Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine: A Community-Based Approach to Medical Education

The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University (WSU) is a public medical school committed to expanding medical education and healthcare access across Washington state. Headquartered in Spokane, Washington, and established in 2015, it stands as the second public medical school in the state. Named in honor of the late WSU President Dr. Elson S. Floyd, the college embodies a vision of a "healthy equitable Washington for all."

Origins and Establishment

The creation of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine was not without its challenges. Initial opposition came from the University of Washington, leading to debates and contradictory reports regarding the necessity and viability of a second public medical school. Media outlets even described the situation as a "feud," with state legislators stepping in to mediate. However, the WSU board of regents announced their intention to name the medical school after Elson Floyd in July 2015, solidifying the college's foundation and direction.

Leadership and Key Milestones

Following a national search, Dr. James M. Record was selected as the inaugural dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. In August 2016, the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic opened on campus, providing a practical training environment for students. The first white coat ceremony, marking the beginning of the medical journey for the inaugural class of 60 students, was held on August 18, 2017. Dr. Jeff Haney has been selected as the new senior vice provost for health sciences, effective Feb. 23, 2026. Haney currently serves as the vice dean for clinical affairs and the chair for the Department of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences.

Curriculum and Training

Students begin their education with a two-week intensive training program, focusing on fundamental clinical skills such as taking patient history, measuring vital signs, and conducting physical exams. Subsequently, they delve into their first curriculum block, anatomy and histology, at the Spokane campus.

The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine employs a distributive model of medical education, training students at existing community clinics and hospitals near the WSU Spokane campus, as well as at three regional campus locations. This community-based approach offers several advantages:

Real-world experience: Students learn in a range of community clinics and hospitals, working closely with practicing physicians.
Mentorship: Experienced physicians and healthcare professionals provide guidance in clinical settings, sharing their practical experience and wisdom.
Networking: Students build a broad network of mentors and peers in the healthcare profession through diverse clinical experiences.
Interprofessional collaboration: Students learn to navigate the collaborative environment of modern healthcare as integral members of multidisciplinary teams.

Commitment to Underserved Communities

A core mission of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is to improve healthcare access in underserved communities, particularly in rural areas of Washington. With 19 of Washington’s 39 counties designated as medically underserved and 29 facing a shortage of primary care providers, the college aims to address these disparities by training students from Washington to become the state’s next generation of healthcare leaders. Research indicates that physicians are more likely to practice where they receive their medical education and training.

The college actively engages students in community service. All students complete a rotation in an underserved community and volunteer at a community organization of their choice. Many students plan to return to Washington as practicing physicians after completing their residency training, increasing the number of local providers and filling critical gaps in access to healthcare.

Impact on Washington Residents

The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine benefits Washington residents in several ways:

Access to the latest research: Community clinic and hospital partnerships with medical educators and researchers at WSU ensure that residents benefit from the latest medical research and evidence-based healthcare practices.
Elevated standards of care: Preceptors, the community physicians who supervise and teach medical students, model exemplary care for students and stay current with the latest developments in their fields.
Fresh perspectives: Students provide a fresh perspective as part of the care team, informed by cutting-edge coursework and practical training.

The community-based model increases medical students’ interest in practicing in rural and underserved communities and encourages them to become advocates for positive change. By partnering with existing hospitals and clinics, the college keeps capital and operating costs down, focusing resources on training and education.

Academics and Research

The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine offers degree and certificate programs in a variety of fields, including:

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Medicine
Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Speech and Hearing Sciences
Health Administration and Leadership
Medical Ethics

Additionally, the college provides Graduate Medical Education and Continuing Medical Education programs.

The Office of Research at the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine supports faculty and staff in conducting research to explain, prevent, and treat health concerns. The college is also committed to expanding access to high-quality healthcare through interprofessional clinics, community-centered partnerships, and innovative mobile health and outreach initiatives.

Admissions Information

Applicants to the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine must meet specific academic requirements, including completing prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or better. AP, CLEP, and IB credits may be used to satisfy these requirements. The science courses should be specified for science majors. Genetics, anatomy or comparative anatomy, and human or mammalian physiology all could meet the biology requirement as long as they have a lab.

The MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) is also a key component of the application process, assessing problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. The oldest MCAT considered is 4 years prior to the date the applicant expects to matriculate.

Essay Topics

As part of the application process, prospective students are typically required to respond to several essay prompts. These essays provide an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the college's mission and vision, share their experiences, and articulate their goals for a career in medicine.

Examples of past essay topics include:

How will you contribute to the mission and vision of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine?
What experiences have you had with rural and/or underserved communities/populations? What have you learned from these experiences?
Describe your connections to Washington communities and your interests in practicing medicine in Washington.
How have you built your resilience?
Describe your personal characteristics or experiences that would add to the learning environment for your classmates.

Continuing Medical Education

The WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008. The material presented in continuing medical education programs is intended for educational purposes only and does not necessarily represent the best or only methods or procedures appropriate for the medical situation discussed.

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