the number of primary care physicians educated and trained in the state.” The Rogue Valley Times noted in their reporting that some research shows rural-trained physicians are up to five times more likely to stay in those areas.
While the Medford proposal is still in the conceptual phase, local officials are optimistic. “The community really wins the most,” said Councilor Mike Kerlinger quoted in a follow-up report by the Rogue Valley Times. The report highlighted strong local interest, including potential philanthropic and legislative support.
Despite enthusiasm, some concerns remain. Councilor Jessica Ayres questioned whether OHSU has the resources to expand into Southern Oregon. Still, Tripp Umbach’s analysis suggested that multiple funding models—including state appropriations, grants, and private donations—could help overcome early financial barriers.
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