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University of Idaho discusses WWAMI/MD training and possible University of Utah partnership
Summary
University of Idaho officials told JFAC they continue to operate the WWAMI partnership to train physicians in Idaho and are discussing a possible partnership with the University of Utah to expand capacity and strengthen rural health training; any change would require State Board approval and potentially legislation.
University of Idaho leaders told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 27 that the state’s only MD pathway (WWAMI) remains active but the university is exploring partnerships to expand capacity and rural healthcare training.
Jeff Siegmiller, the university’s WWAMI dean present at the hearing, and President C. Scott Green said WWAMI has produced roughly 400 practicing physicians in Idaho and cited a continuing statewide need for more medical providers. “Ensuring an education and training of MDs in Idaho by the University of Idaho remains critical,” Green said, noting Idaho ranks low in physicians per capita.
Why it matters: Physician training affects rural access to care and long‑term workforce availability; any change to WWAMI’s administration or partner institutions would involve the State Board of Education and possibly legislative review.
Green said the university has discussed a potential partnership with the University of Utah School of Medicine as a mutually beneficial arrangement that could expand rural health capacity while acknowledging the State Board must approve any transfer or contract changes. “Should the State Board of Education approve the transaction…this contract’s always been managed by the State Board,” Green said.
Committee members asked about alternatives and cultural fit; Green said the university considered other partners and judged University of Utah the closest cultural fit, noting political and accreditation considerations. He emphasized that incoming classes will continue through WWAMI while any changes are pursued through formal approvals.
Ending: University officials said any partnership would follow established State Board processes and that WWAMI classes will continue under current arrangements for the foreseeable future. No vote or formal decision occurred at the hearing.
