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Medford Explores Building Regional Medical School to Train and Keep Doctors in Southern Oregon News By Diane Megaw On Jun 17, 2025 Medford Oregon at Night. | Credit: Jim Craven | Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. (SOREDI) on Facebook. MEDFORD, Ore. — The City of Medford considered a market evaluation and feasibility study at their June 11 Study Session. The study is the first phase of establishing whether a regional medical school campus to help train and retain physicians in the Rogue Valley and surrounding areas is feasible. Medford Considering Medical School Campus To Retain Doctors Locally Although still in its early stages, the possibility of a medical school campus in Medford is being explored through a market evaluation and feasibility study commissioned by the City in the fall of 2024. The study by consulting firm Tripp Umbach, funded through Council Community Initiative Funds, was commissioned by the City in the fall of 2024. Key findings in the study, which assessed whether the region’s healthcare needs, infrastructure, and community readiness could support medical education in Medford, identified: A significant shortage of physicians exists across the region and state, especially in rural and underserved communities. Persistent health disparities in Southern Oregon and Northern California. A regional medical school has the potential to expand healthcare access, improve outcomes, and support the development of a locally trained physician workforce. Tripp Umbach interviewed healthcare and community leaders across Southern Oregon, who voiced support for a regional medical school. Meanwhile, stakeholders emphasized the need to align medical education with workforce gaps, expand residency training programs, and strengthen partnerships between the health and education sectors. Four possible models emerged with a regional medical campus partnered with an established medical institution recommended as a potential path forward. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), which does not operate a regional campus currently, was identified as a potential partner. OHSU has expressed interest. The City reconvened to review the findings, discuss next steps, and identify unanswered questions. Jackson County Medford Southern Oregon Share Twitter Facebook ReddIt WhatsApp Pinterest Email