KU School of Medicine

• Pathways for McPherson College students for the KU School of Medicine Rural and Urban Scholars programs, which will include guaranteed admission to the KU-Salina School of Medicine for qualified McPherson students.
• “Friday Night at the ER” experience for McPherson College students at KU-Salina.
• Health Career Day for McPherson College students to network with Health Care professionals and learn more about careers in the Health Care field.
• Service opportunities for McPherson College students in conjunction with KU-Salina School of Medicine.

More information regarding program events and activities will be announced in the fall semester.

Dr. Molly Brown
Director of Healthcare Initiatives
[email protected]

McPherson College and KU School of Medicine Announce Collaboration
April 10, 2025

McPherson College and the University of Kansas School of Medicine are partnering to promote rural healthcare in Kansas. This collaboration will provide students with experiential, service, and research learning opportunities.

“The collaboration will offer a wide range of opportunities for McPherson College students,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “Building a partnership with the KU School of Medicine expands opportunities for our students statewide and allows us to work with KU School of Medicine admissions on joint recruitment efforts. These initiatives will help better prepare students for careers in rural healthcare.”

Together, McPherson College and KU School of Medicine’s Salina campus will explore partnerships in academic health science scholarships, rural health promotion, healthcare career development, and community health resources, including joint grant funding. The collaboration also aims to establish partnerships with the Health Occupations Students of America organization, develop new service projects, and co-host tabletop simulation events.

McPherson College students will have increased access to KU School of Medicine’s Rural Scholars and Urban Scholars programs, providing guaranteed admissions for qualified undergraduates. Additionally, faculty, staff, and students from KU’s Salina campus will visit McPherson College as guest lecturers in classes and at pre-professional organization activities. The collaboration will also facilitate connections between McPherson College undergraduate researchers and KU School of Medicine students. As part of the collaboration, KU School of Medicine will provide a scholarship for one McPherson College student to participate in mentored student research and team-teaching experiences.

“Rural healthcare is in crisis,” said Dr. Tyler Hughes, dean of the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina. “This collaboration is aimed at helping rural students have access to the pathway that leads to a satisfying career in the medical field. Teamwork between KU School of Medicine-Salina and liberal arts colleges in Kansas will aid in building a pipeline of excellent medical professionals for rural patients throughout our state.”