Caring for Communities and Expanding Access: University of Dubuque Pursues Opening the First New Medical School in Iowa in Over 125 Years

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque is officially moving forward with the required approvals and programmatic accreditation process to open a four-year medical school. In recognition of a $60 million gift from John (DHL'17) and Alice (DHL'17) Butler - one of the largest donations to UD in its 172-year history - the new college will be named after the Butler family.

The proposed John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Dubuque will bring needed support to the physician workforce as well as provide an economic benefit to the region.

"In communities like ours, whether that's in Dubuque, in our region, in Iowa, or along the rural-urban divide in the U.S., there is a continuing shortage of physicians. This dramatically impacts access to adequate care, which significantly affects healthcare and health outcomes. In order for us to change this trajectory, we must educate, prepare, and equip more physicians. By establishing a medical school in the Tri-State, the University of Dubuque will be able to serve our community and deliver on our Mission," said Travis Frampton, PhD, president of the University of Dubuque.

This transformational announcement was shared during a special event on Friday, December 13, 2024, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center on campus. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds; Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, MA; Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh, MSW; University of Dubuque President Emeritus Jeffrey Bullock, PhD; and University of Dubuque Board of Trustees Chair Douglas Horstmann (C'75), MBA, were among those in attendance with President Frampton and the Butler family.

The decision to pursue this critical program follows years of thorough consideration and research on behalf of the University's leadership team and Board of Trustees.

"Alice and I are very pleased to be able to provide this gift to the University of Dubuque towards establishing a college of medicine. It will serve as a continuation of the incredible things that the University has been doing for a many, many years. It's a gift that will keep on giving in support of those students who desire to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine. We also felt it was a good fit for the University of Dubuque, with its well-established nursing and PA programs and will position the University in ways that will continue support for its Mission in service to our community, our nation, and even the world for generations to come," said John Butler, the longest-serving member of the UD Board of Trustees.

The U.S. is expected to face a physician shortage of between 13,500 and 86,000 by 2036, according to a study published in March 2024 by the Association of American Medical Colleges, titled The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2021 to 2036.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, commonly known as DOs, use a whole-person approach to help prevent illness and injury across the full spectrum of medicine. They look beyond symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact well-being to help patients get healthy and stay well. Osteopathic medicine is one of the fast-growing healthcare professions in the country, accounting for around 11 percent of physicians in the U.S., according to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

UD is pursuing the necessary accreditation through the AOA - Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation and is currently on track to open its doors in summer 2028. UD officials are excited to build upon strong connections within the community and are considering a few sites in downtown Dubuque to locate the proposed college of osteopathic medicine.

"I want to first congratulate the University of Dubuque on taking this momentous step forward. Not only will the addition of this program be a great boost for UD as an institution, it will also make a real and lasting impact in our city. Our community will welcome many more students, strengthen our workforce and healthcare community, and add tremendous energy and vibrancy to the core of our downtown. This is truly wonderful news for Dubuque," Cavanagh said.

Another important step is the comprehensive search and hiring of the inaugural dean for the proposed college of osteopathic medicine, which will begin immediately.

The proposed college of osteopathic medicine will complement and expand UD's commitment to the medical field as it already offers strong academic healthcare programs, a master of science in physician assistant studies and a bachelor of science in nursing.

John and Alice Butler are partners in business, philanthropy, and community service in their hometown of Dubuque, Iowa, and beyond. They were recipients of the Telegraph Herald's 2011 First Citizen Award in recognition of their contributions to the community. John Butler, chairperson at Cottingham & Butler, was also honored with the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. The couple holds a special place in their heart for UD. John Butler is the longest-serving member of the UD Board of Trustees. For over 40 years, the Butlers have made numerous investments in the University of Dubuque through their support of endowed scholarships, buildings, and, more recently, the John and Alice Butler Hall and John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ in Heritage Center on campus. In recognition of John and Alice Butler's community leadership, broad work as philanthropists, and support of many organizations, in 2017 the University of Dubuque Board of Trustees honored the Butlers by conferring upon both the degree of doctor of humane letters, honoris causa.

More information about the proposed college of osteopathic medicine will be shared through UD's Office of University of Relations in the future.