Franciscan Alliance is building an osteopathic medical school in Crown Point with the first class of students to begin in 2030.
In addition to the medical school, Franciscan is also developing plans to expand the number of post-graduate residency slots in Indiana by more than 250, according a Friday news release.
Franciscan Alliance is a nonprofit Catholic healthcare system with 11 hospitals in Indiana including Franciscan Health Crown Point, which is located across the street from where the new medical school will be built near Interstate 65 and U.S. 231.
The initial first-year class size will be 100 medical students with enrollment growing each year to 200 students in each class.
The medical school will eventually reach a total enrollment of 800 students, Kevin Leahy, President/CEO of Franciscan Alliance said in the release.
“Building a medical school will allow us to continue to expand our healthcare ministry,” said Ernest Iannotta, chairperson of Franciscan Alliance’s Board of Trustees, in the statement.
“Being able to train the next generation of physicians will benefit the state of Indiana in numerous ways. We are very grateful to have the opportunity to bring this project to fruition.”
Franciscan said the new medical school and post-graduate residency programs were necessary as Indiana is experiencing a shortage of physicians, especially in the primary care specialty and in rural areas. Gov. Mike Braun echoed his support for the project in the release, calling it “a bold step forward to enhance our physician workforce to meet the needs of Hoosiers.”
“Indiana leads the nation in retaining physicians who complete both their medical training and residency here, but the state still faces an urgent physician shortage,” said
While Indiana leads the nation in retaining physicians who complete both medical school and residencies in the state, State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, said it still faces a physician shortage.
“By expanding training opportunities, this new program will help close the physician workforce gap and improve access to care across Indiana,” Weaver said in the release.
Tonn and Blank Construction Company will build the new medical school on a 100-acre campus. Associated retail and student housing will likely be part of the surrounding area.
“The City of Crown Point is excited to see Franciscan further its investment in not only Crown Point, but Northwest Indiana,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said in the release. “Since Franciscan opened its hospital in Crown Point more than 50 years ago, the city has transformed into a beacon of healthcare.
“I want to thank the Sisters of St. Francis for your commitment and the care you have shown our community. This new school will ensure our residents continue to receive the best care in Northwest Indiana,” Land said.
Franciscan Alliance is in the process of selecting an administrative staff of physicians and experienced medical school leaders to complete the planning process.
Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
