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WSU Health Sciences Spokane Extra

Washington State House Higher Education Committee Hears Medical School Bill

Elson Floyd

Elson Floyd

The Washington State House Higher Education Committee held a hearing today to learn about House Bill 1559, which would – among other things – allow WSU to operate a medical school. WSU President Elson Floyd was among those testifying in support of the bill.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), calls for a policy change and has no funding attached to it. A companion bill in the Senate – introduced by Sen. Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane), mirrors the House bill.

In addition to this policy change, WSU is seeking $2.5 million in startup operating funds to begin the process of accreditation for a medical school in Spokane.

Fast forward to the 1:05:35 mark in this video to watch the hearing.

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Medical School Bill Gets a Hearing

WSU medical school

WSU medical school

House Bill 1559 would change a 1917 law and allow WSU to offer a medical school in Spokane. There is a companion bill in the Senate.

The House bill, which has 65 co-sponsors so far, is set to get a hearing Tuesday morning bright and early at 8:00 a.m. in the House Higher Education Committee. You can watch it online at TVW.org.

For a refresher on how these bills become a law, allow Schoolhouse Rock to explain (this video focuses on the federal government, but the process at the state level still applies):

The hearing is a chance for committee members to get any questions answered before acting on the bill. These bills are just one step in our pursuit of a medical school in Spokane. The 1917 law needs to be changed, and we are also asking the legislature to provide $2.5 million in startup funds for the next two years. With that funding, we will be able to hire a Founding Dean, begin to recruit faculty and develop curriculum.

So why is this important?

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WSU Medical School Gaining Big Support in Olympia

Washington State Capitol

Washington State Capitol

Washington State University’s pursuit of a medical school took a big step forward today when two bills – one in the Senate and one in the House – were introduced today and would allow WSU to operate a public medical school. A law that dates back to 1917 currently mandates that only the University of Washington can operate a public medical school in Washington.

Senator Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) introduced the bill in the Senate, while Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) introduced the bill in the House.

WSU President Elson Floyd weighed in today in his President’s Perspectives column.

KXLY has a cool photo of the two dropping their bills in the Hopper, along with a story on the two bills. The Spokesman-Review has coverage as well.

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WSU Spokane Celebrates Staff Accomplishments

WSU Spokane

WSU Spokane

WSU Spokane held its Spring Semester Kickoff event this morning and recognized the past year’s accomplishments and longtime staff members.

The big awards went to Kim Noe and Brady Ratsch, who were recognized for their good work.

Noe, the Administrative Manager for the College of Medical Sciences, received the Administrative Professional Staff Excellence Award. Ratsch received the Civil Service Staff Excellence Award. Both Noe and Ratsch were joined by their families to celebrate.

A number of staff members were recognized for their years of service to WSU Spokane:

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Our Commitment to the Spokane Community

WSU Spokane Aerial

WSU Spokane Aerial

If not for the greater Spokane community, our campus wouldn’t sit along the beautiful Spokane River.

Our campus wouldn’t be able to grow like it has over the past 25 years. Without the Spokane community and the many partnerships it has offered, our pursuit of a medical school here would hit a brick wall.

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Teaming Up With Our Neighbors to Help The Less Fortunate

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University

Our academic programs tout teamwork and an inter-professional approach to health care.

So it’s no wonder we’d want to walk the talk. We have a terrific track record of working with community organizations, and we continue to do so with Gonzaga University, The Center for Justice, Empire Health Foundation and Providence Health Care.

This team – which we are proud to be part of – is working to bring health and legal services to low-income families.

Studies show those in lower income environments are more prone to poor health because they don’t have access to the care they need. They also may lack access to the legal services that may be needed.

Law students and medical residents will use teamwork to pinpoint those that need health and legal services and address them.

Teamwork produces great results. There’s no need for us or Gonzaga to build a wall on our sides of the Spokane River. It’s better for the community for us to build bridges and become a team. This is exactly what we’re doing with this new medical-legal partnership

WSU Spokane Research Gaining Worldwide Attention

Lois James WSU Spokane

Lois James WSU Spokane

Lois James is a Research Assistant Professor in our Sleep and Performance Research Center. The Center and our Criminal Justice program have worked with the Spokane Police Department on a number of studies and trainings.

James conducted research last year that showed racial disparities in police confrontations. Her research showed that participants in the study hesitated longer to shoot when confronted with black suspects compared to white and hispanic suspects.

This research was timely, since the nation is currently in an ongoing debate regarding police shootings in the wake of the deadly shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

As one might expect, this research has received considerable attention from around the world. Here’s a rundown of some of the coverage James’ research has garnered so far:

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Michael Baumgartner and Marcus Riccelli Featured on The WSU Health Sciences Update

State Senator Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) and Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) recently announced their bipartisan support for a WSU medical school in Spokane.

The two legislators are featured on the latest episode of The WSU Health Sciences Update, where they talk about their support.