Evansville, Ind. — Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville and other institutional partners will host a public briefing Tuesday, Feb. 12, to release the first of a two-phase analysis of expanding medical education and health science programs in the region. The study was developed out of a regional effort to improve health care, increase the number of physicians practicing in the area and spur economic development.

IU School of Medicine-Evansville and partner organizations — Deaconess Health System, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper and Owensboro Medical Health System — worked with Pittsburgh-based Tripp Umbach, a national leader in conducting feasibility studies for leading academic health systems and medical centers. Additional participants, who served on a project steering committee, include the University of Southern Indiana, the University of Evansville, Ivy Tech Community College Southwest, the Evansville Regional Business Committee and regional government, business and economic development officials.

The initial study provides information regarding key partners in expanding health science education programs in the region (collaborative model); graduate medical education expansion (residencies) in partnership with regional hospitals and clinical sites; site options and recommended facilities; and estimates of the economic impact of the proposed project.

To get a complete understanding of the programs and participants of the expansion, the second phase of the analysis, expected to be completed by July, will provide further recommendations, planning and financial analysis.

Tripp Umbach consultants will be at the briefing to explain their methods and findings as well as to answer questions. The briefing will begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Evansville Chamber of Commerce-Innovation Pointe, 318 Main St., Evansville. The public is encouraged to attend.

Source: Indiana University