Foundation makes $150,000 gift for KU School of Medicine-Salina

The school welcomed its inaugural class of eight first-year medical students this fall.

KU established the Salina medical school site to address the shortage of physicians in Kansas, particularly in rural areas of the state. As statistics show that physicians tend to settle in areas similar to those in which they attended medical school, it is hoped that after completing medical school and residencies, some of these graduates will return to rural areas of the state to practice medicine.

Dr. William Cathcart-Rake, director of KU Medical Center’s Salina campus, said the gift to KU Endowment could not have been made at a more opportune time.

“A significant portion of the gift will be used for much-needed improvements in our medical school building and for the purchase of classroom equipment,” said Cathcart-Rake. “The remainder will be used for scholarship support for students enrolled on the Salina campus of KU School of Medicine who express a preference for practicing medicine in northwest Kansas.”

Salina medical student Sara Ritterling described the gift from the Dane Hansen Foundation as “incredible.”

“Not only does it include funds to put toward improving our building and making this a really comfortable and efficient learning environment, but also, they are giving future students some relief from the financial burdens of medical school through scholarships,” said Ritterling. “Every penny they have given, I believe, will be used in improving not only our medical education while we are here, but also in allowing us a future opportunity to provide excellent health care to the rural communities of Kansas.”

The school is housed in space provided by Salina Regional Health Center. Its four-year medical school curriculum is identical to that at the KU School of Medicine campuses in Kansas City, Kan., and Wichita.