Unfortunately, it appears that news of the expansion of the UNMC College of Medicine to Greater Nebraska, through the creation of a regional campus based in Kearney next year, is not as well known in some parts of the state and among our alumni as we would like. Of particular concern is whether news of this exciting development is getting out to prospective students, since the admission cycle for the inaugural class of students matriculating in August 2026 starts shortly.
For those who may have missed it, for the next four years we will welcome an additional 15-20 students a year to our medical school at the new regional campus to reach an eventual 60-80 students over the four classes. They will have the same curriculum as students in Omaha, with some extra emphasis on skills needed for practice in rural areas.
Phase 1 of the curriculum will run through the spring of their second year of medical school and be based in the beautiful new building that is being completed on the west side of the Kearney campus, adjacent to the other UNMC building that opened there in 2015. Clinical training will take place predominantly at sites across central and western Nebraska, with students also having the opportunity to do clinical rotations in metro Omaha if they wish. A special longitudinal experience to develop leadership skills for use in rural practice and communities is also envisioned for this group of students.
This is a great opportunity for students, particularly from central and western Nebraska, who are looking to attend medical school closer to home and in a smaller, more intimate setting than our Omaha campus. As you are talking to colleagues throughout the state, make sure they are aware of what is happening in Kearney and do what you can to encourage prospective students to look into the program. See the webpage.
On a slightly different note, next week is Match Week. Taking place this year at a new venue, the Omaha Design Center, we all look forward to the excitement of hearing where the class of 2025 will be going as they transition to residency training after the 10:45 a.m. Match Day ceremony on Friday, March 21. It will be a great event as always. Look for the Zoom link in this issue of InterCOM, and share in the excitement of the day.