The dream of students attending a freestanding four-year medical school on the Texas/Mexico border is getting closer to reality. The upcoming year is very important to Texas Tech University officials.
One major goal in 2008 is completion of the accreditation process by the Liason Committee on Medical Education. Everything from funding of the progam, to curriculum certification, to how well the campus is equipped will be scrutinized by the LCME. The committee’s decision is expected in early February. Founding dean of the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Dr. Jose Manuel de la Rosa is very optimistic of the committee’s approval. Once approved, the school can begin the search for students that will make up the first class of the medical school. Up to 300 students could be interviewed, but only 40 will be accepted into the program.
Major steps for the fledgling medical school include…
- 2003 – $45 million approved by state lawmakers to construct 2 buildings that would expand the campus into a freestanding four-year medical school
- 2007 – State funding received to begin hiring faculty
- 2008 – Receive accreditation and begin student interviews
- 2008 – Work on proposals for $70-$90 million in funding to construct a third building
- 2008 – Work on plans to build educational programs to complement the medical school
It is hoped that the pharmacy program can be brought back to the city, as well as introducing nursing programs and doctoral programs in medical science. The goal is truly that of a complete medical institution of learning.
