The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced its decision to create a medical school at Brigham Young University (BYU), according to a statement released on Monday. The church, which sponsors BYU, stated that the new medical school will focus on addressing international health issues affecting its members and furthering the church's global humanitarian efforts.

While the statement did not provide specifics regarding the location or opening date of the school, church leaders did emphasize that the BYU medical school will prioritize teaching and attract students from around the world. Research conducted at the school will focus on areas of strategic importance to the global church.

BYU President Shane Reese expressed his excitement about the announcement, stating that the university will form a planning team to develop and oversee the creation of the medical school. He assured the campus community that more information will be shared as plans progress.

It is important to note that the school will not function as a hospital, according to the church statement. However, discussions are underway between BYU and Intermountain Health for a mutually beneficial clinical relationship. The statement also mentioned that the medical school will seek collaborative partnerships with several entities in Utah, including the University of Utah.

The University of Utah's President, Taylor Randall, warmly welcomed the announcement, expressing the university's intention to actively pursue collaboration opportunities with the church and BYU in medical education and clinical care. President Randall acknowledged the high demand for medical education in the region, citing the thousands of applications received by the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine for just 125 positions in each medical school class. He emphasized the need to expand the state's educational infrastructure to meet this demand.

As the planning for the BYU medical school progresses, the collaboration between BYU, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the University of Utah signals a promising joint effort to serve their unique communities and provide crucial healthcare services to countries worldwide.

In summary, the decision to establish a medical school at BYU by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aims to address international health issues impacting its members and expand the church's global humanitarian efforts. Further details about the location and opening date of the school are yet to be announced, but collaborative relationships with Intermountain Health and the University of Utah are being explored. The University of Utah, recognizing the high demand for medical education in the region, has expressed its support for this investment and its commitment to working together with BYU and the church to serve the community's needs.