Concordia University Wisconsin today announced an important new partnership with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine with the goal of bringing medical school education to its Mequon campus.
Through this agreement, ICOM and CUW will work together to create streamlined pathways for students pursuing careers in medicine, including eventual plans to establish an ICOM instructional site on the CUW campus. The partnership includes an articulation agreement that facilitates qualified Concordia students’ admission into ICOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. The articulation agreement is effective immediately, and plans to establish an ICOM-CUW satellite campus in Mequon are contingent upon the approval by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.
“This partnership builds directly on Concordia’s strong tradition in the health sciences,” said Dr. Erik Ankerberg, president of Concordia. “We are expanding what’s possible for our students—creating a clearer, more connected path from undergraduate study into medical school while strengthening our Christ-centered role as a leader in preparing healthcare professionals. This is a natural next step for Concordia and a significant benefit for the students and communities we serve.”
In addition to creating new medical school pathways, the partnership establishes opportunities for dual faculty appointments, shared research, interprofessional education and other collaboratives that will enhance the teaching, learning, and scholarly experiences for students and faculty at both institutions.
Importantly, the partnership will also create new and expanded opportunities for ICOM students to complete clinical rotations in the Midwest, broadening their exposure to diverse patient populations and large healthcare systems. At the same time, the collaboration is expected to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline—particularly in primary care—by helping bring more physicians to underserved communities across Wisconsin and the region.
“This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in our shared commitment to educating the next generation of physicians,” said Dr. Tracy J. Farnsworth, president of ICOM. “By working together, we are not only expanding opportunities for aspiring medical students but also helping to address critical physician workforce needs in our communities.”
ICOM, Idaho’s first osteopathic medical school, has a mission centered on training future physicians with a focus on service to communities with limited access to healthcare. CUW offers a range of health professions programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers in healthcare and related fields. Together, ICOM and CUW aim to build a stronger, more sustainable healthcare workforce while creating meaningful educational opportunities for students across the region.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.