The Cedar City Office of Economic Development wants to establish a school of osteopathic medicine in that community.

It says it is beginning the groundwork to open the school in what it describes as a joint effort of community leaders, business leaders, educators, health professionals and interested residents and students.

The economic development office says it is consulting with Colorado-based Rocky Vista Universitys College of Osteopathic Medicine to help it establish a school. Rocky Vistas first class of physicians graduated in May 2012.

In the United States, there are two types of licensed physicians that practice medicine. Most physicians hold the M.D. or Doctor of Medicine degree. Osteopathic physicians hold the D.O. or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. The medical training for an M.D. and D.O. is virtually indistinguishable. D.O. physicians are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states, with a large percentage going into primary care.

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Cedar City pushing to establish osteopathic medical school