Idaho’s first medical broke ground last week after having successfully completed the rigorous process of achieving pre-accreditation earlier this month. The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) was awarded pre-accreditation by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic Accreditation, marking an important milestone for Idaho’s first medical school.
Pre-accreditation is a critical step in the full accreditation process, which includes the submission of a feasibility study, an onsite inspection, a public comment period and multiple in-person testimonials to the accreditation committee. ICOM was also required to deposit more than $37 million in escrow and operating reserves. Successfully achieving pre-accreditation is the school’s most recent step towards opening its doors in August of 2018.
“This is a monumental day for Idaho’s first medical school. ICOM will be a game changer and make an incredible impact on the health of the region for generations to come. Idahoans will be proud of their first medical school,” said Dr. Robert Hasty, ICOM founding dean and chief academic officer.
Idaho’s first medical school is a significant economic win for the state of Idaho. ICOM plans to invest approximately $105 million in capital to build the 80,000-square-foot, $32 million building to house Idaho’s first-ever medical school and is expected to employ 70-90 employees within the first year of operation with average wages well above average Ada County wages.
ICOM first announced plans to build and operate Idaho’s first medical school in early 2016 after evaluating the capacity, the need for physicians in Idaho and surrounding area and the economic benefit. ICOM was a recipient of the state’s tax reimbursement incentive (TRI) and will receive approximately $4 million over the next ten years.
“Idaho Commerce and Director Ronk were a major reason why ICOM was able to come to the state. In addition to helping us learn and navigate the needs of Idaho, Idaho Commerce was instrumental in the state awarding a tax reimbursement incentive,” said Dr. Robert Hasty. “These funds will go to the ICOM scholarships managed by ISU’s foundation and will go exclusively to Idahoans and foster opportunities for folks in the state to ensure a better Idaho in the future.”
To date, ICOM has secured 22 affiliations with healthcare organizations throughout the region, several of which are currently involved in residency programs, are planning on developing residency programs, or are interested in developing residency programs. ICOM plans to train osteopathic physicians prepared for caring for persons in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and beyond.
For more information about the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit idahocom.org