University of Dubuque Reveals Plans to Open New Medical School

A huge announcement was made at the University of Dubuque this morning, one that featured Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanaugh, and many other state and local luminaries.

The University of Dubuque is officially moving forward with the required approvals and programmatic accreditation process to open a four year medical school, per a press release. In recognition of a $60 million gift from John and Alice Butler, one of the largest donations to UD in its 172-year- history, the new college will be named after the Butlers.

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The proposed center would be called the John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Dubuque. It would bring in-demand support to the physician workforce as well as provide an economic benefit to the region.

President of University of Dubuque Travis Frampton, PhD, commented on the shortage of physicians, which would be greatly alleviated by a new medical school:

In communities like ours, whether that’s in Dubuque, in our region, in Iowa, or along the rural-urban divide in the U.S., there is a continuing shortage of physicians. This dramatically impacts access to adequate care, which significantly affects healthcare and health outcomes. In order for us to change this trajectory, we must educate, prepare, and equip more physicians. By establishing a medical school in the Tri-State, the University of Dubuque will be able to serve our community and deliver on our Mission - Travis Frampton, PhD, president of the University of Dubuque, per a press release

The announcement was made during a special event on campus on Friday, December 13th. In attendance were Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, MA, Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh, MSW, University of Dubuque President Emeritus Jeffrey Bullock, PhD, and University of Dubuque Board of Trustees Chair Douglas Horstmann (C’75), MBA, along with President Frampton and the Butler family.

This announcement comes after years of analysis and consideration for a new medical school. If it happens, it would be the first new medical school in the state of Iowa in over 125 years:

Alice and I are very pleased to be able to provide this gift to the University of Dubuque towards establishing a college of medicine. It will serve as a continuation of the incredible things that the University has been doing for a many, many years. It’s a gift that will keep on giving in support of those students who desire to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine. We also felt it was a good fit for the University of Dubuque, with its well-established nursing and PA programs and will position the University in ways that will continue support for its Mission in service to our community, our nation, and even the world for generations to come - John Butler, the longest-serving member of the UD Board of Trustees, per a press release

The physician shortage is a problem across the United States. By 2036, the country is expected to face a shortage of between 13,500 and 86,000, per a study published in March 2024 by the Association of American Medical College. The medical center would revolve around osteopathic medicine; Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, commonly known as DOs, use a whole-person approach to help prevent illness and injury across the full spectrum of medicines.

Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh congratulated the University of Dubuque on its plans, and backed the school's pursuit of a fully operational medical center:

I want to first congratulate the University of Dubuque on taking this momentous step forward. Not only will the addition of this program be a great boost for UD as an institution, it will also make a real and lasting impact in our city. Our community will welcome many more students, strengthen our workforce and healthcare community, and add tremendous energy and vibrancy to the core of our downtown. This is truly wonderful news for Dubuque - Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh, per a press release

The proposed college of osteopathic medicine will expand UD's medical field offerings, as the school already offers academic healthcare programs, a master of science in physician assistant studies, and a bachelor of science in nursing.

Read more about the University of Dubuque's huge announcement on their website.