A study into existing and predicted physician shortages in Spokane and eastern Washington by a joint task force spearheaded by the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM), Washington State University (WSU) and Greater Spokane Inc. concluded that austerity measures be effected to curb this mishap (Tripp Umbach, 2011). Thanks to this task force, The Academic Health Science Center at Riverpoint is in the process of implementing a Medical School expansion project. In order to achieve the objectives, Tripp Umbach Consulting (2011) recommended that the following steps be included in the implementation plan.
Business Plan Action Steps
- In the period 2011-2014, a formulated plan articulating WSU and UWSOM’s joint goals be implemented that will serve as the foundation for a 2013 implementation of a second year medical program to be followed by an increase in the number of students to a minimum of 80 and eventually 120 in 8 years.
Specifically, this step should involve the following:
- Develop a comprehensive support plan that will see all willing stakeholders offer support in both quality and cost perspectives in the health sciences (Tripp Umbach, 2011).
- A final document for the strategy should include all relevant information from above.
- Build on the necessary business models as provided by Tripp Umbach (2011).
- Develop strategies for engaging public support like community fundraising and government input.
- Continue with both short and long-term planning for capacity to accommodate program expansion, specifically for up-coming third and fourth year students (Academic Health Science Center, 2011).
References
Academic Health Science Center. (2011). The Academic Health Science Center @ Riverpoint: A
Healthy Return. Campus Development Timeline. Retrieved 5 December from: http://www.morethanamedicalschool.com/core/files/morethanamedicalschool/uploads/files/SuccessSupportTimeline_Nov2011.pdf
Tripp Umbach. (2011). America’s Next Great Academic Health Science Center. Retrieved on 5
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