Undergraduate plan to retain Idaho medical talent accepted by committee

Idaho, like many other states, has had difficulties when it comes to having enough medical professionals to treat the people who live here. One plan could help bolster those numbers.

On Dec. 19, the Undergraduate Medical Education Committee announced the “Train Here, Stay Here” undergraduate medical education plan, aimed at retaining those who get their medical education and training in the Gem State. The plan was developed in cooperation with the Idaho State Board of Education.

The UME stated that the formally accepted plan will help advance “the state’s efforts to strengthen and expand” ways in which students can pursue medical careers in Idaho.

According to the UME, the Train Here, Stay Here plan was developed by a group of legislators, health care partners, post-secondary education leaders and stakeholders throughout the state over several months “to grow medical education capacity, enhance clinical training opportunities across Idaho, and better coordinate training partnerships statewide. The plan reflects thoughtful consideration of public input received earlier this month,” and outlines strategies necessary to accomplishing the goals of the plan.

As Idaho faces ongoing physician workforce needs, the committee stated, especially those in rural areas and underserved regions of the state, the plan was created to provide a “strong framework” to address those needs. It does so “while supporting students who aspire to become physicians and health care leaders,” statewide.

The plan will be sent to Gov. Little’s office and the Idaho Legislature by Jan. 2 “as part of [the Board of Education’s] statutory responsibilities outlined in House Bill 368 (2025), continuing Idaho’s Collaborative approach to expanding medical education capacity and health care access for all Idahoans.”

Once the plan is submitted to the Legislature, it will be available for review.