Idaho has no medical school. It currently supports medical education for about 80 students at the University of Washington and University of Utah medical schools. Expanding that program to 240 students could require about $6 million in start up costs. Annual appropriation and tuition costs could increase from as low as $53,000 per student to at least $65,000.
Starting an Idaho medical school - whether run by one university or several - could increase enrollment to as high as 400. Estimated start-up cost: $95 million. Annual appropriation and tuition costs per student: $65,000 to $85,000.
Residency programs: Idaho has about 50 doctors enrolled in residency programs across the state. Expanding that number to 400 could mean about $10 million in start-up costs and an increase from $1.5 million to about $12 million a year in appropriations.
Expanding Idaho's medical residency programs could have the "greatest impact" on increasing the number of doctors in a state that sorely needs more physicians.
That's one of several findings in a study paid for by the Legislature on improving medical education in Idaho.
The study, conducted by MGT of America Inc. at a cost of $300,000, does not recommend how Idaho should confront the growing doctor shortage and an increasing interest in launching a medical school.
But the report explores various options for addressing Idaho's medical education needs.
The report says a medical school with facilities across the state could require up to $95 million in start-up, operational and capital expenses and could boost the number of Idaho doctors in training from about 80 to 400. The state also would be able to set its own admission and curriculum standards.
But a new med school would likely not be fully operational for about 15 years.
Expanding residency programs, in which medical school graduates work in a clinical setting for up to three years, could raise the number of openings from about 50 to 400 with a start-up investment of up to $10 million.
The state also could expand its existing program of sending Idaho students to out-of-state medical schools for about $6 million in start-up costs.
Expanding residency programs is "by far the best bang for our buck as far as how we get and keep doctors in this state," said Bob Seehusen, Idaho Medical Association CEO.
Idaho could need about 100 new medical students each year to help meet the demand in a state that in 2006 ranked 49th among states for the number of physicians per capita, the report said.
In 2005, Idaho was last among eight Mountain states in the ratio of physicians per 100,000 people. Idaho had 198 doctors, while Colorado led the pack with 296.
The state also could need 100 new residency slots each year to provide training for medical school graduates. If those slots aren't available, those students could move out of state and not return.
The study was meant to assess the state's medical education needs and not decide whether Idaho needs to launch its own medical school, said Mike Rush, State Board interim executive director.
Officials at Idaho State University, which has long expressed an interest in expanding medical education, could not be reached for comment.
Gov. Butch Otter has asked health care officials to consider the possibility of Idaho opening a medical school.
While the study doesn't make a priority list, Dr. Ted Epperly, chair and program director of the Family Medicine Residency of Idaho, said residency programs should take first priority.
Residency programs bring medical graduates from other states and run them through programs in Idaho. Many of them establish roots and stay after their residency is completed.
"It is the best way to expand the physician work force," Epperly said, and should include medical specialties beyond his own, family medicine.
The report will go to the State Board of Education during its meeting in Pocatello on Dec. 6. No decisions on the medical program are expected at that time.
Bill Roberts: 377-6408
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