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Pacific NW
University of Health Sciences:
First 75
Students Accepted For Fall 2008
The first
students of Pacific Northwest University of Health
Sciences (PNWU) will matriculate this fall, beginning
the new medical university’s inaugural class.
“We believe these young people will become fine
osteopathic physicians, upholding a commitment to the
osteopathic mission of serving rural communities with
quality care in family practice settings,” said Stanley
Flemming, D.O., M.A., and President of PNWU.
The students comprising the first class hail from a
myriad of accomplished educational backgrounds, chosen
based on standards of excellence in academics and
service.
“Standards of excellence are a hallmark of the new
university,” said Flemming. “Our students’ average GPA
scores are above the national average for colleges of
osteopathic medicine.* The average GPA of students
accepted is 3.33, average cumulative 3.44; with MCAT
average scores of 25.
The first class of PNWU represents a gender mix of 45%
male and 55% female, and an average age of 25.5, with
more than 70% of students from the 5 Pacific Northwest
states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
President Receives National Recognition
Dr. Stanley Flemming recently joined the emerging
medical school to lead the university through
construction completion and into full operation of the
university.
Dr. Flemming was recently awarded a national honor of
distinction: the prestigious 2008 Outstanding Alumni
Award from the American Association of Community
Colleges, conferred at a gala reception held in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Only five were recognized
with the award amongst nominees from throughout the
United States. Criteria for selection included notable
achievements, recognition at a national level,
inspirational impact, and specific philanthropic or
public service activity that supports the community or
college.
“If I had not had the opportunity to go to a community
college, I could not have had the opportunities that
have come my way,” said Flemming. “Community colleges
provide equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of
their financial resources. My professors believed in me,
even when I didn’t believe in myself. They inspired me
to seek excellence and keep striving for the next level
of service to others.”
Dr. Flemming believes his early start brings an
understanding to those entering medical school at PNWU.
“Education transcends all barriers in life,” said Dr.
Flemming. “Through Pacific Northwest University of
Health Sciences we are opening new doors of opportunity
not only for our students and their families, but also
for those countless families who will receive
compassionate, quality care.”
Dr. Flemming is not only a Brigadier General; he is a
distinguished business leader and physician. He served
as the first mayor of the City of University Place,
Washington, and also served as chairman of the board of
the Evergreen State College, a governor-appointed board
position. He has volunteered his time and talent to
numerous civic and charitable organizations including
Rotary International, Communities in Schools Program and
Tacoma Musical Playhouse. In 1995, he was one of the top
two candidates on the President of the United States’
Short List for Surgeon General, the first osteopathic
physician to be considered for the position.
Flemming was named university president in December
2007, a year which saw major advancements in the
establishment of the university. In addition to the
announcement of Flemming’s leadership, other milestones
include accreditation in Washington State, status with
the American Osteopathic Association allowing the
university to begin recruiting students, construction
start up, and fund raising success.
The University
PNWU is an independent, non-profit, 4-year university
medical school. At full development, the campus will
host a myriad of medical colleges representing a variety
of health care disciplines on its 42 acre campus located
in the Yakima Valley of Central Washington State. New
medical colleges are already being considered by
university leadership in order to continue meeting unmet
medical education and health care opportunities in the
northwest.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine is the university’s
first college, with its first class of 75 students
selected from a resounding number of applicants from
around the Northwest and throughout the United States.
The Need
The Pacific Northwest has a serious and growing shortage
of physicians, particularly in rural areas. As the
population ages, finding solutions to providing health
care to families and their aging parents is a serious
issue. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
will provide a short term and long term solution. Some
50% of physicians establish their practices within a 50
mile radius of their residency.
History
PNWU was founded in 2005 by visionary physicians and
community leaders seeking solutions to the growing
physician shortage. A donation of nearly 43 acres of
land and a first $1 million dollar cash gift were
catalysts that have generated development of the campus
in Yakima Valley with clinical training sites throughout
the Northwest.
“The Yakima Valley is located in the heart of the
Northwest, a tremendous central location from which to
serve unmet health care needs in all 5 Northwest
states,” said Flemming.
Non Profit Financial Support is Needed
“Funding is a continuing need for this non-profit
university,” said president Flemming. “Start up sources
of support include a strategic mix of private and public
grants, private donations, student tuition, alumni
support and bequests.”
*2004 Report from American Osteopathic Association
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