EKU’s Budget Request for the Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine Advances Unanimously Through CPE Review

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) cleared initial budgetary review from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) for its proposed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. EKU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (EKU-COM) is one step closer in the approval process as the university continues its plans to address Kentucky’s severe doctor shortage. The funding proposal now moves to the General Assembly for consideration.

“We’ve worked for three years on a bold proposal for the state’s first public osteopathic medical program. CPE’s recommendation marks a major step forward for EKU-COM,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We’re excited to continue this journey of establishing a D.O. degree that will support our students and transform the healthcare landscape of our state.”  

“Today, CPE unanimously voted to advance EKU’s funding request for a proposed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program in accordance with Senate Bill 77,” said CPE President Aaron Thompson. “EKU has a proven track record of producing highly qualified health care practitioners and is poised to fill the large need in Kentucky for medical professionals.” 

According to data from the American Academy of Family Physicians, more than 2 million Kentuckians live in medically underserved areas. Furthermore, 48 Kentucky counties have no pediatrician, according to the American Board of Pediatrics.

EKU aims to address health care shortages with its proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, including recruiting, educating and retaining physicians in rural and underserved areas of Kentucky. The Kentucky Physician Report from the Center for Excellence in Rural Health notes that 40% of Kentuckians live in rural areas, but only 17% of Kentucky’s primary care physicians practice in rural areas.

“We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support from legislative leaders from across Kentucky, especially Speaker Pro Tem David Meade. His steadfast commitment to bringing this D.O. proposal to fruition will ensure a healthier future for Kentuckians,” said McFaddin.

“There is nothing more critically important to the citizens of the Commonwealth than access to quality medical care close to home,” said Meade. “EKU educates more Kentuckians who stay and work in Kentucky than any other state institution. An EKU D.O. school will not only educate future medical professionals, but it will also increase the number of medical students who stay and practice in Kentucky.”

“EKU appreciates the leadership of Senate President Robert Stivers for his sponsorship of SJR 116, which would direct Eastern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville to identify affordable solutions to the physician shortages and explore and expand health care opportunities in medically underserved areas,” said McFaddin.

According to workforce data, 72.4% of EKU health graduates are employed in Kentucky three years after graduation, reinforcing the university’s role in strengthening the state’s health care workforce. 

Hannah Gaddis, an EKU pre-med student, wants to become a doctor and practice in or near her hometown of London, Kentucky.

“The region would be gaining a huge asset if a D.O. program opened at EKU,” said Gaddis. “It would give students like me the opportunity to continue their high-quality education in an environment close to home. More D.O.s would mean that the people of Eastern Kentucky can acquire health care and that means everything.”

The next steps for EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine include budgetary approval, program approval from CPE and SACSCOC, and accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).