Bill would add 40 slots at U. medical school

The University of Utah Medical School is on course to add 20 new slots for students in the coming year and 20 more the following year under a bill moving through the Legislature.

The new positions will cost $6.5 million in the first year and a total of $10 million in the second phase, bringing the total number of medical students in the program to 122.

"Access to this sort of knowledge is a precious commodity. Its an expensive commodity, Ill grant you that, but its precious," said Rep. Michael Kennedy, R-Alpine, who is a doctor. "More important than that is the ability to take this knowledge and use it for the benefit of our citizens."

The bill passed the House 70-4. The Senate still has to agree to an amendment added to the House staggering the 40 new slots before the bill goes to the governor.

Robert Gehrke

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Bill would add 40 slots at U. medical school