Washington State University and Pullman Regional Hospital will continue to work together to provide the highest standards of medical care, training, education and research in support of the regional community.
Leaders from both organizations signed a renewed, five-year memorandum of understanding Saturday that includes opportunities for partnership with multiple WSU campuses in support of regional priorities. The signing took place prior to kick-off between the WSU and Oregon State University football matchup in Pullman.
“It’s essential that our organizations continue the important work facilitated by these agreements in pursuit of our shared goals,” WSU President Kirk Schulz said. “Whether they are in need of a world-class education or state-of-the-art medical care, our communities know they can turn to us. This renewal is a promise that we will continue to work together to enhance the quality of life for the people we serve.”
The new MOU picks up where the prior agreement left off, committing the organizations as “partners in excellence” with five key areas of collaboration:
- Health and wellness support and services
- Human resources / employee recruitment and retention
- Advancement through community and alumni engagement
- Workforce training / clinical affiliation agreements
- Innovation and the future of healthcare
Since the signing of the original MOU between WSU and Pullman Regional Hospital in 2018, the two organizations have partnered on several major projects. The most significant of these is the establishment of a Family Medicine Residency program, housed in 5,000 square feet of renovated space within the hospital.
The new Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine residency program welcomed its first three residence to the Palouse this summer. The three-year program is expected to bring three new medical doctors to the hospital each year.
“We are grateful for Pullman Regional Hospital’s continued partnership with WSU as we mutually endeavor to improve medical education and healthcare delivery in the state of Washington,” said Daryll DeWald, executive vice president for WSU Health Sciences and chancellor for WSU Spokane. “Today, we are making the kind of impact leaders from both the university and the hospital envisioned while serving as a model for similar communities to do the same vital work.”
The establishment of the Family Medicine Residency program was made possible by several grants and gifts:
- $5.5 million in grants from Premera Blue Cross
- A $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration
- A M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust grant totaling $450,000
- A $300,000 grant from the Sunderland Foundation
- Tom and Linda Nihoul, WSU alums and healthcare advocates, providing a $250,000 gift
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU also collaborates with Pullman Regional Hospital to facilitate conversations around art, health and healing as part of the cooperative agreement. A “Tree of Remembrance” art project serving as tribute to patients and staff who’ve passed away since the hospitals construction in 2004 was revealed last month.