Brigham Young University (BYU) is gearing up to launch a brand-new medical school, according to an announcement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this past Monday. This news has sparked plenty of questions and excitement in the community.
The forthcoming medical school aims to carve its own niche by focusing on health research pertinent to the church’s members, particularly international health challenges and supporting the church’s humanitarian missions globally.
Francisco Kjolseth/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP File
Traditionally, the church has maintained a firm position against abortion while advocating for personal choice regarding birth control. Daniel Sulmasy from Georgetown University noted that BYU’s method for educating students about abortion may mirror that of his own institution, emphasizing theoretical understanding without clinical practice.
Questions linger about whether BYU’s medical school will provide LGBTQ+ healthcare services. While inclusivity is often recommended for accreditations, details on LGBTQ+ care have been sparse. The university attracted controversy last year after it halted gender-affirming treatment in its speech clinic, citing church policy alignment.
Although there’s no timeline announced for the school’s inauguration, it will become Utah’s fourth medical school amidst an ongoing physician shortage in the state, which currently has 21 doctors per 10,000 residents, compared to the national average of 29.9.
Even though enrollment at the University of Utah’s medical program has risen, only 87% of last year’s graduates secured local residencies, a decline attributed to the state’s strict abortion regulations.
Utah allows abortions up to 18 weeks with limited exceptions afterward, posing challenges for medical training. Governor Spencer Cox has voiced his support for BYU’s initiative, highlighting its potential to help address the doctor shortage and improve healthcare quality in Utah and surrounding areas.
There’s also uncertainty over whether public funds will be tapped to support the new medical school, especially since the church’s investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, reported assets worth a staggering $54.7 billion as of March.
Lastly, it’s important to note that the BYU medical school does not plan to create its own hospital or healthcare system.