Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences to Develop Additional Medical School Campus in Joplin
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences’ (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine, the largest medical school in Missouri and 10thlargest medical school in the country, received approval from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to develop an additional medical school campus in Joplin, Mo. KCU plans to matriculate an additional 150 students per year in the doctor of osteopathic medicine program at the new campus site.
“The expansion of KCU to an additional location marks a significant moment for our University, and an opportunity to help address the rural health care needs for Missouri and the region,” said Marc B. Hahn, D.O., president and chief executive officer, KCU. “As the second leading educator of physicians for Missouri andKansas, and with nearly 40% of our graduates practicing medicine in rural areas, this was a logical decision for us.”
Since its founding in 1916, KCU has been committed to excellence in the education of highly qualified physicians, scientists, bioethicists and health professionals. Today, there are over 7,150 graduates of the University practicing medicine in all 50 states and around the globe.
The KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine Joplin campus will be the first new medical school location to open in Missouri in 44 years.
“This important investment by KCU will further strengthen Joplin’s two major hospitals and bolster the city’s position as a hub for health services and innovation for the four-state region,” Gov. Nixon said. “I applaud KCU for making this forward-looking investment and congratulate the City of Joplin on achieving another significant milestone that will improve the region’s health and economy for years to come.”
