It’s happened! After about a year of discussion and negotiations, the University of Washington Medical School and Gonzaga University were able sign a partnership agreement on February 24th! The partnership will bring great synergy to our two institutions and help the University of Washington expand its medical school in Spokane. The day was planned with a media event for the announcement, in which Gonzaga University’s President, Dr. Thayne McCulloh, was the first speaker. President Ana Mari Cauce, City of Spokane Mayor David Condon, Dr. Suzanne Allen, Dean of the WWAMI Program, Scott Morris, Chair of GU’s Board of Trustees, and Todd Mielke, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated all spoke of the importance of growing the health industry in Spokane and what this collaboration will do to assist in that goal.
This coming fall, we will be seeing 60 new first year medical students. They will join the 40 first year students (that will be second year students soon.) There will be work to build a community advisory group, and continued communication with the legislature and Spokane supporters. This has taken many months to put together and it is all worth it!