KMA supports EKU’s plan for a new osteopathic medical school and a statewide strategy to expand rural residency training in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) has expressed its support for Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine and the university’s strategy to expand graduate medical education in rural Kentucky.
“EKU has long trained the professionals who keep Kentucky communities running,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine is a natural extension of that mission, and we are grateful to have the state’s physicians alongside our efforts to bring Kentucky’s first public osteopathic medical program to EKU.”
Kentucky, like much of the nation, faces a physician shortage that is most severe in its rural counties. Of Kentucky’s 120 counties, 107 are federally designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine seeks to prepare physicians who will practice in the Commonwealth, particularly in rural and underserved communities. EKU’s plan also extends to the residency positions that graduates will need after they earn their degrees.
During a recent meeting to brief KMA representatives on the status of the proposed medical school and EKU’s plans for graduate medical education, KMA President Dr. Christine Ko and KMA Executive Vice President Cory Meadows voiced the organization’s support of EKU’s efforts.
KMA President Dr. Christine Ko said, “Kentucky physicians see firsthand the challenges that workforce shortages create for patients and communities. EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine and its commitment to expanding rural residency training offer a promising opportunity to address these challenges and improve access to quality care for Kentuckians. KMA is proud to support this important initiative.”
Dr. Brad Hall, EKU’s chief medical and strategic partnerships officer said, “Including KMA early on helps us build a foundation for long-term success. Not only will our graduates be future KMA members and colleagues, we also look forward to partnering with many KMA members as clinical preceptors and attending physicians.”
The proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine will be located on EKU’s campus in Richmond and is being developed with a $50 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly. The university will be pursuing accreditation through the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and plans to enroll its first class in Fall of 2031.
Cory Meadows, KMA Executive Vice President, said, “KMA is particularly encouraged by EKU’s commitment to expanding medical education and developing residency opportunities in rural and underserved communities. This approach is essential to strengthening Kentucky’s physician workforce and keeping more physicians in the Commonwealth. We look forward to supporting EKU by facilitating relationships with practicing physicians that will support the college as it develops.”
Research consistently shows that physicians tend to practice near where they complete residency training. EKU is working with hospitals, health systems, physician groups and federally qualified health centers across the state to develop a strategy for new residency programs in rural Kentucky. The strategy is designed to keep more Kentucky-trained physicians in Kentucky by giving them the opportunity to complete their training in the communities that need them most.
“Combining our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine with new residency programs will help reduce physician shortages in rural Kentucky communities,” Hall said. “Establishing new residency programs is how we ensure osteopathic medical students become new physicians for rural Kentucky, and KMA’s support strengthens that work.”
EKU will continue to engage KMA and its members, along with hospital, health system, physician group and federally qualified health center partners, as the college moves through accreditation planning, facility development and the recruitment of a founding dean and faculty.
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