Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is committed to serving communities across the Commonwealth, with a special focus on the state’s rural communities. As Kentucky faces healthcare shortages, EKU continues to address workforce needs through expanded educational opportunities, ensuring graduates are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow. According to the AAFP Family Medicine State Fact Sheet in Kentucky, more than 2 million of the state’s residents live in a medically underserved area. EKU is a vital part of the solution.
EKU’s plans for a Center for Health Innovation, which would include its proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, aims to provide a clear path to addressing the Commonwealth’s healthcare needs.
“This is a generational project that will improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “The Center for Health Innovation will bring 3,000 students in health-related majors into a space where they can learn in an environment similar to what they will experience in the healthcare field. This ensures our graduates are ready to meet the healthcare needs of Kentuckians on day one of their careers”
The Center will be designed for collaborative education, where students learn how to deliver care in real-world scenarios alongside other healthcare teams.
“EKU envisions the Center for Health Innovation as a state-of-the-art facility for modern medical education, featuring learning spaces and clinical simulation labs,” said Dr. Brad Hall, EKU’s chief medical and strategic partnerships officer.
Programs in the space will include osteopathic medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, medical laboratory science, public health, psychology, counseling, biomedical sciences and emergency medical care.
“By integrating these programs, the Center for Health Innovation will provide expanded medical research opportunities and foster an interdisciplinary learning environment that prepares students for the complexities of modern medicine,” said Hall.
To make these educational opportunities possible, EKU will be working directly with industry partners to design clinical lab spaces and expose students to a variety of professional healthcare settings before they graduate.
EKU is seeking funding for the Center for Health Innovation, as well as escrow funds for the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, during the 2026 legislative session. The escrow funds, which are a mandatory requirement set by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), will allow the school to move forward to the next step of accreditation.
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