Class Size Initiative
New Information on the Physician Shortage & the Introduction of Senate Bill 0042
Senate Bill 42 sponsored by Sen. John Valentine proposes a two phase increase in the number of medical student enrollments from the current number of 82 This bill authorizes the University of Utah School of Medicine to increase the number of students admitted by 40 students for a total of 122 students annually; and restricts the 40 additional admissions to students who demonstrate a strong connection to Utah. The Alumni Association for the School of Medicine encourages the School of Medicine Alumni to contact your legislator in support of this bill.
Learn more about Senate Bill 42
Review the Physician Shortage Fact Sheet
University of Utah Physicians and Medical Students Serving the State
Recent News Coverage -
The Physician Shortage in Utah
Nationally, Utah ranks 46th in the number of physicians per population with the projection for physician supply worsening in the future. The country's growing shortage of physicians is a looming public health crisis. Expanding the class size is an important step in limiting the shortage gap and providing access to excellent health care for Utah citizens.
The School of Medicine has a very competitive applicant pool. In 2011, the school received 1,500 applicants for its 82 slots. By restoring and expanding the class, 40 more students will gain admittance to medical school.
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75% of medical students admitted to the U of U School of Medicine are Utah residents
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8 students are from Idaho (funded by the State of Idaho)
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The remaining students must have a strong Utah connection or represent an underserved group.
Download the Physcian Workforce Shortage (PDF)
How You Can Help
Locate Your Legislator easily locate your legislators online by entering your street address and city/zip code
or Contact Your County Clerk's Office/County Clerk's list (PDF)
Previous News and Media Coverage
More U Doctors: Raise enrollment at medical school (Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion 3/28/2012)
Medical School Denied Funding to Increase Class Size (The Daily Utah Chronicle, 3/28/2012)
University of Utah medical class still small while need for providers grows (Salt Lake Tribune, 3/25/2012)
Utah Needs More Doctors - by Sheryl Allen (Salt Lake Tribune, Opinion, 3/23/2012)
U of U's Health Sciences Chief Has High Hopes for Flagships's Future (Salt Lake Tribune 01/02/2012)
Time to Invest in the U's Medical School - by Clark Ivory (Deseret News 12/15/2011)
University of Utah Med School Looks to Expand Enrollment - (Salt Lake Tribune 12/08/2011)
Make a Contribution to Support our Medical Students
Read about Dr. Lee's appeal to support our medical students and to assist with their extensive debtload
Educating Tomorrow's Physicians - Letter from the Dean, 2012
I would like to thank you for your efforts this past legislative session to promote the restoration and expansion of the medical school class size. Unfortunately state budget constraints prevented this important university priority from being funded this year. However, we had an excellent response from many legislators regarding this request and it is clear that because of your outreach, restoring and expanding the class size is an issue that many will be discussing throughout the coming year.
As a part of our efforts to promote this important priority, The U was fortunate to host a tour and luncheon for the spouses of legislators, which featured The School of Medicine. The attendees were very impressed with our students, who were responsible for guiding them through tours of Nursing Simulation Center and the Health Sciences Education Building. This personal and individualized interaction was responsible for dispelling many myths about the school, while simultaneously showcasing our exceptional students.
While it is a disappointing that we did not receive funding to restore and grow the medical school’s class size this year; we did have excellent personal contact with members of the legislature. As a result, we have found new legislative champions and dedicated advocates that will help us prepare for the next session. Thank you again for your support and enthusiasm.
Most sincerely,
Vivian S. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A.
Senior Vice President for Health Sciences
Dean, School of Medicine, The University of Utah
