BYU to build School of Medicine at site of former Provo High School
The former high school and its 25 acres of property were . Since then, the campus has been used by the College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC), but it will now be home to a new building for the School of Medicine.
BYU said the planning and construction of the BYU School of Medicine will not interfere with CFAC students or operations. CFAC students, faculty and staff will stay in the former high school until the new BYU Arts Building can be completed.
Dr. Mark J. Ott, who was named as the inaugural dean of the medical school in October 2024, said there were 'many deeply committed people' moving this work forward.
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The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced at the Provo-based college in July 2024. The new medical school will include training and research to 'address international health issues and support the Church of Jesus Christ's worldwide humanitarian efforts,' according to BYU.
While there are no plans for BYU to create its own hospital or hospital system, the new School of Medicine will reportedly work closely with Intermountain Health at its Utah Valley hospital, as well as the University of Utah.
'Since its announcement, the BYU School of Medicine has received tremendous interest,' said BYU President C. Shane Reese. 'We appreciate the enthusiasm and support for the BYU School of Medicine from people and organizations across the world.'
Once completed, BYU's School of Medicine will offer a Doctor of Medicine degree. School officials said in September 2024 that Dr. Ott and the school were exploring 'innovative approaches' to reduce graduation times and costs for students.
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BYU to build School of Medicine at site of former Provo High School
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