At our March 27th meeting, we got an update on the College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNC from college Dean Beth Longenecker. She started by discussing the current physician shortage and how the coming UNC program will help to meet the need for new doctors. When the program opens, it will be the only one at a public school in the state of Colorado. With around $200 million in funding, the program will have an estimated economic impact of almost $44 million in Colorado, and over $20 million in Weld County alone.
She then discussed the timeline for the program:
- The program is currently in pre-accreditation status.
- The site of the old UNC “Lab” School has been cleared and construction for the new building has begun.
- The new building is targeted for completion and a Certificate of Occupancy by June of 2026.
- The first class of students for the program is scheduled for Fall 2026.
- Students will complete four years of medical school, plus a residency of 3 to 7 years.
- Final accreditation will be received before the first students graduate.