JONESBORO, Ark. - Arkansas State University is exploring public-private partnerships to establish an osteopathic medical school that would help expand primary health care availability throughout the mid-South, Chancellor Tim Hudson announced today.

ASU System President Charles Welch authorized Hudson to work with local leaders and representatives of existing osteopathic medical schools on a feasibility study for the project.

"Arkansas State has a long tradition of creating programs that meet state needs," Hudson said. "An osteopathic medical school could be transformative for our state and our region."

Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) are fully trained physicians who complete four years of medical school and are licensed by state medical boards to prescribe medication, perform surgery and practice in all recognized medical specialties. Many osteopathic physicians incorporate manipulative treatment, which involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.

D.O.s are one of the fastest growing segments of health care professionals in the United States, according to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and the number of active osteopathic physicians is expected to grow from 70,000 this year to more than 100,000 by 2020. According to the State Medical Board, Arkansas has 450 active D.O. license holders, including 265 who currently practice in Arkansas.

There are 29 accredited osteopathic medical colleges (COMs) at 37 locations throughout the United States, but the nearest D.O. schools to Jonesboro are nearly 400 miles away in Tulsa, Okla., and Hattiesburg, Miss. The majority of D.O. schools are privately owned, and demand for enrollment is at an all-time high.

ASU's due diligence process includes considering partnerships with existing private D.O. schools, Hudson said, a model that has proven successful in several states such as Alabama, Arizona, Oregon and South Carolina. ASU officials have already made site visits as part of the preliminary research, he added.

"With this concept, we would not seek state funding," Hudson said. "The school would generate revenue through tuition, research, and external support."

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin is among community leaders who have been involved in the initial discussions to evaluate financial models for the school.

"The city has been an important partner with Arkansas State in our mutual growth through the years, and this appears to be another opportunity to work together and further strengthen our community and region," Perrin said.

Originally posted here:

ASU explores osteopathic medical school in Jonesboro