State board approves anatomy lab partnership to expand medical education in Treasure Valley

MOSCOW, Idaho — The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved a collaborative agreement between University of Idaho and Idaho State University that will support U of I’s potential partnership with the University of Utah.  

Any next steps depend on legislative and State Board of Education approval for U of I’s proposed partnership with the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine to expand undergraduate medical education to the Treasure Valley.

Under this agreement, U of I will be one of several partners leasing IISU’s Treasure Valley Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory. U of I medical students would be based at the U of I's Water Center in Boise and travel with U of I faculty to ISU’s Meridian Health Sciences Campus for the anatomy component of their education.

“This joint venture represents a thoughtful, fiscally responsible approach to MD undergraduate medical education in Idaho,” U of I President Scott Green said. “By leveraging existing public resources, we’re expanding opportunities for future physicians to train and serve in Idaho. We’re grateful for Idaho State University’s partnership in helping make expanded undergraduate medical training in Idaho a reality.”

The decision reflects ongoing efforts by Idaho to address physician shortages and build the healthcare workforce. Anatomy instruction is a core part of medical education, and the agreement enables students to complete that training without duplicating costly facility investments.

“This is a practical step that makes smart use of resources that already exist in the Treasure Valley,” said Dr. Rayme Geidl, interim co-director of the School of Health and Medical Professions at U of I. “ISU’s anatomy lab is truly state-of-the-art and will allow U of I to deliver high-quality anatomy instruction to Idaho’s future physicians.”

ISU President Robert W. Wagner said the partnership builds on cooperation among the state’s universities.

“Idaho State University is proud to support medical education initiatives that will benefit the entire state,” Wagner said. “This partnership reflects our long-standing mission and commitment to advancing health sciences education and addressing Idaho’s workforce needs. Collaboration among our public universities ensures we move forward in a coordinated, strategic way that puts students and the health of Idahoans first.”

State board leaders said the move underscores a focus on coordination across institutions.

“This approval highlights what’s possible when Idaho’s public institutions align around student and state needs,” said Jennifer White, executive director of the Idaho State Board of Education. “Collaboration like this reflects the kind of strategic partnership that ensures Idaho remains proactive in preparing the next generation of professionals.”

Together, the institutions are united in their commitment to expanding access to medical education and preparing future physicians to serve Idaho communities.

Media contact

Rayme Geidl, M.D.
Interim co-director
U of I School of Health and Medical Professions
rgeidl@uidaho.edu