WKU News

WKU President Timothy C. Caboni spoke at the Oct. 11 ribbon cutting ceremony for the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus, a partnership between Med Center Health, UK and WKU.

Training physicians in Kentucky for Kentucky. That’s the mission of the UK College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus. WKU's Amy Bingham has more on the role WKU plays in this important partnership in this week’s View from the Hill.

Ribbon cutting marks official opening of facility

A ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday (Oct. 11) marked the official opening of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus. The celebration of the new home for faculty, staff and the inaugural class of 30 students was also an opportunity to thank the medical school's partners -- Med Center Health and WKU -- and the community of Bowling Green.

"This remarkable partnership between Med Center Health and our two universities represents the very best of what higher education institutions can do to elevate the communities we serve when we work together,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni. “We are excited for the opportunity that many of our students will have to move seamlessly into medical school right here in our community and for the many ways that WKU faculty will be engaged.”

Through the partnership, basic science and early didactic training is being taught in conjunction with faculty at WKU through both onsite classes and live-streaming of lectures in accordance with UK College of Medicine curricular protocols. 

For students, the program in Bowling Green offers the benefit of scholarships, smaller class sizes and the opportunity to live, work and learn in an up-and-coming Kentucky community.

"Being a part of the inaugural class at the UK College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus is truly a once in a lifetime experience," said Caitlyn Galloway, a Bowling Green native and also a WKU graduate. "Every single student in our 30-student class and all of the administrative staff are part of a new beginning for both the school and the community. We have the chance here to create something that is good not just for the city of Bowling Green, but also for the entire state of Kentucky."

The college encompasses 24,000-square-feet on the second floor of the newest building at Med Center Health which will also include offices for The Medical Center and a five-level, 832-space parking structure. Amenities of the second floor include a computer lab, two large classrooms, four multi-purpose, six small group rooms and eight simulation and standardized patient rooms.

“As someone who grew up in a rural part of Kentucky, I understand firsthand the need to provide quality medical care throughout our state," said Associate Dean Dr. Todd Cheever, a WKU graduate. "The UK College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus is poised to address the physician shortage, especially in southcentral and Western Kentucky and I am proud of the students who have chosen to complete their medical education in Bowling Green and take this important step toward improving the health of our citizens.”

Full story available online