Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine addresses physician shortage with updated progress report

The Senate Health & Welfare Committee convened on February 12, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding healthcare in Idaho, with a significant focus on the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM). The meeting featured a presentation by ICOM President Tracy Farnsworth, who highlighted the pressing need for more physicians in the state.

Farnsworth opened the discussion by emphasizing Idaho's alarming statistics, noting that the state ranks last in the nation for physicians per capita and is also near the bottom for resident and primary care physicians. He pointed out that Idaho would need approximately 1,400 additional physicians to reach the national average. This shortage is compounded by the fact that about one-third of Idaho's current physicians are over the age of 60, raising concerns about future healthcare access as the population continues to grow.

Farnsworth detailed the establishment of ICOM, which began operations in 2018 and has since graduated around 450 students, with over 99.5% entering residency programs. He noted that the college has received full accreditation and recently expanded its class size from 150 to 220 students annually to address the physician shortage.

The presentation also highlighted ICOM's partnerships with Idaho State University (ISU) and various healthcare facilities across the state, which provide essential clinical training for students. Farnsworth underscored the importance of interprofessional education, where medical students collaborate with nursing and pharmacy students to prepare for team-based care in clinical settings.

In addition to discussing current achievements, Farnsworth addressed future plans, including pursuing institutional accreditation to offer complementary academic programs. He also mentioned the college's affiliation with Rice University, which is considering stepping back from its ownership role.

The meeting concluded with Farnsworth inviting questions from committee members, indicating a willingness to engage further on the challenges and opportunities facing Idaho's healthcare landscape. The discussions underscored the critical need for legislative support in expanding the physician workforce to ensure better healthcare access for Idaho residents.