Brigham Young University has announced that its West Campus — formerly Provo High School — has been approved as the future site of the BYU School of Medicine.
According to the university press release, the BYU Board of Trustees approved the West Campus location, located just under a mile from Intermountain Health's Utah Valley Hospital. The proximity will offer medical students valuable clinical training opportunities. Students will also collaborate with the University of Utah and other health care organizations to broaden their experience.
“Our relationship with Intermountain Health, the University of Utah and several other healthcare systems in the region will allow our students to see multiple excellent ways to deliver health care,” said Dr. Mark J. Ott, inaugural dean of the BYU School of Medicine.
The medical school has received broad interest and support since it was announced. BYU President C. Shane Reese noted the excitement the school has generated.
“Since its announcement, the BYU School of Medicine has received tremendous interest,” Reese said. “We appreciate the enthusiasm and support for the BYU School of Medicine from people and organizations across the world.”
The school will offer a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD). Reese said the development team is working on new ways to make the program shorter and more affordable for students.
The West Campus Central Building is currently home to the College of Fine Arts and Communications. According to the university, construction planning for the medical school is underway, but renovations will not begin until the college relocates to the new BYU Arts Building, which is still under construction. Until then, students and faculty will remain in the current space without disruption.
At the same time, the university is progressing through the medical school accreditation process. Approximately 150 individuals with expertise in medical education are contributing to the effort.
“This type of accreditation is long and challenging, but we are making excellent progress,” Ott said.
The accreditation process typically takes 18 months to 2 years to complete. Ott noted that while the university is working toward opening the school as soon as possible, the timeline could extend several years, accounting for the building and planning of the new school.
Despite the lengthy process, excitement around the project remains high.
“The BYU School of Medicine will offer exceptional medical training in the setting of a BYU spiritual environment that is meant to prepare our graduates to serve the daughters and sons of our loving Heavenly Father,” Ott said.
BYU biology major Mark Sedgwick, who plans to apply to the medical school, said the announcement felt natural.
"It just makes sense that a school whose motto is 'Go forth to serve' would endeavor to teach medicine," he said. "BYU also has a lot of premed students, so it makes sense in that regard as well."
Sedgwick added that the location came as no surprise.
"I think most people suspected it would be built at West Campus," he said. "It's a great location, and its proximity to Intermountain Health will be very nice."
The announcement marks a major step in expanding BYU’s role in preparing students to lead in health care and service.