In late 2014, WSU’s board of directors approved the idea for the medical school. It received approval from the state legislature in 2015. Later that year, officials decided to name it after Elson S. Floyd, PhD, who served as president of WSU until his death on June 20, 2015. Dr. Floyd played a fundamental role in securing the state’s support for the medical school. In June 2016, the LCME granted the medical school “candidate” accreditation status.
The next step for the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine involves securing approval for membership by the American Association of Medical Colleges, which plans to meet in late October. Once the medical school gains membership, it can start recruiting students.
“This is a significant moment in Washington State University’s 126-year history,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz, PhD. “It puts us one step closer to educating physicians who will practice in Washington’s underserved communities and furthers the university’s land-grant mission to serve the needs of the state.”
The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s central focus revolves around filling physician shortages in Washington’s rural communities.
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