BREAKING NEWS: BYU is Adding a Medical School

Earlier this morning, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a brief announcement that it plans to add a medical school to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, the penultimate educational institution of the global Christian church.

Few other details are available at this time.

In a move I suspect few in Utah, let alone around the globe, expected would ever happen, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced this morning that it would create a medical school at Provo, Utah-based Brigham Young University, the flagship educational institution of the church.

The three-paragraph statement from the LDS Church is as follows:

"Brigham Young University is committed to academic excellence in targeted graduate disciplines, traditionally focused on business and law. The First Presidency is pleased to announce the decision now to create a medical school at BYU. A major focus will be on international health issues affecting members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Church’s worldwide humanitarian efforts.

"Plans for this medical school are underway, and specific target dates will be announced as they are set. It is envisioned that unlike many medical schools, the BYU medical school will be focused on teaching with research in areas of strategic importance to the Church. In time the school will draw students from within and outside the United States.

"The BYU medical school will not create its own hospital or hospital system. BYU and Intermountain Health are discussing a mutually beneficial clinical relationship. Also, it is anticipated that the medical school will seek collaborative relationships with various entities in Utah, including the University of Utah."

Obviously, there is so much to unpack here it's challenging to know where to begin, especially since the Church has only officially disclosed the statement noted above.

In addition, it's fascinating to consider the creation of a BYU Medical School given the fact that BYU has been steadfastly committed to being a "teaching institution" and not a "research institution."

And this concept is supported, I believe, in the point that the statement says

• "... the BYU medical school will be focused on teaching ..." and
• the "... BYU medical school will not create its own hospital or hospital system ...."

Bottom line, fascinating news out of Salt Lake City and Provo this morning.

More info about this forthcoming med school will be shared as it becomes available.

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