Washington State University has worked to serve the needs of our state, nation, and world for 125 years, and successful development of a medical school is one more way for us to improve the health and well-being of Washingtonians.
Dr. Elson S. Floyd
A 10th Anniversary Message from Dean James Record
As I reflect on the remarkable 10-year journey of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, I’m filled with gratitude and pride.
Many thought we wouldn’t be here today. When Elson S. Floyd first declared his commitment to creating a medical school at WSU, many viewed it as a long shot. They clearly did not know Dr. Floyd well.
To them, he replied: “This is important enough to us that we’re going to have to plow our own way.” And so we did.
We celebrate our anniversary on April 1 in memory of the day Dr. Floyd’s vision came to fruition—the day state lawmakers repealed a nearly 100-year-old statute prohibiting more than one university from teaching medicine in the state. But the work began years before as Dr. Floyd tirelessly advocated for change and inspired communities across the state to believe in a different future.
Since our founding, we have wholeheartedly embraced his vision as we train skilled clinicians rooted in our communities and work to make a tangible impact on the health and wellness of our state. Thanks to the unwavering support of our Cougar community, we have achieved extraordinary milestones.
Over the past ten years, we have proudly graduated 915 health care providers. As our inaugural class of MD students start to complete their post-graduate training, 62% have chosen to practice in Washington. More than 10% of our inaugural class have joined our community faculty in the state, giving back and training the next generation of health care leaders.
Our faculty and students have engaged in groundbreaking research, identifying solutions to some of the most challenging health challenges facing our nation. From leading research on the neurobiology of sleep to care-transforming research on the detection of autism spectrum disorder, our efforts have a real-world impact.
As we celebrate 10 years of homegrown health care, however, we recognize that our work is far from complete. Our communities continue to face significant and evolving health care challenges, and we are ready to tackle them.
We are ready to expand our educational programs, enhance our research capabilities, and build an innovative health system driven by world-class, interprofessional, and patient-centered care. We are ready to shape the future of health.
Thank you for believing in us. We are grateful for your partnership as we continue to serve our communities and pursue a healthy, equitable Washington and beyond.
With heartfelt appreciation,
James M. Record, MD, JD, FACP
Dean