Prospective Medical School to come at CMU

By Sheri Krotzer
Edited by John Kennett, Justin Marr and Ben Evers

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees decided by unanimous vote to continue looking into building a medical school at CMU.

The main facilitator of the project is CMU's key consultant and medical education leader, Michael Whitcomb, M.D.

With the help of Dr. Whitcomb, President Michael Rao will take the next steps in the planning process for the new school by bringing together some of CMU’s basic scientists, health scientists, ethicists and other faculty members who can assist in development.

"This phase of the planning process involves bringing together a group of my faculty colleagues to advise me in the development of a vision for the proposed medical school's academic program," Rao said.

Dean of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences Gary Shapiro volunteered to chair the CMU Medical Education Vision Committee. This committee will present a vision of what the medical school will hopefully establish in 20 years.

"Dr. Whitcomb will develop a strategic planning document that will outline in some detail the steps that the university should pursue in order to achieve our vision," said Rao. "We anticipate completion of Dr. Whitcomb's roadmap document by the end of March.

Students are optimistic about the prospective school and hope for future enrollment possibilities.

"The medical school is a good idea. I think it will attract more people to CMU," said Grayling freshman Nick Parkinson. "Once the school becomes established it will have a chance with the competition. Though it depends on the facility, the faculty, and the quality of the students it turns out."

Once Dr. Whitcomb completes the roadmap document it will be easier for the committee to make further decisions and continue in the planning process nearing the end of March.