Kyle Keckler
News Editor
The state of Idaho has a crisis on its hands. There is a distinct lack of doctors in the state, and with many of those who currently work within Idaho’s medical centers being over the age of 60, this is not an issue that is likely to resolve itself. Some would argue that the reason for Idaho’s lack of working medical doctors could be at least partially ascribed to its lack of any public medical schools. As it stands, the only option for a student looking to pursue a doctorate in medicine within the state of Idaho is to do so through either an inter-state exchange program or to enroll within the private Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM). Accredited and passing its first graduating class in 2022, ICOM was founded in part to address Idaho’s aforementioned lack of physicians and has, from its founding, maintained a close relationship with Idaho State.
Constructed on land leased to the college by Idaho State, adjacent to its Meridian campus, ICOM has from its inception worked closely with Idaho State University – so much so that recently some have floated the idea of an acquisition of the college by Idaho State; a move which, if it occured, would create the first publicly funded medical school in the state of Idaho. To get a better idea of the possibility of such an acquisition, The Bengal recently spoke with Idaho State President Robert Wager about the potential acquisition of ICOM by ISU, how it may improve Idaho’s lack of doctors, and what obstacles may stand in the way of such an acquisition.
Considering Idaho’s pressing lack of medical professionals, the state is actively looking for means to address this issue and to encourage Idaho students to pursue their medical degrees and, hopefully, bring that expertise back home. Regarding this condition, and the ways which the state is currently looking to enable medical schooling, President Wager had this to say: “I think the state is considering a number of ways to help support what is a growing need within the health science field… where there are shortages, especially in the more rural communities in this state… The state of Idaho is considering a number of ways to meet those needs… A stronger and greater relationship between Idaho State University and ICOM is one potential way that we could address some of those specific needs within the state.” A merger between ISU and ICOM presents a possible opportunity to alleviate the medical deficit that Idaho currently suffers from.
The potential obstacles posed to such a significant acquisition are numerous. Regarding such difficulties, President Wanger described what he foresees as being the main hurdles that the acquisition would have to overcome. “Well, such an acquisition like that would be challenging logistically… First of all, how would we fund something like that? I’ve been very clear – that’s not something that Idaho State University can fund. We would need the support of the state legislature, as well as perhaps other philanthropic entities. So, certainly, looking at a funding formula for…how a purchase could take place would be critical.”
Beyond the issue of funding, another challenge could stem from merging ICOM into ISU without harming current programming. Wagner stated, “…How do we bring ICOM into the greater Idaho State institution, but also make sure that ICOM maintains its focus, maintains its character, and maintains the great work that it’s doing? …We would take a lot of time to really look and see what that new relationship looks like and what that means for ICOM. That’s something that we would take a lot of time and effort to discuss… Nothing would be done quickly. We do not want to harm the incredible work that ICOM has done… If there were a purchase in the future, my first job would be to make sure that we don’t disrupt that trajectory.”
Lastly, on what he personally felt about such a deal, President Wagner provided his perspective on the likelihood of a purchase: “I just want to say how much of a pleasure it’s been in my first year to get to know the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Its administrators, its president, its deans, all of its leadership… the stellar students and the faculty they have… ICOM is a true gem for this state. They’re doing incredible work… I’ve really grown to appreciate it and see the important role that it’s playing now, and potentially the even greater role that it can play in serving the needs of the state of Idaho. So, is this something that I’m interested in? Certainly.”
As it stands, the interest for an ISU acquisition of the ICOM medical school is certainly there; it’s now a matter of deciding if such a purchase is truly the best choice for the institutions and for the state of Idaho.