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Idaho Politics & Medicine — How a terrible idea gets legs. Idaho's venture into owning its own medical school. By Wayne Hoffman (11/10/25)
Before policymakers settle on the idea of the state government owning its own medical school, the first conversation — the one that nearly everyone seems to skip — is: since when is it the proper role of government to run a medical training program? — Wayne Hoffman
Summary (Grok ai, edited; image from article)
Idaho is considering the purchase of a private medical school, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) in Meridian. Wayne Hoffman explains how this government overreach is driven by special interests, and argues that state-owned medical schools do not solve doctor shortages.
Government Role in Medical Training Questions asked and answered:
Is running a medical training program a proper government role?
How do special interest groups, through political donations, convince officials to use taxpayer funds for doctor training, shifting costs from the medical establishment to the public?
Is it fair for low-wage workers, such as entry-level baristas who cannot afford college, to subsidize the education of future high-earning doctors?
Use of Fear Tactics Politicians use fears of doctor shortages and potential deaths in rural areas such as Soda Springs, Clark Fork, or Stanley to justify government involvement.
Doctor Shortages in Other States States with robust state-run medical schools, including Michigan, Washington, Minnesota, and Massachusetts, still report doctor shortages, which are expected to worsen over the next 10 years. Clearly, a state supported medical school is NOT the solution.
Idaho's Specific Plans Idaho State University has spent $100,000 on a consultant to evaluate purchasing Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) in Meridian. Likely, the consultant will endorse the purchase.
Motivations Behind the Idea
Empire building by institutions.
Influence from medical groups providing political funding.
Government's tendency to acquire private sector assets. Example: University of Idaho's failed bid to buy the University of Phoenix due to its already-existing business model, which heavily leans into online programming.
Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Program Outcomes Idaho participates in the WWAMI multistate medical education program. Over four decades, only about half of its physicians return to Idaho, a significant failure.
Arguments on Rural Access There is no government responsibility to provide rural doctors (or grocery stores, bus lines, or hotels). People choose rural living knowing services may be limited, and urban residents should not subsidize them.
Predicted Outcome Idaho will likely purchase the medical school, making taxpayers fund it.
Our Take
We totally agree that government should NOT be in the business of medical education. Just as government should not be in the business of "regular" public education.
The legislature was asked to VOTE NO on H0368, another step toward owning medical education and providing it for aspiring doctors at taxpayer expense. Did they listen? Nope, they passed H0368 into law. See: Idaho Legislature: Ask Legislators to VOTE NO on H0368 - Medical education: tinyurl.com/3sv649ey
So Wayne is right as usual. Idaho is likely to venture into another taxpayer supported boondoggle that educates "doctors" who make our health worse and overstep the proper role of government.
Americans are among the most chronically ill people in the world (tinyurl.com/y2pr4ak5). And who has been "caring for and treating" these sick Americans? Why it's the traditionally educated medical doctors, of course, and the associated gatekeeper insurance companies, medical associations and licensing boards, health districts, and pharma companies.
In an age where Americans are starting to reject traditional doctors (and all the abovementioned organizations, bureaucrats, and companies), the doctor shortage may fix itself. Why? Because FEW WHO HAVE STUDIED THE ISSUES WANT TO CONSULT OR SUPPORT THESE TRADITIONALLY EDUCATED DOCTORS OR SYSTEMS!
And, wouldn't you know it, many med schools and associations support equity and DEI over root causes and non-pharma sponsored disease prevention and treatments. Here's just one example: Welcome to the UW Medicine Office of Healthcare Equity: equity.uwmedicine.org
And, did you see Governor Little's 11/06/25 press release about the state's application for up to $1 billion to support rural health care (tinyurl.com/8cdu5bk4)? This announcement horrified us rural dwellers, and was the subject of an email to our District legislators with — so far — crickets in reply.
Who do you think pays for these rural health care grants? Why, the taxpayers of course, federal taxpayers who have no direct stake in Idaho. And what will happen when the federal grants dry up but the rural "health" infrastructure remains hungry for maintenance? Why, of course, Idaho taxpayers will be left holding the bag.Related:
Idaho Legislature 2025 Bills to Support or Oppose: tinyurl.com/2s6njae2
Idaho Governor Brad Little Press Release — November 6, 2025 - Idaho submits application for up to $1 billion to support rural health care (scroll down):
