City of Medford Explores Possibility of Regional Medical School Campus
Published on June 16, 2025
The City of Medford is in the initial phases of exploring the potential for establishing a regional medical school campus to help train and retain physicians in the Rogue Valley and surrounding areas.
At the June 11 City Council Study Session, consulting firm Tripp Umbach presented the results of a market evaluation and feasibility study commissioned by the City in fall 2024.
The study, funded through Council Community Initiative Funds, assessed whether the region’s healthcare needs, infrastructure, and community readiness could support medical education in Medford.
Key findings showed a significant shortage of physicians across the region and state—particularly in rural and underserved communities—and pointed to persistent health disparities in Southern Oregon and Northern California. The study underscored the possible potential for a regional medical school to expand healthcare access, improve outcomes, and support the development of a locally trained physician workforce.
Among four models analyzed, the study identified a regional M.D. campus as their recommended potential path forward. This option would require partnership with an established medical institution. Based on their evaluation, Tripp Umbach identified Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)—which currently does not operate a regional campus—as a potential partner. OHSU has expressed initial interest in the concept and remains engaged in discussions to explore the opportunity further.
As part of the feasibility study, Tripp Umbach interviewed healthcare and community leaders across Southern Oregon, who voiced support for a regional medical school. Stakeholders emphasized the need to align medical education with workforce gaps, expand residency training, and strengthen partnerships between health and education sectors. Following the Study Session, the City reconvened this group to review the findings, discuss next steps, and identify unanswered questions.
While still in early stages, this process marks an initial key step in exploring how Medford could support medical education and improve regional health outcomes and workforce stability.